Visionary Gardens – creating inspiring spaces
At Visionary Gardens we are focussed on ecological gardening that enhances the landscape and creates spaces for plants and wildlife to thrive. Our background is in ecology, conservation, landscape design and food production.
After studying and completing a BSc honours degree in the conservation of plants, insects and fungi Dan moved into working in market gardens producing ecologically friendly food without any chemicals or artificial fertilisers.
By using organic and bio-dynamic methods he learnt the importance of healthy soil and the ecosystem it supports. As an old gardener at an allotment said there are two types of growers those who look after plants and those who look after the soil, and see that plants live in the soil it makes sense to look after the very home they live in.
Alongside working in market gardens Dan has spent many years working in orchards, private and community gardens and also has a diploma in garden design. This includes planting, hedge work, forest gardening, permaculture design and constructing functional/productive spaces.
Our approach at Visionary Gardens is meticulous planning and consideration of the gardens past, present and future. By taking these measures we can ensure that in years to come that bushes and trees don’t grow into each other or take too much light from the home of surrounding plants. The more we can understand a space the happier the plants will be, this relates to soil type/quality, drainage and depth of soil, aspect of light availability, frost pockets and where the strongest winds come from.
With a deep love for plants, animals our main concern is creating and enhancing space for wildlife. A healthy ecosystem protects our plants and trees leading to pollination and natural defences in the soil to fend off pests and diseases. This healthy community supports one other leading to less work and effort from the gardener.
Composting systems
Composting is liberating in a world full of plastic waste and pollution. We can control recycling large portions of our household waste through composting. Composting is fun, easy and rewards you with wonderful compost to enrich your garden.
Forest garden
We are trained in garden design and planning and leave no detail unchecked when planting and managing your space. Forest gardens are carefully designed and multi-functional spaces that mimic the natural way that plants live communally
Garden maintenance
General garden maintenance is a year-round job for us and includes aspects of all of our services. Whether pruning, cutting hedges, training plants or turning compost heaps there is always something to do in the garden.
Hedges
We appreciate a nice hedge, from planting them from scratch to restoring old hedgerows we can help you with your hedge needs. Hedges were historically created to define boundaries and to keep animals in and out of pieces of land.
Orchard services
We specialise in orchard design, planting and maintenance. With an in-depth knowledge of fruiting trees, varieties, planting groups, pruning and maintenance we can offer a full service when it comes to orchard work.
Soil improvement
Healthy soil is the foundation of a garden. Although many plants prefer specific types of soil in general certain characteristics are preferred. These qualities include aeration, good drainage and easy access to food and water.
Soft landscaping
We offer landscaping services such as making paths, building raised beds, mulching, planting up borders and shrubs and laying gravel. Hard landscaping builds the foundations and skeleton of a garden and soft landscaping fills in the rest.
Tree planting
We have many years of experience in planting trees. Through the study of woodland ecology, mycology and coppicing we can offer sound advice in design, planting and also how to create a working woodland.
Vegetable and fruit gardens
Planning and preparation are the key foundations of a healthy and functional garden. Creating accessibility for growing space, paths and walkways that connect the garden and the locality of composting systems and water collection systems.
