Garden Problems Solved
Independent and Unbiased Advice

What is a Garden Consultant?

As garden consultants we provide professional, expert advice and opinions on a range of specialist areas within horticulture. We work to a brief set out by the client, presenting formal reports, guidance, recommendations or proposals to them, usually to help solve problems.

Croft Garden Consultancy specialises in the management and organisation of large estate gardens. Skills and knowledge acquired from managing gardens at historic houses, private estates and trusts can be used to help client’s gardens fulfil their potential.

We take on commercial and private commissions.

What we do

Here is a range of services we provide, it is not limited to this offering so please get intouch if your needs are not listed.

Statements of Opinion

Do you require a second opinion?

This is a report that is written for the client on a matter in the garden that is purely of the consultants own opinion and is not based on evidence or it is not conclusive. This can include basic advice.

Site Surveys

Are you purchasing a large property?

Those reports are done by going around the site making detailed notes about its current condition, how well the site is being cared for, areas requiring attention. They do not usually provide any suggestions for development or improvement. Site surveys often lead onto Working practice surveys.

Working Practice Surveys

How efficient is your garden running?

This type of report is usually done to see how the garden is being run. Are there enough/too many staff. Does the garden have the correct tools, could time and money be saved etc... Is the quality of work acceptable. Information sharing will be required between the client and the consultant. Suggestions are often made that will save money and improve efficiency.

Distance Reports

Remote site or Poor access?

A distance report is done without visiting a site, usually because of costs and access. The consultant uses photographs, documents and plans provided by the client and reports on the information they have available. Used to report on the presence of Japanese Knotweed at a remote location for example.

Consultant Head Gardener

Need an experienced head gardener?

There is currently a skill shortage within the horticulture industry, some clients are finding it difficult to recruit highly skilled staff. This service is ideal for estates that may only need a head gardener or garden manager to oversee the gardens on monthly or quarterly basis. This service can also be used for training in things like pruning. Sometimes there is a need for an interim head gardener while the recruitment process takes place, likewise, help with recruiting is also available.

Garden History Research

Restoring an historic garden feature?

There are many gardens that have gone through periods of neglect especially during and after the world wars. Sometimes there is evidence and information about special features that those gardens contained. It can take a lot of investigating to compile the surviving information and clues to either help with restoration or answer the many questions that those features often leave behind.

Plant Procurement

Need plants supplying?

If you have a plant list for a project and need the plants supplying, we can help save you lots of time trying to get all the plants together from different nurseries.

Public Speaking

Garden Clubs and Society’s

Jake gives talks mainly on his specialist knowledge of Irises - Previous talks include the Moorcroft Collectors Club, Q&A panels at RHS Wisley and BBC Chelsea coverage.

Machinery Advice

Investing in new equipment?

Every garden is different and a machine that is perfect in one could be inappropriate in another. We can offer advice on what machinery is right for your site, potentially saving the clients large sums of money.

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