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. Charlotte has an RHS Masters Degree and a National Diploma, both in Horticulture. 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.
“Charlotte transformed our awful front garden (which had suffered from
scaffolding/being used as a rubbish tip amongst other indignities) from being an embarrassment on
the road to a lush aromatic haven for bees. She also managed to make it easy for two absolute
non-gardeners to maintain it whilst giving lots of supportive advice. She is incredibly hard-working
with a clear design vision. If we ever have a back garden, we will be employing her to design
it.”
Diluki O'Beirne
“Charlotte was super helpful in our garden advice session! Very friendly to chat to, and so many brilliant ideas 🙂 I now have lots of notes on plant suggestions and shape ideas specific to our garden. Most importantly, we're motivated to get going on it now with a better idea of which direction to take it in. Would definitely recommend 🙂”
Elizabeth Martin
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 £250 this is an ideal gift, and should you decide you need a full design later, this will be discounted from the price (subject to terms and conditions apply)
For those on a tight budget, Charlotte also offers 'No Frills' garden advice. This can be done in your garden or virtually over video call, just bring a notepad! This is priced at £60 an hour (travel expenses apply over 30 miles).
“Charlotte has a wonderful ability to visualise a garden. We struggled for 3+ years with half a garden in tiers of concrete and the other half an overgrown mess, then Charlotte came for a visit. As she walked down the garden she pointed out things we'd never noticed and shared her ideas for every aspect, design, planting, seating, lighting, etc. She followed this up with a detailed written design so we could work our way through the garden one job at a time. In less than a year the 'overgrown mess' has become a garden where you can sit and listen to the waterfall and relax. Thank you Charlotte, it would never have happened without you.”
Sue Green
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.
If you are looking to bring greenery into your home, Charlotte can provide a personalised houseplant ordering and advice service.
“Charlotte Howard from Capability Charlotte did a house plant audit in my home
with a thorough consultation and a fun morning's shopping in local nurseries and garden centers. She
even spent time with my daughters teaching them about propagating.
It surpassed my expectations, especially the fact she spent time educating my girls. Perfect for
keeping children occupied while schools are closed”
Michelle Eddahar
Management and Planting
Charlotte can also take on large-scale commercial and residential projects, both as a designer and a project manager. Her largest scheme to date was with Wadswick Green Retirement Village in Corsham, Wiltshire. Find out more about the project here.
For residential maintenance work 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.
“Charlotte has been absolutely fantastic from the moment she stepped foot
in our garden. We would like to thank her so much for her help and inspiration which will
turn our garden into something much more enjoyable and will allow our daughter to feel like
she owns part of it too.”
Keeley Hampton
Charlotte's team planting at Wadswick Green
Gift Vouchers
Are you struggling to think of a perfect present for your loved ones? Don't waste money on
things that will become landfill, buy them an experience.
Do you know someone who has a garden but doesn't know what to do with it? Why not buy them some
time with a garden expert. These beautiful gift cards can be used for any occasion.
- Prices start at £60 for an hour of garden advice.
- £250 pays for a full garden consultation with a follow-up written report which will include guidance on maintenance as well as advice on how to make the most of the garden, with pictures and links to helpful websites.
- For a more generous gift, a full garden design starts from only £800.
(Terms and conditions apply, travel expenses to further afield may be charged.
Lectures
Charlotte is also an experienced horticultural lecturer, lecturing for Garden Clubs, the WI and Wiltshire College Swindon. Email her for a list of topics and fees.
“...It was an entertaining and informative talk, Charlotte effortlessly engaged with our group and shared her fascinating journey about how she’s got to where she is with Capability Charlotte
... We cannot recommend Charlotte enough and are so grateful to her for tailoring such a beautiful event for our group, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive! We look forward to welcoming her back!”
Minerva WI
Our partners
Viridis Landscapes — Female-run hard landscaping, planting and
building team
Avon Valley Gardens — Complete gardening and lanscaping service
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
Barters Farm Nurseries — Barters Farm is a trade
nursery and public plant centre. Trees, perennials and grasses, particularly good for shrubs.
West Kington Nurseries — Trade-only nursery for
perennials, grasses and shrubs
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 fill in the form below:
Email: info@capabilitycharlotte.com
Phone: 01225 899425
Mobile: 07850 065470
Charlotte in her studio with her drawing assistant
“Charlotte’s professional and friendly approach transformed our plain new build garden into a multi purpose family garden. Her energy and enthusiasm for gardening was contagious and she showed us how we can enjoy it throughout the year. She turned part of the garden into a kitchen garden with raised beds to allow us to grow produce with the children as well as creating a larger patio area to enjoy eating outside. All within our tight budget! We would highly recommend her! Thank you Charlotte!”
Laura Backhouse
“Wonderfully creative & clever with my small, cottage garden and extremely warm and personable. Charlotte’s extensive knowledge was freely given as she walked with me around my place, understanding what I wanted to change to make this a soothing space for therapy & art clients plus my family and ‘busy’ dog. On further visits, Charlotte was enthusiastic with what I had accomplished from her advice. I have fallen in love with my garden again and can’t wait til Spring to see it all growing & taking shape. THANKYOU!”
Lucy Baile