Ashley James is an Australian Garden Designer, Maker & Garden Writer.

From relaxed country and cottage gardens to bold urban spaces, Ashley James has gained a reputation for creating beautiful, romantic gardens, that combine traditional design principles with wildly romantic plantings. A creative and hands-on designer, Ashleys gardens have an immersive quality that are often praised for their whimsical and romantic charm.

With over twenty years’ experience within the garden design and construction industry and a true plantsman, Ashley has a strong understanding of how gardens come together and develop over time, coupled with his creative and detailed garden designs Ashley skills and knowledge provide him with the opportunity to connect every client with their dream garden.

Seamlessly blending the realms of design and construction

Ashleys work as designer and garden maker is based on the integration of design and construction, his commitment to his clients goes beyond just the initial design phase. A hands-on designer Ashley believes in being fully involved in the construction of all of his gardens.

Services

  • The process of creating your custom garden starts with an on-site meeting, where Ashley carefully assesses the current site conditions and gets a clear understanding of your vision and expectations for the project. Ashley encourages you to share your ideas and requirements, so he can create a tailored plan that meets your needs. During this meeting, Ashley will also provide practical advice and valuable information to guide you through the process. Once this initial consultation is complete, Ashley will prepare a Design Fee Proposal, which outlines the project brief and scope.

    Please note that a fee will be charged for this preliminary consultation.

  • Concept Design

    The concept design illustrates the envisioned layout, materials, and planting palette for your garden. The concept design includes plans and views that effectively communicate the design outcome. It is a dynamic and collaborative document that evolves through close consultation with you, the client. Once the design is approved and finalised, Ashley will move forward with the Documentation.

    Documentation

    Produced by Ashley after the concept design has been agreed, The Documentation encompasses all the necessary information required for installing your garden. This comprehensive document includes a master plan, planting plan, planting schedule, lighting plan, as well as detailed specifications and all relevant details to install your garden.

  • Once your garden design is complete a project estimation is prepared and if accepted, Ashley will schedule an approximate start date for the construction of your garden. Ashley and his team work with their network of trusted trades and licensed practitioners to bring your garden to life. A hands-on designer and skilled craftsman Ashleys knowledge in horticulture and landscaping ensure that the garden is executed in accordance with his design vision.

  • A passionate gardener Ashley understands that gardens are living and evolving works of art designed to be developed through the skill of horticulture with seasonal pruning, planning and management.

    Ashley and his team work on dedicated gardens to ensure they develop and mature to their full potential.

Ashleys work has also been featured on numerous tv programmes including,

Channel Nines “The Block”, (where he received the viewer choice award for his St Kilda Courtyard)

Channel Sevens “Better Homes & Gardens” and Channel Tens “Country House Facelift”