“From the outset, Yvonne understood our client’s brief and provided concise and practical landscape design, being particularly helpful with Code for Sustainable Homes compliance. Yvonne incorporated both horticultural and ecological knowledge and experience, and I would have no hesitation in recommending her for any project that requires a landscaping input”
(Roger Fagg, Architect)
“Yvonne always has inspirational ideas for gardens of wellbeing and I love the effortless, continual show of colour she created that always makes me smile. I really appreciated her visits and the ingenuity of her planting. I can’t bear to be parted from one of her layered terracotta pots full of a succession of daffodils then tulips then African lilies and finally ornamental onions – it has come with me through several house-moves!”
(Yvonne P, Garden design client)
“Yvonne has been generous in sharing her expertise and knowledge of plants with us. Over the last few years she has also supported PLOT 22 to develop the use of permaculture principles in how we garden. She has streamlined our annual growing plans and our seed planting process, planned and created new spaces that are easy on the eye and involved other gardeners in implementing these plans.”
(Emma H, Founder of Plot 22)
“Yvonne is an exceptionally good listener and matches the garden’s needs to your needs with practical, wise and creative suggestions. She knows what works well and she is keen to do the very best for you.”
(Georgia C, Garden maintenance client)
“My small garden looks much bigger than it is because Yvonne was able to see how it could be split into two separate areas, using patios instead of grass, a particular requirement of mine. She used my personal preferences to design planting that is now mature and still looking good. I can recommend her to undertake a thoroughly professional redesign of your garden.”
(Lesley W, Garden design client)
“Yvonne provided ecology reports for the Code for Sustainable Homes for two of our new-build residential construction projects in West Sussex. She was able to take the client’s brief and most importantly, their budget, and come up with creative and practical options alongside the architect’s remit to produce a satisfying and pleasing outcome for the property. We would have no hesitation in recommending her for any small or medium residential development project.”
(Helen Gaffney, Gaffney Architecture)
‘Yvonne’s wide-ranging plant knowledge helped me choose a selection of plants with fascinating form and foliage which thrived in our shady raised beds with plenty of year round interest in an intelligent design which made the most of our small space.”
(Rod B, Garden design client)
“I have been working with Yvonne on a therapeutic gardening project for the last 18 months. I know her to be an excellent plantswoman with a deep respect for nature who creates beautiful spaces.”
(Alison W, Plot 22)
“Yvonne has provided several habitat and botanical surveys and biodiversity reports for our clients across the south-east. Working with her has always been a positive experience. Skilled, prompt and industrious, Yvonne provides sensitive, practical and creative solutions.”
(Helen Neve, Land Management Services)
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Yvonne McDermott for the past three and a half years. Her encyclopaedic knowledge of plants and horticulture in general, is second to none. Calm and collected, she is the perfect person to have around your garden”
(Janet T, Plot 22)
“Yvonne helped us with an ecology report and planting plan for the Code for Sustainable Homes at a residential development site in Brighton. Her pragmatic recommendations enabled us to achieve valuable ecology credits and to create a beautiful wildlife-friendly garden area.”
(Emma Petrykow, Flint Architecture)
“It was a real pleasure to work with Yvonne, who has an extensive knowledge of plants and lots of interesting ideas.”
(Jenny B, Garden design client)
“I found that Yvonne was tolerant of dealing with me (a ‘rooky’) and understood what I wanted to achieve with her help.”
(Rod H, Garden design client)
“Yvonne is competent in the wide range of skills needed to successfully complete environmental design projects. These include; surveying, species identification, mapping, design and production.”
(Mick D, Village conservation society)
“Yvonne has been a great friend to our women’s organisation in recent years, helping us to develop imaginative ways to incorporate nature and the elements into our healing residential workshops, from planting dreams with spring bulbs to fire ceremonies and creating inspiring vision boards. She creates a soothing calmness, is non-judgemental and also (above all) a good listener. As and when appropriate she offers insights or suggestions or choices on how to move forward by helping individuals articulate achievable targets. We have no hesitation in recommending her to those interested in ‘healing’ work.”
(Gillian F, Founder of charity helping vulnerable women)