Client Testimonials

Fig Garden Design came to us highly recommended by a trusted local builder. With a large wraparound garden and only a rough idea of what we were hoping to achieve, Ben did incredible job creating and delivering on a design and project that incorporated two new timber framed buildings and transformed every bit of useable outdoor space.

On his first visit, Ben immediately pointed out that the driveway and approach to the property was unwelcoming. With clever design and landscaping, the front door is now a much more natural entry point for visitors and we have a large usable area of flat lawn surrounded by beautiful stone walls and low maintenance beds.

With an incredible knowledge of plants and trees, Ben both listened and advised. His design also included a detailed lighting plan and so that our new and existing trees look beautiful by day and night. We have received many compliments from family and friends, but also from local courier and supermarket delivery drivers who have watched the project come together.

Perhaps most importantly, Ben was very easy to work with. He was happy to adapt elements of the design as we went along, had an excellent relationship with our chosen contractor, and has kept in touch with ongoing help and advice. We cannot recommend Fig Garden Design enough. In fact, Ben is now working on a new project with our next door neighbours!

Salome, Burford

I first started working with Ben in May 2021. He was recommended to me after I had struggled to find a garden designer who was happy to listen to my ideas and discuss options. It has ultimately been a long relationship as there was quite a gap between agreeing the garden design to securing a start date with the landscaper. We finally completed the garden in November 2022.

Ben has been a total joy to work with. Not only is he a really nice guy, but he has always been happy to work within my budget and advise cost effective solutions, he has always listened and responded to feedback. Important for me was that Ben took an oversight role with the landscapers which was brilliant and gave me the confidence that the design we had agreed would be implemented. To be fair, the landscaper has also been excellent. The garden is absolutly fab. I live in a new build and the garden was bland and full of builders rubble. It has been totally transformed. I could not have imagined how successful the garden design and implementation would be. So happy with the end result. I wholeheartedly recommend Ben, you will not be disappointed.

Brenda

“Ben has completely transformed our outside space from a very tired and unexciting back garden into an interesting multifunctional area. Bens’ creative designs exceeded our expectations and we now have a garden with different levels, seating areas and water features together with clever and imaginative planting.

Ben listened carefully to our requests and priorities and was flexible in making changes. He was clear about the costs, worked closely with the contractors, kept us up to date every step of the way and responded quickly to requests. He was also very willing to help with follow-up recommendations and suggestions after the work was completed. We would highly recommend Ben and Fig Garden Design.

Jacki and Pete

“We have worked with Ben extensively over the last 12 months. He has a great eye, is very knowledgeable about plants and trees and has created a wonderful walled garden for us. He is also a huge pleasure to work with, patient, thoughtful and good fun!”

Mr B Backhouse

"Fig Garden Design have transformed my smallish, ordinary back garden into a truly magical space! Their landscaping design uses all corners of the garden to great effect, making it appear much larger, with areas of sun and shade seating, lounging and room for outdoor cooking. Their subtle planting design offers tremendous variety in a unified vision. I cannot recommend Fig Garden Design highly enough for their skill in designing and delivering the garden of one's dreams."

“After the renovation project to my home, a previously unconnected garden is accessible for me to enjoy through all the seasons.

Ben had the skill and imagination to understand and interpret what I was trying to achieve. From the hard landscaping to soft planting he has given me what I wanted from my garden.

A big thank you to Ben at Fig Garden Design for transforming my outside space into a lovely garden”

M. Meadows

“I can not recommend Fig Garden design more highly. They had a tough brief - and they fulfilled it beautifully.Ben and Ali are friendly, calm and passionate about what they do! They really listened to our brief and came up with inspired designs.We have a garden that is absolutely transformed now. Our neighbours love it too! I have had lots of compliments ....What I particularly liked is that I had input into the design. It was a true collaborative effort.

They know their plants and it has been so exciting to watch the garden come to life. Actually even straight after it was planted it looked like a mature garden. Amazing. There is interest during every season. Even the children haven’t been forgotten! We have a sunken trampoline and a swing from a pergola. The water feature is an absolute delight too. Very creative.

Ben’s written instructions on how to care for every plant has been a great help in maintaining the garden.It has been worth every penny. Thank you Fig Garden Design!”

Stella, Leamington Spa

I have worked alongside the fabulous Ben and Ali on garden projects of varying sizes over the years. Always taking into consideration the client's requirements, they come equipped with a bucket load of clever ideas to transform an often lacklustre garden into a beautiful space which can be enjoyed all year round. They are a professional and knowledgable team with great client communication and attention to detail. Always a pleasure to work with, I can highly recommend!

Han& Hall, Oxford

I loved working with Fig on the redesign of our city garden. They really listened to my concerns about the space, came up with some brilliant suggestions, and provided inspiring designs and plans. As someone who isn't green-fingered in the slightest they made the process very simple and easy. Would highly recommend them!

Mrs C. Stevenson, Oxford

“I cannot speak highly enough of the design and build of my garden by Fig Garden Design. I have a small town garden which previously had a tiny lawn and a pond, together with a patio and paved area. In spite of my best efforts it was not a pleasant environment. Ali and Ben redesigned it to remove the pond and to build a light, airy space on a number of levels using lovely planting and clever design. It now looks about twice the size. I was fully involved in the design process.For instance, I needed to keep a tree for sentimental reasons and I wanted an area of chamomile lawn and a particular type of screening. This was all incorporated sensitively. The garden has been completely transformed. It is better and bigger and more interesting than I ever imagined would be possible. The groundwork was done by Tom who dealt with all logistical difficulties with good humour and immense energy. No-one has visited my garden this year without commenting on what a great impact it has. The plants have been chosen with skill as to height and colour and general effect. The stepped gravelled area has been planted with grasses, chamomile, lavender and other flowers that complement each other beautifully and make the whole space interesting and vivid. Ben and Ali also planted a fig tree for me amongst a number of other pots. I am watching my agapanthus grow with interest. In summary, I am absolutely delighted with the service and consider it great value for money.”

Mrs F Haye, Oxford

" I loved working with Fig on the redesign of our city garden. They really listened to my concerns about the space, came up with some brilliant suggestions and provided inspiring designs and plans. As someone who isn’t green-fingered in the slightest they made the process very simple and easy. Would highly recommend them."

Mrs Charlotte Stevenson, Oxford

"After nearly 10 years of letting out my lovely terrace house in Oxford, the garden was in need not just of some TLC but a complete re-shaping and redesign. It took me a long time to pluck up the courage to commission someone, because I knew that living 300 miles away I couldn’t be there to supervise the design and choice of plants, and I could not afford mistakes. I need not have worried: Ali at Fig consulted me at every stage, drew up plans, suggested plants and a planting scheme and even recommended contractors for building and clearing work, and met them on site. She took lots of photographs, sent drawings, discussed colour and shape, explained everything in detail - and was scrupulous about helping me stick to my limited budget. There were no nasty surprises at the end: everything was perfect. I cannot recommend Fig highly enough. A truly personal service, tailored exactly to my needs."

Mrs B Everett, Oxford

"When l moved into my newly built house Fig Garden Designs drew up a comprehensive garden plan for me with a patio, lawn and borders. They supervised the building work and planted out the borders. I have been extremely pleased with the result."

Mrs M Tweedie, Warwick

"It was a delight working with Ben and creating the garden at my cottage. He was so patient and thorough discussing the sort of garden I wanted; the shapes, the colours, the ambience. As soon as I saw the drawings I knew we were on the same page. It was exciting watching the structure fall into place and I could not believe how quickly and efficiently the planting was done. And by summer I had a lovely new garden to enjoy. Of course, my job was the maintenance and Ben was so helpful coming in to check on everything and helping to get things up to scratch. Now I am excited to find a new project for me and another garden for Ben and Fig."

Ms J Eve, Aldbury, Hertfordshire

"We were delighted with Fig's design concept, which responded to our brief exactly, while adding imagination, impressive plant knowledge and detailed design rigour to the basic idea we had for the plot.

Charming to deal with, Ali and Ben are always attentive and energetic - and patient with their (in our case ignorant) clients.

They supervised the project closely, were hands-on where needed, worked very well with our other contractors, yet stayed firmly within the budget we had agreed.

The resulting garden will delight us for years.

For anyone wanting to work with good natured, efficient and knowledgeable garden designers, I cannot recommend Fig too highly!"

Mr and Mrs Pritchard, Oxfordshire

"Fig Garden Design have taken our small garden and transformed it into a beautiful, contemporary, useful space that our whole family can enjoy.

From the overall concept to the careful choice of plants, Fig has come up with ideas that were different to ours and other firms we considered.

Fig was also able to assist with the procurement of a landscaping contractor, whilst taking on the careful planting duties themselves.

We have wholeheartedly recommended Ali and Ben to our friends, who have also been impressed with their attention to detail throughout their projects."

Mr and Mrs Landreth, Warwickshire