Michael Coley Garden Design

Mike and the many people he brought to bear on our garden redesign did a great job. We couldn't be happier. Through meeting, the design process, the implementation of everything - Mike was great. Our garden project certainly surpassed our expectations.

We are incredibly pleased with the front garden design Michael carried out for us. He was incredibly helpful and patient with us during the design process and was flexible in his ideas as our budget changed. The plants went in just before lockdown in March and we have had a lot of pleasure in watching them establish and thrive.

Mike recently designed a wonderful garden for us. Our outside space had been very neglected over the years, we rarely used it and were keen to find someone who could transform it into something fabulous but manageable (no pressure!) . We initially contacted a few garden designers but from the first consultation with Mike we knew we'd found the right person - he listened to our ideas, made lots of really great suggestions of his own once he'd assessed the space and from this created a fabulous garden that the whole family now love spending time in. We'd never used a designer for anything before so were a little nervous about the process but he has a clear structure and price plan and introduced us to a fantastic landscaping team who he kept in touch with throughout the build. The work was finished on time, to a really high standard and everything came in right on budget. Mike then did the planting and the end result is just stunning. Mike made several visits regarding the design, adjusting and checking design plans until we were completely happy with everything before work started. He has a very relaxed style, but is meticulous in his design, clearly passionate about his work and really knows his stuff. He also put in a lot of work sourcing fab (and reasonably priced) garden furniture and lighting - items we'd never have discovered without his help and that fit in with the overall design beautifully. I really can't recommend him highly enough.

Mike transformed our previously awkward and unusable garden into an interesting and beautiful space, which has become another room for us to enjoy. He listened to what we wanted to achieve but also opened our minds with his designs. He helped co-ordinate the project from start to finish and are delighted with the results. A true professional with a fantastic eye for design.

Michael was excellent to work with. He listened carefully to what I was looking for, carried out a very detailed site visit, discussed possible designs and then produced three proposals accompanied by samples of materials. He allowed me as much time as I needed to work out my final preference, in the end combining elements of two of the designs to produce the final ground plan, as well as 2D images to show how it would look from different places in the house. He was very clear on costs throughout and when the quotes for the final plan came in a bit over budget was able to suggest changes that would bring the costs down. In the end I decided to go slightly over my original budget in order to retain some features I particularly liked. His planting design incorporated some plants I particularly wanted and included a range of different plants that should do well in a north facing garden with heavy clay soil, that's shaded by some large trees in the neighbouring school playground, so not the easiest of sites. The contractors he recommended did an excellent job, and it was completed in very good time. It already looks great, but I'm looking forward to the spring when the planting will come back to life and I can start to sit outside and enjoy it.

Mike caught my attention when I read that he had been shortlisted for RSH Young Garden Designer of the Year 2016 and I wanted to give an opportunity to someone starting out and trying to build up his business. My new garden is now finished and I'm delighted with it. From our initial meeting and all through the process I found Mike very easy to deal with. He listened to what I wanted and gave me a fantastic design that reflects the style of my house and in particular my kitchen which leads directly into the garden through bifolding doors. He oversaw all the work and did the planting himself at the end. My garden is now totally transformed and looks so much bigger as well. Can't wait for the spring now so I can enjoy it properly.

Mike has transformed our garden, so we now have a beautiful space to enjoy the outdoors. His approach provides a perfect combination of knowledge of plants and gardening, artistic sensibility, computer modelling and a rigorous attention to detail. He took on board everything we said and then turned it into something much better than we could have ever conceived. The garden is now a real joy, providing the beauty and practical layout we needed. He also oversaw the work and ensured that the plans were realised. He helped manage the budget, oversaw the plant buying and planting, tackled all the practical obstacles and remained passionate throughout. Thank you Mike!