Maria has recently done a detailed design for my Inverness-based front and back gardens. When I bought my house last year the garden was uninspiring. It was mostly laid to stones over a membrane, with a single eucalyptus tree, a rather ugly conifer and a couple of overgrown shrubs. With the help of my builder, I put in some infrastructure, in the form of decking, a handmade shed and better fencing. I also put in plants that kind friends had donated from their gardens, or that took my fancy when visiting the many wonderful garden centres in the area. But I knew that I had reached the limit of my garden planning potential and that I risked wasting a lot of time and money if I continued with this rather unplanned and unstructured approach. I looked online for a local garden designer and found Maria.
I knew as soon as I met Maria that I wanted to work with her and that we would get on well together. Her energy and enthusiasm for the project, the way she understood immediately what I was trying to achieve, and her knowledge of plants and gardens, filled me with confidence from the start. We agreed to go ahead with a design project covering not just the layout of the space and the way the garden would flow, but also a planting plan for the many different growing spaces the garden offers.
As she was developing the design and planting plan, Maria checked back regularly and then shared several different outline design options, from which I chose one. She has just delivered the detailed design and planting plan and I am delighted.
I know it will take some time and money, and much physical effort, to realise the vision. But, with Maria at my side and with the support of my builder, Steve Glover, I have every confidence that I will achieve my dream of a garden that is beautiful, as well as being insect and bird friendly. I am excited to begin work and to see my new garden materialize.
Annette Mercer, Inverness
Maria is a very special gardener - she is dedicated and hardworking, giving 100% to every task she takes on. She is always cheerful and listens patiently to my endless questions coming up with wonderful ideas that are helping to improve an already existing (and very varied) garden, some of which is quite a challenge. She is a pleasure to have around and in a very short time has become someone who we trust to just get on with things when we’re not at home.
Heather Murray, Dornoch
We've been delighted with the outcome of Maria's planting design.
Claire Ellis, Fortrose
I enjoy your visits immensely as you inspire and encourage me. It's such a joy to work alongside a knowledgeable passionate gardener.
Fiona Garvie, Dornoch
Maria gives 110 % to everyone, through listening guiding and in-depth knowledge gained over many years You feel inspired to change and enjoy your garden once more.
John Whalley, Evanton
Maria has been taking care of our nearly one-acre garden for almost two years.
Maria is a ray of sunshine, her knowledge, attitude, work ethic, reliability and happy demeanor are second to none and she is an absolute pleasure to work with. Maria has enabled us to enjoy our garden without it becoming a continual source of tasks that need attention. She has excellent ideas from small to large which improve the garden. She took on a project to extend and replant an area of the garden last year and we are delighted with the result. This spring our garden is the best it has ever been at this time of year.
We had our son’s wedding in the garden at the end of last summer and Maria’s guidance and help ensured the surroundings were perfect and this was reflected in the guests’ comments. I cannot recommend Maria highly enough for all your gardening needs.
Richard & Deirdre Bews , Evanton
Maria came to our rescue at short notice. With her cheerful demeanour she was a joy to have around. Although her heart is in design and consultancy she was more than willing to roll up her sleeves and get stuck into labour-intensive jobs on her own or when showing others what to do. She has excellent horticultural knowledge and a very pragmatic approach. She will be an asset to anyone’s garden.
Alexander Baillie, Dochfour Estate
Working with Maria on our complex garden project was a joy. From the initial consultation to the design and finalisation stages, Maria was collaborative and creative, taking time to understand our one-acre property and our needs as clients. The breadth and depth of her experience and knowledge were then translated into wonderful (and practical) blueprints for our garden transformation. We can now confidently purchase plants and landscaping materials - saving on expensive mistakes. A great experience and highly recommended.
Fiona Docherty, Brora
Maria is a joy to work with and I always look forward to her visits. She is so knowledgeable, very hard working and passionate about plants - she’s great at suggesting new ideas for corners in my garden. Pruning is her forte!! My Clematis montana has never looked so good.
Moira Broadhead, Mulbuie
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Golden Leaf Horticulture
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Open today | 09:00 – 17:00 |