Editors pick - Dwell.com 

https://www.dwell.com/home/cross-house-f6e7c6ca

“the garden space feels like an extension of the extension, freeing up more usable space for the client. Smaller functional spaces are set off to one side, wrapping around the newly formed courtyard with its tropical planting”

The RIBA Journal ‘Cross House, Chester’ May 2023

“Highlights included the RHS Show Feature Garden called Pocket Planting, by pre-registered member Jane Houghton, who created and inspiring [set of] small border[s] of colourful perennials and grasses, which she and her team put together at just three weeks notice.”

The Garden Design Journal October 2022/ISSUE 240


“Right plant, right place and your installation is all about the different types of soil the North-West has.” filmed interview with Granada reports reporter discussing exciting planting opportunities for gardens in North-West England.

– ITV Granada Reports 21st July 2022


“Most notable in the garden is the large blacksmith's forge building that appears to have been on site for hundreds of years. The garden aims to demonstrate how heritage and traditions have been retained whilst simultaneously embracing modern needs without losing its artisan qualities”

Gardens Illustrated September 2021

Press + Recognition

  • A garden designer is responsible for creating the overall layout and design of a garden space. They work closely with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and budget constraints. Using their expertise in horticulture, landscaping, and design principles, a garden designer develops a detailed plan that includes elements such as plant selection, hardscaping features, lighting, and furniture placement.

    As a garden designer Jane takes into consideration factors like the layout of the space, the existing terrain, soil conditions, climate, and the client's desired use of the garden. She may also incorporate elements like water features, walkways, seating areas, and outdoor structures to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the space.

    In addition to conceptualising the design, a garden designer also prepares detailed drawings, 3D renderings, and planting plans to convey their vision to clients and contractors. Jane collaborates with landscape contractors to ensure the proper execution of the design, overseeing the construction and planting process.

    As a professionally educated and experienced garden designer Jane combine creative and technical skills to create spaces that are visually appealing, practical, and sustainable. Jane strives to create harmonious outdoor environments that reflect the client's personality and meet their specific requirements.

  • Jane has a strong educational background in garden and landscape design. She holds a Foundation Degree in Garden and Landscape Design, which provides her with a solid foundation in the field. Additionally, she has a BSc (hons) Degree in Landscape Design and Management, which indicates a higher level of education and expertise in the subject.

    Furthermore, Jane is taking additional steps to enhance her professional credentials. She is in the process of obtaining further professional accreditations from the Society of Garden Designers and is their ‘Regional Lead’ for the entirety of North-West England and North Wales. These accreditations and responsibilities demonstrate her commitment to professional growth and continuous learning in the industry.

    Overall, Jane's educational background and ongoing efforts to gain professional accreditations showcase her knowledge and dedication to garden and landscape design. This makes her a reliable, competent, and qualified professional in the field.

  • Jane understands that every client and every garden is unique, and she prides herself on her ability to listen and understand your specific needs and requirements. She believes that good garden design should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and practical for your everyday use.

    Whether you have a specific vision in mind for your garden or are looking for inspiration and guidance, we are confident that Jane can create a design that exceeds your expectations.

    Contact us Jane to discuss your garden design needs and to arrange a consultation. She looks forward to working with you to create the garden of your dreams.

  • As your commissioned designer, Jane would be solely responsible for all aspects of the design process, from initial concept development to finalisation. Rest assured that you would have my her attention and expertise throughout the project.

  • I always recommend clients to commission a lighting plan. Incorporating lighting into a garden is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves practical purposes. By illuminating the garden, its beauty can be enjoyed even during the evening hours and throughout the year. This is especially valuable in countries like the United Kingdom, where the days become shorter in winter, with darkness setting in as early as 4pm.

    One effective way to enhance the garden's beauty through lighting is by uplighting trees. This technique involves placing lights at the base of the trees, aimed upwards to highlight their unique shapes and textures. The upward light creates a stunning effect, drawing attention to the beauty of the trees and adding visual interest to the garden. Uplighting trees can create a dramatic and enchanting atmosphere, especially when combined with other lighting elements.

    In addition to highlighting trees, cross-lighting pathways is another practical and aesthetically pleasing lighting technique. By strategically placing lights at different angles along the pathways, safe navigation in the garden is ensured while also adding a delightful ambiance. Cross-lighting illuminates the pathways from multiple directions, reducing shadows and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

    By providing adequate lighting in the garden, the view can be fully appreciated even during the darker winter months. It allows for an enhanced experience, as one can enjoy the beauty of the garden at any time of day or year. Whether it's a gathering with friends and family, or simply a peaceful moment appreciating nature, a well-lit garden creates a welcoming and enjoyable environment.

    Overall, incorporating a lighting scheme into a garden not only enhances its visual appeal but also has practical benefits. It allows for the enjoyment of the garden's beauty even during the evening hours and throughout the year. By focusing on techniques such as uplighting trees and cross-lighting pathways, the garden can be made visually stunning while also providing a safe and inviting space.

  • Construction detailing refers to the process of creating detailed drawings, plans, and specifications for the construction of a building or structure. It involves the development of accurate and comprehensive representations of construction elements, including structural components, joinery, finishes, and other architectural features.

    Construction detailing is an important aspect of the design and construction process as it provides crucial information for contractors, builders, engineers, and other professionals involved in the construction project. It ensures that the design intent is translated into practical and buildable construction solutions.

    Detailed drawings and specifications in construction detailing typically include precise dimensions, materials, connections, and construction techniques. These drawings provide a clear and concise depiction of each component and how they are assembled or installed. They may also indicate specific requirements for materials, finishes, and other building systems.

    Construction detailing helps to ensure accuracy, clarity, and coordination in the construction process, minimising errors, conflicts, and misunderstandings. It allows for effective communication and coordination between various project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors.

    In summary, construction detailing is a crucial step in the construction process that involves the creation of detailed drawings, plans, and specifications to guide the construction of a building or structure. It ensures that the design intent is accurately translated into practical and buildable solutions, promoting efficient and successful construction projects. So, you can feel confident in the outcome and accurate quoting.

  • You wouldn’t build an extension or a house without an architect to draw up the technical drawings. The same principle applies to your garden.

    Jane is a highly skilled garden designer with extensive experience in various types of gardens. Whether it is a small courtyard, a larger rural garden, or a low-maintenance family garden, Jane has worked on them all. She is also well-versed in designing plant-filled and biodiverse landscapes, ensuring that her designs promote environmental sustainability.

    Additionally, Jane has expertise in creating beautiful and functional terraces, riverside gardens, and even tackling difficult sloping gardens. Her proficiency extends to designing for exposed hill gardens, where weather conditions and terrain pose additional challenges.

    Jane's ability to innovate and adapt to diverse client briefs sets her apart as a versatile garden designer. She combines her wealth of experience with her creative vision to transform outdoor spaces into stunning and harmonious retreats.

    In addition to her design expertise, Jane has a network of trusted contractors and suppliers that she works with to ensure that the implementation of her designs is of the highest standard.

    Contact Jane today to discuss your garden design needs and to arrange a consultation. Jane says “I look forward to working with you to create the garden of your dreams”.

  • We understand you wanting to see past work and visiting completed gardens can give you a firsthand experience of our design work and the level of quality and attention to detail that we bring to every project. It can also give you the opportunity to see how the gardens have matured and evolved over time. However much our clients love showing people around their gardens, these are private spaces, and it may not be possible to arrange this.

    Jane does have a project page for you to see images of completed projects.

  • Sourcing locally has several benefits. Firstly, it supports the local economy by investing in local businesses and growers. This helps to create jobs and stimulate growth in the community. Additionally, sourcing locally reduces transportation costs and emissions associated with long-distance travel. It also ensures a faster turnaround time for materials and plants, as they do not need to travel long distances before reaching the project site.

    Using local suppliers and nurseries that follow biosecurity processes is crucial to ensure the health and safety of the plants and to prevent the introduction of invasive species. It is also important to meet client preferences and requirements, even if it means sourcing plants or materials from further afield. However, whenever possible, using local suppliers and growers is the preferred choice.

    Building good relationships with local suppliers and specialists also contributes to the overall quality of service. Local suppliers and specialists are often more familiar with the local conditions, regulations, and requirements, which can streamline the process and reduce potential issues. This familiarity and close collaboration can lead to a better understanding of client needs and preferences, resulting in a more successful and satisfactory outcome.

    In summary, sourcing locally is a crucial aspect of our business strategy. It supports the local economy, reduces environmental impact, and ensures a high quality of service for our clients.

  • Hiring a garden designer may seem like an unnecessary expense, but in reality, it can actually save you a significant amount of money in the long run. A professional designer has the expertise and knowledge to create a garden that not only fits your tastes and preferences but also maximises the use of space and minimises potential mistakes.

    One of the key ways a garden designer can save you money is by helping you avoid costly mistakes. Without proper planning and design, you may end up making errors that can be expensive to rectify. For example, planting trees or shrubs in the wrong location can lead to issues such as blocked views, damage to structures, or limited sunlight for other plants. These mistakes can require costly removal or relocation of plants, which can be avoided with the guidance of a professional.

    Moreover, a garden designer can help you make informed decisions about which plants to choose. They can assess the soil conditions, climate, and other environmental factors to recommend plants that will thrive in your specific garden, reducing the risk of investing in plants that may not survive. By selecting the right plants from the beginning, you can save money by avoiding the need for replacements or extensive maintenance.

    Furthermore, a well-designed garden can increase the value of your property. Just like renovations to your home, a thoughtfully designed garden can enhance the overall appeal and aesthetics of your property. This added value can be especially significant if you are considering selling your home in the future. Potential buyers are often willing to pay a premium for a well-maintained and visually appealing garden, making it a worthy investment.

    In addition to potential financial savings, hiring a garden designer can also save you time and effort. Designing a garden can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially if you are unfamiliar with the principles of landscape design. A professional can streamline the process, taking care of all the design aspects and ensuring that your garden is not only beautiful but also functional and sustainable.

    Overall, while hiring a garden designer may involve an upfront cost, the long-term benefits outweigh the investment. By avoiding costly mistakes, choosing the right plants, and increasing the value of your property, a well-designed garden can be a smart financial decision in the end.

  • Yes Jane has worked on many Wirral garden design projects. These include tricky sloping gardens and drives in West Kirby, Planting design in Caldy, Luxury garden builds In Lower Heswall. Small gardens and large spaces, we cover them all.

    Jane is now based in Chester, just 15 minutes away. But as she grew up gardening just round the corner from Ness Botanic Gardens, she really knows the landscape and the suppliers extremely well.

  • During the initial consultation, Jane will engage in a detailed conversation with clients to understand their desired outcomes for the garden. One crucial aspect that will be covered is the budget. Jane will discuss the financial aspects with clients to ensure that their vision for the garden aligns with the amount they are willing to invest.

    For small gardens, the budget generally starts at around £50,000. This base amount reflects the comprehensive range of services and high-quality materials that Jane and her extended team of experts offer to create a stunning outdoor space. However, it is important to note that the final budget can vary based on several factors such as the size of the garden, the complexity of the design, specific requirements, and the selection of materials used.

    Jane's priority is to work hand in hand with her clients, taking into account their wishes and budget constraints to develop a garden design that both meets their needs and provides the best value for their investment. By discussing budgets during the initial consultation, Jane ensures that clients have a transparent understanding of the financial implications associated with their desired garden transformation.

  • Jane Houghton Garden Design is a leading provider of award-winning garden and landscape design services in North Wales. Whether you are planning a small garden project or a large estate makeover, Jane can help you create a stunning outdoor space that meets your individual design requirements.

    Jane lives at the top of a valley in Wrexham County, and her studio is based in Chester, making her ideally positioned to work across North and Mid Wales.

    Jane has a wealth of experience in designing gardens and landscapes that are not only visually appealing but also functional and sustainable. She has worked on various projects across North Wales, including Llangollen, Nannerch, Mold, Rhaullt, and St Asaph. These projects have showcased her expertise in creating beautiful outdoor spaces that take advantage of the natural surroundings, such as sweeping views out to Colwyn Bay and Eryri.

    When you work with Jane, she will start by visiting your site and discussing your design preferences and requirements in person. She will then proceed with a detailed and professional design process, ensuring that every aspect of the project is carefully planned and considered.

    Once the designs are finalised, Jane can also assist you in sourcing the right team of landscapers to bring your vision to life. She will also provide all the plant materials outlined in the planting design schedules and oversee their proper installation.

    Jane's professionalism and dedication to providing exceptional design services have earned her numerous awards and accolades. You can read many positive client testimonials online and on Jane's website, which attests to her commitment to delivering high-quality results.

    If you are considering a garden or landscape design project in North Wales, contact Jane Houghton Garden Design today to schedule an initial appointment and start transforming your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional oasis.

Frequently asked questions

RHS bridgewater tomstuart smith garden Jane Houghton Beech topiary columns and water pool

Looking for inspiration?

RHS Bridgewater is a must see for designers and gardeners alike.

Other North West Gardens worth a visit

These destinations in Cheshire and North Wales offer a wealth of inspiration for creating your dream garden. Whether you're looking for formal elegance, exotic flair, or natural beauty, these locations will ignite your imagination and help you plan your ideal outdoor space.

Situated in the Conwy Valley, Bodnant Garden features impeccable design and breath taking scenery. Wander through its extensive collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and laburnum arches, and get ideas for adding vibrant colours to your own garden. Overall, Bodnant Garden is a must-visit destination for plant and nature enthusiasts, as well as those seeking a peaceful and picturesque experience in Wales.

Located near Knutsford, Tatton Park is a grand 18th-century mansion with beautiful gardens and a deer park. Stroll through the formal gardens, explore the Japanese garden, or gather ideas from the stunning arboretum.

The walled kitchen garden with its Victorian glasshouses is run by volunteers and is the part of the garden Jane always makes a bee line towards.

Nestled on the Wirral Peninsula, Ness Botanic Gardens offers a wide range of inspirational gardens. Visit the Rock Garden for ideas on incorporating stone features, explore the Water Gardens for innovative ways to incorporate aquatic elements, or discover the renovated Herbaceous Garden for inspiration on planting combinations. A feature by Chris Beardshaw is well worth a visit in late summer

Abbeywood Gardens is a historic garden located in Delamere, Cheshire, England.

Abbeywood Gardens is a peaceful and picturesque destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply to relax and enjoy the surroundings.