The Garden

Consultant


Helping homeowners make informed decisions about their gardens through impartial, professional, expert advice.

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AUTUMN

Whatever the season, I can help you make informed decisions about your garden with practical advice you can trust. Sometimes it maybe just a second opinion, advice on a contractor quotation, guidance on plants, maintenance techniques, or you may want a detailed garden design, whatever you need, let’s talk...

Two people in work clothes review blueprints on a table outdoors at a construction site.

Garden Development Consultation

This may include opinions on contractor quotations, budget guidance, project management, self-build options, choice and sources of materials.
Backyard patio with lounge chairs, potted plants, artificial grass, and a glass conservatory

Garden Design and Styling,

I design gardens in 3D and can deliver stylish designs that are based around your needs and budget. Together we can work through the design to arrive at a workable plan that may contain construction detailing ready for competent contractor estimates or quotations.
Terraced garden beds with lush green plants and flowers in a landscaped park

Garden Management

I can help you find more time for leisure by suggesting techniques that reduce garden maintenance. Very often, simple design changes or modifications can cut down routine tasks and drudgery. A popular service is a Garden MOT where I take a critical look at your garden and prepare a plan and strategy to improve, facelift or make the best of the space you have. 
Colorful garden bed with purple, pink, and white flowering plants and green foliage

Plants and Planting

Most garden owners (including many landscapers), worry about putting the wrong plant in the wrong place. I can help identify problem areas and plants, reorganise or plan new planted borders and source well priced stock from UK and European suppliers. 
Gloved hand holding magnifying glass over green leaves, inspecting plant pests or details.
Rustic wall display of old farm tools and implements in a weathered wooden rack
Smiling bald man in a dark purple jacket standing outdoors among green foliage

Malcolm Saul

The Garden Consultant

Malcolm Saul is the grandson of the late Fred Loads MBE, founder member of BBC's 'Gardeners' Question Time'. He qualified in horticulture at The Hertfordshire College of Horticulture where he studied alongside Alan Titchmarch. His long career in design, commercial horticulture and landscaping included managing tree and shrub nurseries, running a large Cheshire Garden Centre and many years of hands-on garden construction. 

Testimonials

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Malcolm designed and built my lovely garden over 10 years ago and has worked with me ever since. He is the first person I turn to for advice and guidance.

Jill Johnson, Comberbach

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Before building our new garden we were so anxious to make the right decisions and were struggling to form any clear view of the garden we wanted. Fortunately we found Malcolm who helped us achieve exactly the garden we wanted.

David Whitehead, Worsley

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Over the last few years Malcolm has created gardens for me, my father and just recently my son in his new house. He is always on hand for support and advice which we trust and value. He really knows his stuff!

Steve Jump, Northwich

Popular Questions & Fees

  • How much does it cost for an initial visit?

    An initial visit costs £85. This includes travel to your site and up to one hour discussions or site inspection. This will be followed up by a summary report with action points for any future work.


    Payment can be made after the visit or work carried out, by credit card or transfer.

  • What are your typical garden design costs?

    Most design work for average sized gardens (eg up to 100m2) range from £495 to £750.

    This fee includes site survey and initial briefing meeting, designs in 2D and 3D which incorporate key design elements eg water, lighting. The final design plans and 3D views come with basic notes and areas of hard and soft landscaping. These are normally sufficient for guide costing purposes. Beyond this, detailed planting schemes and construction notes can be provided at extra cost (POA).

  • What are the charges for other services you offer?

    For most other consultancy services eg Garden MOT and Health Checks, Planting Advice, Garden Development Consultations,

    Garden Improvement Plans, Pest and Disease advice my hourly rate is £45. 

    An initial visit may be sufficient to deal with some of the above but if a return visit is required, this is simply charged at the hourly rate.

  • Can you give me a fixed price for my consultancy or design work?

    Yes. Following an initial visit and detailed discussions, I will supply a written cost estimate or a fixed price quotation.

  • Which geographical areas do you cover?

    My normal free travel radius as about a 20 miles from Wincham, Northwich. If your location is substantially further away than this, I will take a view and let you know.

    I do work regularly in the North of England and Midlands and in this case charge my £45 hourly rate to cover mileage expenses,