Garden Design in Devon

Looking for garden design in Devon? Laurence Maunder is an RHS Gold Medal-winning garden designer creating bespoke gardens across Devon and the South West. As a Registered Member of the Society of Garden Designers (MSGLD), Laurence brings over 30 years of professional experience to every project, from dramatic coastal gardens to peaceful rural retreats.

Professional Garden Design Services Across Devon

Devon's extraordinary variety of landscapes - from the rugged North Devon coast to the gentler South Hams, from Dartmoor's granite uplands to the fertile Exe Valley - demands garden design that responds to each site's unique character. Laurence Maunder has designed gardens throughout Devon, understanding the county's microclimates, soil types, and the particular challenges and opportunities each location presents.

Whether you're looking to create a sheltered coastal garden that embraces sea views, a country garden that complements a traditional Devon longhouse, or a contemporary design for a modern home, Laurence works closely with clients to understand their vision and create outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and practical.

Areas Covered in Devon

Exeter & East Devon

The cathedral city of Exeter and the surrounding East Devon area offer diverse garden design opportunities. From period townhouses in the city centre to rural properties in the East Devon AONB, designs must balance historical context with modern living. The area's red sandstone soils and relatively mild climate allow for varied planting schemes, while the rolling hills provide opportunities for gardens with stunning views.

North Devon & Exmoor

North Devon's dramatic coastline and the moorland fringes of Exmoor present unique design challenges. Gardens here must often contend with exposure to Atlantic winds and salt spray, requiring carefully selected plant material and robust structures. Laurence's designs for this area incorporate windbreaks, shelter planting, and species proven to thrive in coastal and upland conditions while making the most of spectacular views.

South Devon & The South Hams

The South Hams enjoys one of the mildest climates in England, allowing for Mediterranean and even subtropical planting schemes. Gardens around Dartmouth, Salcombe, Kingsbridge, and Totnes can include tender species that wouldn't survive elsewhere in the UK. Laurence designs gardens that take advantage of this privileged position while respecting the traditional character of this beautiful area.

Dartmoor & Mid Devon

Dartmoor's granite uplands and the surrounding countryside present their own design considerations. Exposure, acidic soils, and a shorter growing season all influence plant selection. Gardens in this area often work with native stone and local materials, creating designs that feel connected to the dramatic landscape. Towns like Okehampton, Tavistock, and Moretonhampstead each have their own character that garden designs can complement.

Why Choose a Local Designer for Your Devon Garden?

Working with a designer who understands Devon brings significant advantages. Laurence's knowledge of local conditions includes understanding the county's diverse soil types (from the red sandstone of East Devon to Dartmoor's acid moorland), the effects of salt-laden winds near the coast, and the microclimates created by Devon's valleys and hills.

He has established relationships with skilled Devon landscapers and contractors, ensuring quality workmanship and realistic project timelines. His familiarity with the planning considerations that apply to the county's numerous conservation areas, AONBs, and the Dartmoor National Park helps ensure designs gain necessary approvals.

Garden Design Services

Laurence offers a comprehensive range of garden design services tailored to your requirements:

Initial Consultation - An on-site visit to discuss your requirements, assess the space, and provide initial guidance including site analysis and budget parameters.

Concept Design - Development of initial layout options showing overall garden structure, key features, and spatial organization with supporting images.

Detailed Design - Comprehensive construction drawings including levels, drainage, lighting, and hard landscaping details for accurate contractor quotations.

Planting Plans - Detailed planting schemes specifying exact species, sizes, and quantities, designed for year-round interest with consideration of Devon's varied conditions.

Project Management - Oversight of construction including contractor liaison, site visits, and quality control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you design coastal gardens in Devon?
Yes. Coastal gardens require careful plant selection and structural design to cope with salt spray and exposure. Laurence has extensive experience creating beautiful, resilient gardens near the sea.

Can you work on sloping or awkward sites?
Yes. Many Devon gardens involve significant level changes. Terracing, retaining walls, and grading solutions are integrated into the overall design to create usable, attractive spaces.

Do you work within the Dartmoor National Park?
Yes. Designs within National Parks require sensitivity to the landscape setting and may involve additional planning considerations. Laurence is experienced in working within these constraints.

Garden Design Across the South West

As well as Devon, Laurence Maunder provides garden design services throughout the South West including Somerset, Dorset, Bath, Bristol, and Exeter.