Owen Clutton Gardens
07939 763223 / owen@owenclutton.com

Introduction to Owen Clutton Gardens.

Gardening and garden construction are artistic creation. I use a combination of hard and soft landscape options to produce the work which I am requested to do, but even if the same materials were used in several different jobs, the results would be very varied. Your garden is an integral part of your property and my aim is to make something that you will enjoy for years to come.

I do not believe in 'instant' gardens. Any garden is, or should be, a combination of the 'hard' side: paving, walling, stonework etc. and the 'soft' which is lawns, planting and so on. Initially thers is the framework of 'hard' materials, but it is the living, growing, changing plants which actually make it into a proper, vibrant, fascinating environment. Encouraging wildlife by the use of interesting additions such as ponds and moving water features can only further enhance one's appreciation of the whole thing.

There is often a considerable amount of preparation even before a quote can be produced, because during first visit, I will take measurements, photographs and notes in order to produce a computer-drawn base plan, onto which I can then project your and my ideas and my interpretation of those into a workable solution.

If necessary- although this part is sometimes done after the job has started, levels will be taken. For example, the big and long black sandstone steps in this portfolio were worked out on paper and based on levels taken from top to bottom after the higher terrace level was fixed and after topsoil removal. This also enabled me to see what detailed further excavation was needed.

I do not use proprietary garden design software; I find a simple drawing programme suffices, to which I then apply my experience and knowledge for appropriate planting, materials suggestions, labour and machinery requirements, work specification etc. All of these may be necessary in order to produce an initial estimate which is why it can take some time and also why I do not do 'instant' quotes.

I think that it is very important to establish a rapport with you, the client and at all times in the preparation for the work I believe in consulting with you as often as seems appropriate. My aim is to produce quality work within your budget but I do not believe in necessarily going for the cheapest option, which is of course by no means the best. Good materials cost money but last longer.

You will see from the portfolio that a great range of different materials has been used in the various jobs, according to what is most appropriate and desirable for the individual circumstances. I particularly enjoy working creatively with older or random natural materials, producing something that is therefore unique.

I work mainly alone these days and I carry out an increasing amount of gardening as well as some landscaping. Please see my 'Plants and Gardening' page. Being a small outfit, I have to request weekly interim payments on the longer jobs, with the balance on completion.

To keep costs down, I generally request that clients pay directly for many of the bulkier and higher-priced materials, labour, hires and supplies, while I deal with smaller equipment and the periphery which is frequently and sometimes unexpectedly required, as my part of the cost. Generally this has worked very satisfactorily and it has enabled me to remain below the V.A.T. limit, which of course is of benefit to my mainly private customers.

I am interested in projects, all sorts of features: pergolas, ponds, terraces, stone walls, paths, rockeries, lawns, the whole range of planting options, etc. I also undertake restoration of whole or part gardens including pruning of specimen plants. Also skilled digging work with machines, hedge planting, occasional hedge laying, manufacturing of garden furniture and wooden items, some fencing and estate work etc., the latter based mainly on my many years in agriculture.

I do not construct driveways and I do not do design-only jobs. The general non-specific topics above are described more fully on the garden miscellany page.

To protect client confidentiality, few details are given as to actual locality, client identity or job cost in the portfolio. However most of the photographs were taken in private gardens in the South East of England. Please note that garden photographs are all copyright to me and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason. If any clients would like photos removed, please advise.