Leading Garden Design in the South East
Leading Garden Designers creating Award Winning Landscapes
If you are considering embarking upon a garden design in the South East then we would love to hear from you. Your first consultation is without obligation and will help you review your existing outdoor space before commissioning any new project.
We create bespoke designs tailored to each client, reflecting the individuals who will use them and the unique character of their surroundings. Every garden is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also an extension of the home and an enhancement to daily life
We also undertake public realm and commercial commissions.
Our Studio
Matthew Childs Design is a multi-award-winning garden and landscape design studio with a practice in Surrey. We are local and always on hand and happy to visit you to discuss your design ambitions.
Recognised as a top 50 UK garden designer by House & Garden, and recipient of multiple RHS Gold Medals and Society of Garden and Landscape Designers awards, our expert team offers a wealth of knowledge and creative vision to every project.
Every project is personally overseen by Matthew
Our Portfolio
Our portfolio spans a diverse range of inland and coastal projects, from intimate courtyards and small town gardens through to larger gardens, expansive rural retreats and country estates. Whether you desire a contemporary space, a historic-inspired landscape or a biodiverse, wildlife-friendly retreat, we provide creativity, innovation and meticulous attention to detail to every project.
Recent/Current Projects in the South East
Surrey - suburban residential garden
We have recently completed an award winning medium sized residential garden for a busy, professional couple in Oxshott. The garden is multi-functional space with interconnected areas allowing for a gym, outdoor kitchen and dining, lounge and firepit area and a hot tub.
The lawn was replaced with sensory, pollinator friendly planting all set within gravel. Permeable surfaces were used to address drainage challenges and create a more sustainable garden.
Bespoke outdoor lighting transforms the garden into a visually stunning and dynamic space when viewed from the house at night and extends the use of the garden well into the evening.
Sussex - coastal garden
We have designed a coastal retreat for a working couple in West Wittering, including areas for dining and entertaining, sunbathing, enjoying morning coffee and a fire-pit area to make the most of the expansive views and evening sun.
Protection from the salt laden winds was essential and we have made provision for layered shelter belts of resilient planting. In other areas, boundaries have been opened up to enhance the sea views. Drought tolerant shrubs and grasses has allowed for year round interest and movement in the breeze whilst terracing has maximised the usable spaces.
Local limestones and gravel have been specified to blend with the surrounding geology.
- A mix of perennials, wildflowers, and edible plants
- Rustic elements such as stone pathways, trellises, and garden arbours
- Seasonal planting that evolves beautifully throughout the year
Reigate Heath - rural garden with adjoining field
A young family is building their dream family home on the site of a former stable yard. We were consulted at an early stage alongside the architects in order to advise on the flow and functional aspect of the house/garden relationship. The immediate garden design around the house looks to offer the below client requests:
- A fully functional outdoor kitchen with storage.
- A large dining area with natural shade provided by trees
- Casual seating and fireplace near the dining area for parties and entertaining.
- A petanque area.
- Separate seating directly outside the kitchen for enjoying coffee or working outside.
- Generous, but obscured, parking area for five cars.
There will be no formal hedge or fence divide between the garden and adjoining field, instead physical separation will be achieved using a ha-ha to create the illusion of an unbroken, continuous rural landscape. The field is a long term vision for the client, but we are designing it now to ensure that the relationship between garden and field remains seamless, framing views from the house whilst carefully obscuring neighbouring properties.
In time, the field may include a large natural swimming pool, a flat grassed area (reusing excavated soil) for children’s cricket and games, wild meadow/woodland areas, mown pathways and seating areas.
The garden and field will be completed in phases in conjunction with the house build.
Our Creative Approach
Expertise in Bespoke Garden Design
Creating a garden should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all and ensuring a positive journey is paramount to the studio's approach. We pride ourselves in having an astute ability to listen and understand your specific needs and requirements and we are open and balanced in our approach, expressing our advice and opinions with clarity and honesty.
We work closely and collaboratively with specialist contractors to ensure the best possible results in terms of aesthetics and quality.
Expertise in the conditions experienced in the South East
We have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the South East’s location, heritage and environmental conditions. Our expert team will guide you seamlessly through the process of crafting an idyllic outdoor space in total harmony with its surroundings.
Sustainable and biodiverse designs
In response to an ever-changing climate, our outdoor spaces create connections with nature and enhance biodiversity. They are designed with the aim of creating thriving ecosystems to attract wildlife. Planting will comprise a mix of native and non-native species, including pollinator friendly and drought resistant varieties. Planting designs will ensure year-round interest with a cohesive mix of colours, shapes and textures to suit your desired aesthetic.
Consideration will also be given to the use of permeable and reclaimed hard landscaping materials where appropriate.
We have particular expertise in sustainable water management and natural water features, such as freshwater swimming pools.
Full-service design and project management
We provide a seamless end-to-end garden design service from initial concept development to final execution.
We will collaborate with you and carefully selected landscapers and craftsmen to bring your vision to life while ensuring the highest results in terms of aesthetics and quality.
Your Questions Answered
The cost varies depending on the size, complexity and the materials used.
We provide tailored solutions for different budgets and offer an initial no obligation consultation to discuss your vision and requirements.
The timeframe depends on the scale and complexity of the project. A courtyard or small garden may take a few weeks, whilst a large country estate can take several months or may even be completed in phases over a few years.
We have extensive experience designing outdoor spaces for historic and listed buildings, and within world heritage sites, conservation areas and local areas of special character.
We will liaise with architects and specialist service providers such as planning consultants and arboricultural specialists to ensure our designs are carried out in accordance with all necessary approvals.
We focus on the design and collaborate with trusted landscapers and craftsmen to bring your project to life.We can also recommend trusted garden maintenance professionals to help care for your garden.
Wherever possible we will endeavour to retain mature trees and planting and integrate existing features into our designs.
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