Jo Newton Garden Design & Consultancy

19/06/2026

I've had a lovely suprise communication from a client this week. I went to her property over in the Peak District and we had a Garden Consultation (without a write-up on this occasion).

I've asked her permission to share her video...she also said some very encouraging things which I'm sharing here:

"Jo, over a year ago you helped me map out a plan for wavy paths. Finally it was finished this May, over a year late...I have done a quick video walk round. Still lots of planting opportunities to go at.
Thank you so much and I will share your details if anyone asks and you would like me to.

I shall never forget the emphasis you put on flow with the arrows on the plan and the advice not to make the central border too big. The gravel is super, the stones by the bear were dug out from underneath the original flags and the tubs for herbs in the yard handy for the kitchen. All your suggestions.

You can tell I am delighted, and I can't thank you enough for agreeing to drive over on that freezing cold day."

05/06/2026

This week, while answering a new enquiry about my Garden Consultations, I got asked, "What do I get for my money?"

It's a fair question, so here goes:

1. You get my plant knowledge. And what plants work where, and where they won't work.

2. You get my local knowledge. I've been involved in gardening and garden design in the Bolton and Greater Manchester area for over 14 years, so I usually know what plants work here and what won't.

3. I offer garden advice, so, for example, you may have some ideas yourself but I can help you to discover if these ideas would work in your garden.

4. I can draw a Plan Idea for you if that's what you would like (as shown below). This can be landscaping and/or some planting suggestions.

5. You get a write-up, so that all we discuss is on paper and you don't have to remember everything we've said when I visit. It's there for you to refer to as you progress with your garden.

6. And most importantly, it's all bespoke to YOU! And YOUR garden. I take into account your needs, your likes and dislikes, your style preferences, and so on. Your garden is unique and together we can make an outside space that YOU will enjoy!

Contact me if you need this service - I'd love to help!

10/04/2026

A little bit of a selection here from my typical working week:

1. The magnificent Magnolia in full bloom in Deane churchyard. My morning job sometimes entails a walk over to church from my office - which I love!

2. & 3. One of my recent Garden Consultations which involved lots of advice for this Manchester client's long back garden and my Plan Idea for the lower end of their garden. The garden work keeps me busy in my afternoons.

I'm currently working on a Plan Idea and write-up for some clients north of Bolton, and am very thankful that I have 2 more lined up for the next couple of weeks, one already visited, one yet to visit. Both very different but very plant-orientated.

If you would like a Garden Consultation with advice or a Plan Idea, get in touch!

20/02/2026

Our Cornus alba sibirica looking brilliant after the rain this afternoon!

I've been off sick today with THE VIRUS but felt the need to pop out for a breath of fresh air. Nice to be rewarded with this.

On a gardening tip note: it's almost time to prune this down. Sounds harsh but it helps to keep that vibrant colour. I also don't want it to grow too big.

06/02/2026

I've been working on a consultation for this lovely garden in the last couple of weeks. I'm now moving on to a very different, modern, family garden as my next project.

I specialise in Garden Consultations with Plan Ideas and planting ideas. And I'm happy to say, I'm getting well booked up, for which I'm grateful.

If you would like a Garden Consultation, get in touch!

16/01/2026