Gardens

A London courtyard garden built into a steep slope, and filled with lush foliage and flowers.

Semi-shade plants in an irrigated container. Foliage of varying colours and shapes; seasonal flowers which will provide food for local insects. Container built by Bikebox London

Roof terrace, Knightsbridge

Low-maintenance seasonal planting, modern outdoor furniture

Family garden, Eltham

A modern, leafy terrace, full of seasonal flowers. Three seating spaces for family use and steps to the lawn.

Flint Cottage, South Downs

Completed Summer 2023

Modern terrace courtyard

Photos due 2025

About

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Hello!

I offer imaginative garden design and planting design to homeowners and commercial clients.

Think of a beautiful garden you've visited. What made it feel so special?

You can have that feeling in your own home. Plants, great materials and great design make all the difference.

To start making memories in your own beautiful garden, get in touch - info@sonyapinto.com

I started designing gardens as a way of combining my love of plants, the outdoors and great design.

I studied at the Oxford College of Garden Design, where I was taught by some of the industry's leading designers and specialists.

I'm based in Addiscombe, Croydon (SE London), and work mainly in:

London - all areas including Clapham, Wandsworth, Dulwich, Putney & Streatham.

Surrey including Purley, Sanderstead, Coulsdon, Oxted, Woldingham, Wimbledon & Kingswood.

Kent including Sevenoaks, Orpington, Chislehurst, Beckenham & Bromley.

Find me on Instagram @sonyapintogardens

Services

Garden design

We take on projects of all sizes. The smallest courtyards and balconies. Back gardens and front driveways. Larger rural sites and commercial projects.

Talk to us if you consider your site difficult to develop - more shade than sun; a steep slope; overlooked by neighbours? We love a challenge and can find ways to unlock your garden's potential.

Take a look at our process and portfolio to find out more.

Consultation only

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Does your garden need some fresh ideas, without a full redesign?

Perhaps you want to enjoy running your own garden redesign project but you need help getting started.

My fixed price consultations include a site visit followed by advice tailored to you and your garden.

If you then opt for my design service, I'll deduct your consultation fee.

Planting design

Bring some magic to your garden by replanting a border or the whole plot.

We'll produce a planting plan, unique to your garden.

Your plants will be sourced from trusted nurseries and planted for you.

You'll receive a care guide and we can put you in touch with local gardeners to help maintain the plants.

Container gardens

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Containers can brighten your terrace, balcony or shop front, or they can be your whole garden, giving you year-round foliage, flowers and fragrance.

Perfect for renters - take your container garden with you when you move.

Balcony & terrace service

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We can recommend and supply the right plants and containers to bring life to your balcony all year round.

We can point you to combinations of quality garden furniture and lighting to suit your budget and save you time.

Workshops

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Get in touch to arrange a seasonal wreath-making workshop with clients, colleagues or friends.

Venue & catering options available, or host at your place.

Garden design process

Phone consultation
& a site visit

What do you want from your garden? Let's talk.

A free 15-minute phone consultation, followed by a site visit.

You might already know what you want from your garden, or maybe you need ideas.

You'll receive a written brief setting out agreed goals for the project, our process and our fees.

Request a free phone consultation

Concept design

An initial plan, focusing on layout

A survey will capture the current layout of the site, including ground levels.

We present a initial layout plan for your new garden, plus 3D images and mood boards. After discussion with you and any adjustments, this "concept design" forms the basis for all subsequent work.

Developed design

A final "master plan" for your garden

We turn the concept design into a detailed master plan. You'll have input on paving materials and a sample planting palette.

Planting plans

Selecting your new plants

A full planting plan for your new garden.

Once the garden is built, we supply the plants, set them out and plant the garden, following the planting plan.

You receive a plant maintenance guide which includes pictures to help you identify each newly-added plant.

We can put you in touch with local gardeners to help you maintain your new plants.

Build & site inspection

Experienced landscape builders and a point of contact for you

We can help you find an experienced landscape builder.

During the build, we can conduct site visits to monitor progress, act as your point of contact and ensure the garden is built according to the plans. The frequency of site visits is up to you.

We will set out the plants when the build is complete.

Technical drawings

Drawings for the landscapers who will build your garden.

These detailed plans include dimensions, lighting locations, drainage, re-shaped levels/contours, irrigation and construction details.

For more complex projects we can involve a structural engineer.

Get in touch

Discuss your project with Sonya today

Call 07779609715

Email info@sonyapinto.com