Planting Advice & Plant Selection
Plantsmanship
A border that never quite works, plants that struggle year after year, or a new area you want to get right first time? The right plant in the right place makes all the difference.
I trained at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, where I completed an HND in Horticulture with Plantsmanship, and have spent nearly twenty years growing and caring for plants in some of the UK’s finest gardens, including Giverny, Mount Stuart and Kinross House. My approach combines a detailed understanding of plants with the practical experience of growing them in real gardens. Every site has its challenges, from wind and salt-laden air to challenging soils and a short growing season, but every site also has its opportunities.
What I can help with
Choosing plants that will thrive in your conditions
Improving tired, overgrown or underperforming borders
Planting combinations for year-round interest
Planting for wind, coastal exposure, shade or difficult ground
Developing and caring for specialist plant collections
Identifying plants and advising on unusual or specialist plants
Caring for established plants, shrubs and trees
Practical planting that matches the time and help you have available
Garden Advice & Inspection Visit: from £130
Up to one hour on site looking at your borders or planting areas, with practical verbal advice on plant choices, improvements and care, and photographs where relevant. Written recommendations and additional work are quoted separately.
Planting recommendations and plans
For larger projects, I can prepare considered planting recommendations, species and cultivar lists, and practical guidance on layout, establishment and long-term care. My focus is on the planting itself rather than hard landscaping or construction design. These are quoted individually, based on the size of the area and the level of detail needed.
Estates and larger gardens
For estates, hotels and larger gardens, I can advise on planting across a whole site, including shelter planting, key views, entrances and plant collections, and work alongside your existing team. Larger projects are quoted individually after an initial conversation.
Aerial survey
For larger gardens and estates, aerial photography can give a clear overview of a site before planting decisions are made, showing layout, existing planting, shelter, exposure and areas that could be improved. Available by quotation, subject to site conditions and flight permissions.
Travel
Local travel is included. Any additional travel costs are agreed before booking.
Get in touch
Tell me about your garden and what you’d like to achieve. If you have photos, email them to info@macdonaldhorticulture.co.uk and I’ll get back to you to discuss what would be most useful.