Our Services Our Working Practices
Based in Norfolk, England, Natural Gardens was formed by the husband and wife team of ecologist Ian Wilson and gardener and University of East Anglia environmentalist Barley Wilson in order to bring a fresh approach to garden design and care. By working with nature rather than against it, we can produce a natural form to a garden which is pleasing and beautiful to people whilst providing much-needed living space for wildlife.A well-designed garden can be a green oasis both for people suffering from the stresses of modern life and for wildlife under pressure from the ravages of present-day farming. Not only do people love to retreat to a peaceful and beautiful garden but many birds, animals, and insects make their homes there too, because a garden's basic structure of trees, shrubs, borders, and open areas of grass resembles that of one of nature's richest habitats, a sunny woodland edge or clearing.
Consider that gardens comprise 12% of Britain's cultivated land - an area larger than all of our nature reserves put together - and their potential for wildlife becomes obvious.
To achieve this, we ensure that the right plants are used in the design (many garden cultivars are suitable for a variety of wildlife, whereas a wide range of native species make exceptional garden plants), and that careful attention is paid to vital ecological principles such as vegetation structure, continuity of flowering, and the variety and patterns of features and habitats.
We believe that the beauty of any garden is enhanced by the presence of wildlife. Yet for those with families the benefits can be even greater, as children delight in seeing wildlife coming closer to their own doorstep.
It is much better for all concerned if we are able to visit the site and experience it personally, so we prefer if possible to work locally, in East Anglia. We are able to undertake long-distance consultancy or design if requested, although in this case a personal visit will probably not be possible.
We are however happy to answer simple queries via this website free of charge. One of our aims is to expand understanding and thus the benefits of wildlife-friendly gardening. The other pages on this site contain tips and hints, deal with important issues, and provide related links.
For our chargeable services, you choose the level or combination of levels:
A complete package, from design to a finished garden.
Design only; our expertise leaves you secure to enjoy the experience of creating your own garden to our plans.
Consultancy only; our expert advice helps you to design and form your own garden.
The creation or renovation of specific areas; for example flower borders, ponds, meadows, woodland glades.
Aftercare; we will keep your new garden in good shape.
Maintenance; we will look after (or improve) your existing garden.
In the first instance, we offer a free consultation to establish your needs and to help you to decide the type of service you require.
Subsequently, we are happy to follow your own chosen timescale; some people prefer rapid completion, whilst others wish to spread the work out over a number of months or years, allowing the development of ideas or helping with budgets.
At all stages we will consult fully with you, and are always available to answer any queries you may have.
Whatever you require of us, all tasks at Natural Gardens are undertaken with the principle of people and wildlife in mind.
The initial consultation is free, and normally takes around two hours or so. During this time we discuss aims and objectives and you can see what we have to offer.
Free quotations can often then be provided.
Where suggestions on garden layout are required it is however necessary to produce a preliminary outline design before accurate quotations can be determined. Although the preparation of the quotations themselves will remain free, we must charge for any significant design or consultancy time at this point. Typical costs are between £50 and £100, although the likely implications will be made clear during the initial consultation. Upper limits can be applied if desired.
Following further discussion with you we will then fine tune the design, amend any quotations where necessary, and proceed with the chosen tasks. All time will be charged for.
Once practical work is due to begin, we must ask for a 30% deposit before ordering any landscaping materials or plants.
Payment for completed work will be invoiced at convenient stages, usually following each distinct phase of work. Payment will be due within 30 days.