Award Winning Garden and Landscape Designers in the South West
If you are considering embarking upon a garden design in the South West 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 have particular expertise in coastal gardens and 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 Devon. We are therefore always on hand and very 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.
Our Portfolio
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.
Our portfolio spans a diverse range of projects, from intimate courtyards and small gardens through to coastal havens, larger gardens, expansive rural retreats and country estates.
Our coastal projects are meticulously considered to sit harmoniously within a maritime setting whilst being adapted to thrive despite the environmental challenges of their location.
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.
Current Projects in the South West
Beer - residential project
We are currently working on the design of a coastal garden in the charming fishing village of Beer in East Devon. The site has a challenging steep slope, but we have embraced the topography incorporating a number of structural and informal terraced spaces to allow for the various functions in our client’s brief.
These include a front access path meandering through a gravel garden of coastal inspired planting and a generous parking area. A side courtyard will incorporate an outdoor shower and storage for beach gear and equipment. At the rear, there will be an upper terrace for dining with an outdoor kitchen and limestone trough water feature. Finally, more gravel garden planting will lead to a seating area at the top of the garden to enjoy glorious views to the sea.
We have been inspired by the local landscape, using a considered palette of natural stone and timber materials with plants that will thrive in a coastal setting including, Tamarix ‘Hulsdonk White’ and Pinus Sylvestris Watereri as trees, Rosemary, Santolina and Jasmine for aroma, a range of ornamental grasses including Pennisetum and Stipa ichu for movement in the sea breezes and salt tolerant perennials for colour and year round interest.
The garden will be completed in Winter 2025.
Otterhayes Assisted Living - commercial project
As a Studio, we strongly believe in putting people at the centre of the garden, understanding their bespoke needs and desires.
The aim of the garden design was to enable residents to spend more time outside and enjoy looking after their garden. The garden includes wide paths allowing the residents to move around the space without difficulty. A garden building provides the residents with a warm, cozy space to enjoy their outdoor space in the cooler months and to encourage them out of their living room through the garden to a destination.
We included different areas of seating; one in a sunny spot near a bird feeder to encourage a relaxed moment within nature and a space just outside the house where the residents could pop out for a cup of tea. A favourite activity for the residents is crazy golf, so we even managed to include a golf putting green as a fun activity.
The planting is woodland/woodland edge inspired using a mix of varieties to cover both the shadier and sunnier aspects of the garden. We wanted some colour but the most important consideration was to keep the planting as low maintenance as possible; shrubs and small trees were therefore our key focus with hard working perennials bringing in seasonal interest.
The garden was completed in March 2025.
Our Creative Approach
Our philosophy
Creating a garden should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all and ensuring a positive journey is paramount to the studio's approach.
Every client has a unique vision, and we pride ourselves in having an astute ability to listen and understand your specific needs and requirements. We are open and balanced in our approach, expressing our advice and opinion with clarity and honesty.
We work closely and collaboratively with clients and specialist contractors to ensure the best possible results in terms of aesthetics and quality.
All projects are led and personally overseen by Matthew.
Expertise in the South West’s unique location and conditions
We have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the South West’s unique 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, particularly insects, birds, and mammals.
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 your landscapers and craftsmen to bring your vision to life whilst 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 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. Once your project is completed, we can provide you with a maintenance schedule to allow you to keep your outdoor space in the best condition.
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