Garden design in Bromley, Kent and South-East London

A garden design starts with a conversation. We want to know how you use the space, what you would like from it, and what has been getting in the way. Everything after that comes out of that first meeting.

We have been designing gardens here since 2000. Our designers are RHS-qualified, and the team that draws your garden is the team that builds and plants it. That matters more than it sounds: nothing gets lost between the drawing and the ground.

Two ways to work with us

In person, across South-East London and Kent. For gardens in Bromley, Beckenham, Chislehurst, Sevenoaks and the surrounding areas, we visit, survey the space properly and stay involved through the build and the planting.

Remotely, further afield. For gardens outside our usual area, we can work from your measurements and photographs, with a visit if the site needs one. You get the same concept plans, mood boards and planting schedules, and you or your own contractor handle the build. This is a newer way of working for us, so tell us about the garden and we will be straight with you about whether it suits.

Not sure which suits you? Tell us where the garden is and we will say honestly which makes more sense.

How the design process works

Stage 1 – Initial meeting We sit down with you to understand the garden, your requirements and what you want from the space. We cover the whole design process and answer any questions. By the end we agree a written brief and a proposal for the design stages.

Stage 2 – Survey A thorough survey and analysis of the garden. We measure the space, note levels and conditions, and identify anything you want to keep. You receive a scaled drawing of the existing garden.

Stage 3 – Concept designs We produce two hand-drawn coloured concept plans showing possible shapes and structure, along with a mood board. These are yours to sit with, share and pick apart. Most people change their mind at least once here, which is exactly what this stage is for.

Stage 4 – Detailed designs Following your feedback, we produce the final layout plan with technical specification drawings, structural details such as paving joints and retaining walls, and a full planting plan with quantities and placement. These are construction-ready drawings.

Stage 5 – The build Clearance, earthworks, drainage and structural work, followed by soil preparation. We carry out regular site visits throughout to check the build is following the brief. At the end of this stage you have a complete garden frame, ready for planting.

Stage 6 – Planting and handover We source plants from nurseries and growers we use regularly, so we know what we are getting. Our own team sets out and plants the scheme, and we leave you with a walkthrough and a care guide.

Who will be designing your garden

Teresa Chisholm founded Chisholm Gardens in 2000. She holds a BA (Hons) in Garden Design alongside her RHS Level 2 qualification, and has over 25 years of hands-on experience. She still oversees projects personally.

Kate holds an RHS Level 2 in Practical Horticulture and a Diploma with distinction from The English Gardening School. She joined in 2020 and brings a background in fashion to her planting work.

What you receive

• A scaled survey drawing of the existing garden
• Two hand-drawn coloured concept plans
• Mood boards
• A final layout plan
• Technical specification drawings
• A planting plan with quantities and placement
• A care guide at handover

Start a conversation

Tell us about the garden and we will arrange a first meeting. No obligation, and no pressure to commit to anything on the day.