Garden consultations in County Durham
I'm Beatrice Vasey, a horticulturist trained at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. On a garden consultation I visit your garden, walk round it with you and give you straightforward advice on what's growing, what to change and what to plant, whether you've just moved in or have gardened for years.
What we can cover
The visit is yours to steer. Most people want help with some of these:
| What you've got | Identifying the plants already in your garden, and which are worth keeping, moving or replacing. |
|---|---|
| Your soil and light | How your soil, aspect and drainage affect what will thrive, and how to improve them. |
| What to plant | Plant ideas that suit your conditions, your style and how much time you want to spend. |
| Problems | Plants that are struggling, pests and diseases, and why something keeps failing in one spot. |
| Pruning and care | What to prune, when, and a simple seasonal routine for the year ahead. |
| Wildlife and food | Small changes that bring in pollinators and birds, and where vegetables or fruit would do best. |
How it works
| 1. Tell me about your garden | Use the form below to say where you are and what you'd like help with. I'll reply with a price and some dates. |
|---|---|
| 2. The visit | We walk round the garden together, and I answer your questions and talk through what I'd do. |
| 3. A written plan, if you want one | After the visit I can write up my notes, priorities and a plant list for you to work from. This is priced separately, so you only pay for it if you want it. |
Where I visit
I'm based near Peterlee and visit gardens across County Durham and nearby, including Peterlee, Durham, Seaham, Hartlepool, Sunderland, Sedgefield and Stockton-on-Tees. If you're just outside these places, ask anyway.
Outside the North East, I can't visit in person, but if your plans include building work I can introduce you to a vetted landscaper near you.
Price
I price each consultation when you get in touch, so you know the cost before you book. The written plan is optional and priced separately.
If you'd rather skip the visit, I can draw a planting plan from your photos, and a consultation also makes a good gardening gift voucher.
Garden consultation questions
How much does a garden consultation cost?
Every garden is different, so I price each visit when you get in touch, based on where you are and what you'd like help with. A written plan after the visit is optional and priced separately.
Do you do the gardening work as well?
My consultations are advice and planning, so you, or whoever looks after your garden, can do the work with confidence. If you need building work such as paving or fencing, I can point you to a vetted landscaper.
Is it worth having a consultation in winter?
Yes. With the leaves down, it's easier to see the shape of the garden and plan changes, and it's the right time to get ready for spring planting. A summer visit is better for identifying flowering plants.
What should I have ready for the visit?
A list of questions, anything you've already tried, and photos of the garden at other times of year if you have them. Knowing which way the garden faces helps too, but I can work that out on the day.
Can you help with a new-build garden?
Yes. New-build gardens often have compacted soil and little topsoil, so it's worth getting the ground right before planting. I'll help you plan what to do first.
Book a garden consultation
Tell me where you are and what you'd like help with, and I'll reply with a price and some dates.