Introduction to Owen Clutton Gardens.

Landscape gardening, along with the selection of plants from a vast range of possibilities, is an art form which is difficult to cateogorise exactly. We use a combination of hard and soft landscape options to produce the work which we are requested to do, but even if the same materials were used in several different jobs, the results would be very varied.

Your garden, whether it is large or small, is a very important integral part of your property and our aim is to make whatever we are doing into something that you will be proud of and enjoy for many years.

We 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. The work we put in will consist, initially, of making the framework of your garden in 'hard' materials, but it is the living, growing, changing plants which actually make it into a proper, vibrant, fascinating environment. Encouraging animals, birds and fish, by the use of interesting addtions such as ponds and moving water features can only further enhance one's appreciation of the whole thing.

Our job, as we see it, is to try to interpret your wishes for your private garden in the way which will give you the best results in the long term. There is a great deal of preparation for any job because prior to producing a quote, it is necessary to come up with a solution to whatever it is that has been asked for. It is very common for clients to show all or part of their garden with the request that ideas be raised as to what to do with it

This business is owned and run by Owen Clutton, who established it initially in 1991. The word 'we' has been used above; this is because when working with others, at whatever level they may be, I believe in involving them fully in the work because it makes them work better and enjoy it more and happy workers do a much more thorough job, I feel.

Interpretations as to the sort of work you require are actually done entirely by myself, in conjunction with photographs and measurements which are converted into plans (all done on computer) to which I then apply my experience and knowledge in the production of a design if appropriate, planting schemes and specifications, materials suggestions and estimates, labour requirements etc.

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.

We are interested in large or smaller projects, whole or part gardens, all sorts of features: pergolas, ponds, terraces, stone walls, paths, rockeries, lawns, the whole range of planting options, etc. We 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.

The general non-specific topics above are described more fully on the garden miscellany page. This page also introduces the subject of garden design.

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.