What we do
From residential family gardens, historic landscapes, public spaces and country estates to show gardens, restaurants, schools and hospitals, gardens made by Jo Thompson are notable for the way in which they sit beautifully within their surroundings. Rather than following fashions, the gardens are exquisitely planted, environmentally conscious, relaxed and natural.
Current design projects include the regeneration of the historic walled gardens at Water Lane in Kent, the planting surrounding a 16th Century house in Sussex, a roof garden in Rome and a naturalistic garden in Connecticut; recent restoration projects include the planting strategy at Highgate Cemetery in London with Gustafson Porter + Bowman, and a secret garden in Venice.
We listen carefully to a clients vision for their garden, working collaboratively to develop a design brief.
Our Design Process in Five Stages
1. Conception
Meeting with the client on-site to ensure we fully understand the space; exploring and understanding their vision for the garden and how it will connect and sit within its wider surroundings.
2. Concept Design
Sketches and ideas on how the space flows and relates to its surroundings form the starting point for conversations in the next meeting. Concepts, project timescales and budgets are discussed.
3. Masterplan
Progress the sketch proposal into a Masterplan incorporating plans and illustrations.
4. Detailed Design
A series of drawings to include hard layout and setting-out plans. Designs also for construction details such as bespoke gates, pergolas, water features, fences, walls and steps.
5. Construction
Now begins the physical realisation of the vision from tendering and costing to sourcing plants and the build.
We will consult with the appropriate authorities and planning consultants and identify potential third party contractors and suppliers. We will obtain quotations and manage the tendering process.
We can provide a full or partial project management service or act in an advisory capacity to ensure seamless collaboration between the garden design team, specialist contractors or consultants.
On successful completion and hand-over of the project we are able to provide a garden maintenance schedule for you or your gardener. We can revisit a garden annually or at more regular intervals in an advisory capacity.
Our Planting Design Service
We create bespoke planting plans for any size of space, when a complete garden overhaul is not required.