Garden Design and Consultation Services
Designing for clients who value planting, craft and quality
Landscape & Garden Design
The garden design process consists of several stages formulated by me, Carol, to ensure the best results for your project. Each stage plays a crucial role in bringing your vision to life:
- Initial Consultation: Everything begins with a one-on-one discussion to understand your needs, goals, and preferences.
- Site Survey: A comprehensive evaluation of your site is carried out to gather important data that feeds into the planning stage.
- Concept Plan: I develop an initial garden design concept that reflects your requirements and ideas.
- Final Drawings: Landscape plans include the Master Plan and Planting Plan, ensuring clarity in execution.
- Plant Schedule: I provide a complete schedule outlining plant choices and placement in order to create the most beautiful results.
For more details on the process and the investment required, please Contact the studio.

Planting Plans
If the structure and layout of your garden are already established with features like patios and lawns, the next essential step may be a Planting Design instead of the full garden design. The Planting Plan is a detailed representation of the Planting Design that specifies both the species and the precise location of plants within your garden.
These plans are particularly advantageous for individuals who prefer to undertake gardening projects themselves, as they provide clear guidelines for planting.
With the Planting Plan package, you will receive a to-scale Planting Plan alongside a comprehensive Plant Schedule. This will aid in ensuring that your garden thrives with well-organized plant placements and maintenance instructions.
A quote for this service will be provided following the receipt of all relevant details regarding your garden's layout and your specific planting preferences. The Planting Design service also starts with a garden consultation.
A plant placement service is also available on request.
See our Portfolio for project inspiration.


Garden Consultation Services
My garden consultation services are designed to help you get to grips with the garden you have and I give clear guidance on how to do that. Whether you prefer an on-site visit or a convenient virtual consultation, both methods get the same level of attention. All consultations are available for purchase in our Store.
What to Expect During Your Consultation:
During the consultation, we will discuss various aspects of your garden, including:
- Suggestions for new planting
- Current strengths and areas for improvement
- Maintenance work that can be carried out
- Ideas for enhancing the garden's functionality
- We will explore options for creating social areas, kitchen gardens, play zones, utility spaces, privacy solutions, and lighting arrangements. Additionally, we will assess potential structures and habitat zones to enrich your garden's ecosystem.
Follow-Up Support:
Each consultation is followed up with personalised recommendations to ensure you achieve your garden goals effectively.

Landscape Plans for Planning Permission
Carol at The Planting Consultancy can create comprehensive Landscape Plans tailored to meet the planning requirements of local councils in Cork and throughout Ireland. Collaborating with architects and private clients, we ensure that each plan is meticulously crafted to enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects of the landscape.
Key Considerations for Landscape Plans
- Amenity Areas: Incorporating spaces that enhance outdoor living and ensure accessibility.
- Water Run-Off Management: Designing landscapes that effectively address drainage issues to reduce flooding and erosion. For example, using permeable surfaces.
- Privacy Solutions: Strategic planting to create boundaries and increase privacy.
- Integration with Surroundings: Ensuring new plantings harmonise with the existing landscape, particularly in rural settings.
By focusing on these essential elements, Carol provides landscape plans for planning permission that not only fulfils council requirements but also enriches the overall environment thereby, contributing to sustainable development practices. Furthermore, having a professional plan means that you have a large portion of your garden design under control prior to when building begins-a win-win! To discuss further, get in touch here.
