What Clients Say About Eleanor Read – Kent Garden Designer
Testimonials from Homeowners & Garden Lovers Across Kent
“Elly has been working on a number of different projects in my garden for 2 years. My garden was well established but had areas that were problematic and difficult to maintain. Elly came up with creative solutions which I am delighted with. One area in particular was dark and the planting was dull. The heavy clay and the depth of the border made it very difficult to work on.
Elly came up with the idea of what we call ‘the harbour arm’ which has given me a seating area surrounded by colourful planting. It is perfect for wildlife and humans to relax.
Elly has also transformed a small woodland area and advised on the development of a prairie border.
I am extremely pleased with all the work and I continue to retain Elly who is assisting with further ideas to rejuvenate the garden.”
Julie Stribbling, Canterbury
“Elly and Gareth created a magnificent garden for us at our new build in a cliff top village. The brief was jungley with a hint of lurking velociraptor, and the resultant planting is verdant and exotic. Elly sourced larger plants for instant impact and we are very happy with the effect.
Our border collie Blue fell in love with them both, and they very kindly let him join in. We can’t recommend them highly enough.”
Sam White, Kent
“We moved into our new house and had a garden that was a complete blank canvas. We couldn’t afford to do the whole garden so have been planning in sections. Elly has helped us choosing plants and trees that are right for our garden, right for the soil and right for our budget. She also listened to our tastes and helped us with our vision.
Elly is kind, calm and patient and goes at your own pace. She also sources the best priced plants and looks for a bargain whilst maintaining quality. We are probably half way through and can’t wait to plan again! Thanks Elly”
Suzannah Fitzgerald, Canterbury
“Lovely people, hugely knowledgeable, well able to advise me on planting in my windswept coastal garden. Such hardworkers too, AND very kind to my new-to-me little dog who is frightened of the world.”
Shirley Turner, Kent
“I moved into a house which had an empty garden that was just lawn, and I didn’t know where to start with it. Elly was brilliant at helping me figure out the potential of the space. She has really detailed knowledge of plants and trees, and the environments in which they thrive. She came up with lots of great ideas about what could work in my garden. She was very easy to talk to, I felt involved in the design process throughout, and very happy with the final result. I highly recommend Elly and Beautifully Balanced Gardens.”
Rosie Read, Dorset
“Stunning designs and attention to detail is first class, would highly recommend Elly for any garden design. Also, for any advice, her knowledge of plants is fantastic.”
Craig Parry, Canterbury
“Elly has been helping with our garden- its design, planting and upkeep- and with my own personal horticultural education and development over the last 5 years. Over that period Elly has responded brilliantly to the changing needs of the garden and our family and been instrumental in maintaining and developing a wonderful outdoor space for our own enjoyment, for the enjoyment of others, and, of course, for nature and the wildlife to whom she is hugely committed.
We have worked together in the garden and her visits are always something I look forward to. She is energetic, enthusiastic and calmly very efficient. She considers options for improvements and is excellent at sharing on line information that can be reviewed at leisure. Her “hands on” experience means she is knowledgeable, not only about the documented attributes of various plants and plantations, but also about how these develop in real situations.
She has been an invaluable help on many projects but most especially her work to prepare our garden for a family wedding. Related to that, we also commissioned her for a design for the newly weds small new garden as a wedding present. The drawings were hugely appreciated and will be put into action this spring.”
Helene McWilliams, Canterbury
“I have been very lucky to work with Elly on two projects. Having worked with her first time round in my small walled garden, there was no question that when it came to my current garden I would be in safe hands for a second time. I really enjoy the process of working with Elly, she has been able to translate my vision (as a complete novice) on both occasions to reality.Her design skills and knowledge is incredible!
Working on my current garden was particularly rewarding as Elly worked in collaboration with a local gardener who did all the planting, together they have created something very special that brings pure joy.”
Yvonne Stark, Dover
“I was at the point of giving up on my large rural garden – it all felt like too much! Then I saw Elly’s advert and thought she’s my last hope!
Over the years of using her services she has renewed my love for my garden and passion for plants. She is very knowledgeable about plants, soil and wildlife and has been a wonderfully patient facilitator in transforming my large garden into a richly planted and ecologically diverse garden for me and all the wildlife that lives here and shares it with me. I can’t recommend her highly enough!“
Mrs C Willett, Kent