Gardens designed, built and managed

“Charlotte transformed my sad, scruffy patch of grass into a beautiful garden with her inspired design. It is now my pride and joy.” — Kay Francksen

Specialising in garden designs that embrace practicality and biodiversity, garden consultations and project management, Charlotte Howard is an award-winning garden designer based near Bath in the West Country. Not only that, Charlotte has a National Diploma in Horticulture and is in the final year of her RHS Masters Degree, she has an established background as a skilled horticulturalist with a reputation for quality, attention to detail and sensitive customer care. Whatever your garden needs Charlotte can help, whether it be just general advice, a one-to-one consultation, planting plans or a full-blown garden design.

Charlotte’s enthusiasm for plants and nature is infectious and may turn even the most anti-gardening person into a horticulturist. Her long-held passion to deliver excellent, reliable customer service is reflected in many glowing testimonials.

“Thank you so much for transforming our garden. You’ve made your designs come alive and we can now enjoy our garden. Thank you.” — Natasha King

Design and Consultation

Charlotte can design for any area, in any style and for any budget. She draws exclusively by hand and is able to call on her extensive knowledge of classical art, garden history and modern garden trends as inspiration. Below are some examples of her work. Once the design has been agreed Charlotte will take you through the tendering process with contractors and is happy to help with project management if needed.

The Arts and Crafts Garden

This sloping garden in West Littleton was one of my largest garden designs to date, it was designed for a keen gardener and a keen vegetable grower. Find out more...

The Italian Courtyard Garden

Garden designs don’t have to be expensive or over complicated! This dingy, un-loved garden in Biddestone was transformed into a Mediterranean-inspired haven in a short time and for a low budget. Find out about how it came back to life...

The Long Narrow Garden

Several years later my client still raves about her garden! Based in Bristol, this is the classic, long, narrow garden you get with 1930s terraces. Find out more about how I transformed it...

The Japanese Show Garden

This was my Gold Medal winning garden for the Bath and West show, created while I was studying for my Dip. Hort. at Wiltshire College, Lackham. The challenge was to fit a garden into a very small space at a budget of under £1,000. Find out more about this challenge...

Alternatively if you’ve taken on a new garden and are not sure what to do with it or just need some fresh ideas Charlotte offers a friendly and informal Garden Consultation Service to get you going without committing to a full design. This includes:

• Initial 1-2 hr visit and walk around to get an idea of your needs, when and how you would like to use your garden, what styles, colours and plants you like and what your budget is. Every part of your garden both hard and soft landscaping, amenities and problem areas will be taken into account.
• All suggestions made during the visit will be presented as a written report; a maintenance schedule can also be included.
• At only £150 this is an ideal gift!

“I could not recommend Charlotte highly enough to any future client” — Allison Fulcher

Indoor Gardening

Human beings have an innate connection to nature. Studies have shown time and time again that being able to view nature, whether through a window or via indoor plants improves our mental and physical health. Nowadays more than any other, people need nature. Many people don’t have the luxury of a garden or pets, with house plants you can take care of a living thing. Charlotte can help you chose the perfect house plants in conjunction with bespoke terrarium maker Terrachic of Bath.

For businesses, indoor plants have been shown to help reduce sickness and boost energy and creativity amongst their workforce. Charlotte can show you how a living wall can create impact, clear pollution and save energy.

Below is a recent commission for the Moonlight Indian Restaurant in Corsham where Charlotte worked with Terrachic of Bath to create a beautiful, low maintenance indoor tropical garden.

“Charlotte is particularly methodical in her approach to gardening” — Stephen Robinson

Management and Planting

Capability Charlotte can also put you in contact with her network of highly trained gardeners and landscapers who can assist with everything garden related including one-off blitzes, occasional or regular maintenance, border revamps or complete makeovers. Alexandra Ricou (pictured) gets stuck into some pruning!

“Friendly, knowledgable and professional service. Highly recommended” — Jeff Hughes

Our partners

Anthony Dear Landscapes — Hard landscaping and building
Downside Nurseries — General nurseries, perennials, trees and shrubs
Arvensis Perennials — Trade-only nursery, for herbaceous perennials, grasses and ferns
Samscape Plants — Tropical and Mediterranean plants
Terrachic of Bath — Terrarium and indoor gardens
Bolingbroke Design Service — Architects practice

Contact

For more information on any of her services, or to book an appointment, please contact:

Email: info@capabilitycharlotte.com
Phone: 01225 899425
Mobile: 07850 065470

Or find her on social media:

Charlotte Howard MHort (RHS)
34 Shurnhold
Melksham
Wiltshire
SN12 8DG

Charlotte in her studio with her drawing assistant

“Charlotte came to me when I had temporarily lost my gardener and like a whirling dervish she turned it around into a clean and beautiful tranquil space. She is so hard working, great fun to be around and clearly knows her stuff well! I'd recommend her happily!” — Charlotte Gentry

“Charlotte carried out the work speedily, unobtrusively and to great effect” — The Nurseries, Hilperton