CBG design
CHARLES BUTLER GARDENS
Exceptional garden design and landscaping in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey and beyond. Based in Henley-on-Thames, but working wherever required, we renovate, design and build gardens of all sizes, from big to small, to accommodate all budgets.
From contemporary family gardens to country landscapes, we start with a free, no-obligation meeting at your home to discuss what you want to achieve with your garden.
Whether a complete renovation or sympathetically working within an existing garden, we provide plans and quotes that can be done in full or in stages over the years as fits your budget.
Not only garden designers, we provide a full service, from plan to provision of the highest quality plants to completed garden.
Book now for a free 30-minute consultation with a free, no-obligation design quote.
Bespoke garden design, planting plans and complete outdoor transformations tailored to your lifestyle and budget
Charles Butler
Garden design
A complete design of the garden, including planting and hard landscaping features/swimming pools.
Full Garden Design Offering
Charles Butler Gardens provides a comprehensive, full garden design service tailored to create the garden of your dreams. From initial consultation to final installation, we manage every stage to deliver a coherent, beautiful and functional outdoor space that reflects your lifestyle, site conditions and budget.
What’s included
Initial Consultation and Site Survey
On-site meeting to discuss brief, aspirations, style preferences, required functions (entertaining, play, vegetables, wildlife, etc.), budget and timescales.
Detailed site survey: measurements, levels, orientation, soil type, drainage, existing features and constraints.
Photographs and base plan preparation.
Concept Design
Concept options showing spatial layout, circulation, focal points and relationship to the house.
Scaled conceptual plan and sketch visuals to communicate proposed ideas.
Outline palette suggestions for materials, planting style and key hard landscaping features.
Client review meeting and revision of chosen concept.
2. Developed Design
Refined scaled plan incorporating feedback, with dimensions, levels and construction principles.
Planting design: plant list with botanical and common names, and planting densities.
Materials palette: recommended paving, decking, fencing, walls, lighting and water features, with sample references.
3. Technical Drawings and Specifications
Details for bespoke elements (retaining walls, steps, bespoke planters, pergolas, water features).
Detailed specification document suitable for tendering and construction.
Why choose Charles Butler Gardens
Holistic service from concept to completion with an experienced designer and trusted craftsmen.
Design-led approach that balances aesthetics, practicality and biodiversity.
Local to Henley-on-Thames but happy to work wherever required.
Clear communication, detailed documentation and responsible project management.
Next steps
Contact us to arrange an initial consultation and site survey. We will discuss your brief and provide a tailored proposal outlining scope, timescale and fees.
OUR SERVICES
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Provision of complete planting plans
We provide comprehensive planting plans that transform a garden concept into a practical, thriving design. Whether you require a small courtyard refresh or a full-scale garden renovation, our planting plans are tailored to site conditions, client preferences and long-term maintenance needs.
What you receive
Planting plan drawing: a clear, scaled plan showing plant positions, bed shapes and hardscape relationships. Suitable for contractors and installation teams.
Plant schedule: a detailed list of plants with botanical and common names, pot size or root form at installation.
Our approach
Client consultation: we discuss style preferences, practical requirements (child- and pet-safe plants, low-allergy options, edibles), budget and maintenance capacity.
Ecological and climatic suitability: plants are chosen to suit local conditions and to promote biodiversity where desired.
Longevity and structure: emphasis on a layered planting approach — structural trees and shrubs, followed by intermediate shrubs, perennials and groundcovers — to create depth and resilience.
Delivery and implementation
Digital and print formats: plans supplied as high-resolution PDF and printable A1/A2 drawings.
Project support: we can supervise planting, provide one-off site visits during installation, or manage the full planting contract on your behalf.
Why choose Charles Butler Gardens
Practical, site-informed planting that performs season after season.
Focus on sustainability, biodiversity and maintenance-led design.
Requesting a planting plan.
Provide a site survey or allow us to visit for a full survey. Tell us about style preferences, any existing plants to retain, and your maintenance expectations. We will then provide a proposal outlining scope, deliverables, timescale and fee.
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A total price for a whole garden design.
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A costing based on each area, to enable you to budget and build the design in sections over a period of time to spread the cost.
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A service to oversee the whole project. From design to build, working with supp
Comprehensive project management for whole-of-plot area projects
Scope
Full-site assessment
Client briefing and objectives
Phasing strategy: identify work that can run concurrently or in sequence to minimise disruption and spread cost; produce a realistic programme.
Regulatory and site management
Planning and consents: prepare and submit planning applications, liaise with planners, handle Tree Preservation Order (TPO) issues and conservation area requirements.
Environmental considerations: sustainable materials, responsible sourcing, water management, soil protection, habitat retention and creation.
Procurement and contractor management
Tendering and procurement: prepare tender packages, invite and evaluate contractors, obtain references and confirm insurances.
Contractor coordination: schedule sequencing, daily site supervision, progress meetings, statutory inspections and quality control.
Subcontractor management: plumbing, electrics, specialist planting teams, stonework, carpentry and bespoke fabrication management.
Programme delivery
Project programming: Critical path identification, milestone tracking and resource allocation.
On-site supervision: experienced project manager to oversee workmanship, resolve site issues and ensure adherence to specification.
Communication: regular client updates, site reports, photographs, budget vs actual reports and proactive issue escalation.
Quality assurance and handover
Inspection and snagging: systematic inspections at predefined stages, documented snag lists and rectification schedules.
Value-added services
Landscape lighting design and commissioning.
Irrigation design and installation with water-saving controls.
Wildlife and biodiversity enhancement plans.
Garden furniture and bespoke joinery specification.
Long-term garden stewardship and seasonal maintenance contracts.
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A guide to your new garden, detailing the plants and when and how to care for them in the long term.
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Excellent quality plants supplied from the top trade nurseries to ensure you have the best plants at very competitive prices.
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We are able to revisit your garden seasonally to tidy up and prepare for the next season.
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A garden build is only finished when the final details are added. We source the finest garden furniture and planters, built to the highest standards, to complement your garden.
We will personally go through samples and fabrics to help you choose the right pieces.
Our Testimonials
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We had a garden that was in a bad way after a house extension project, which we wanted to turn into a pleasant & inspiring outdoor place to relax in. The original space itself was quite unusual, with lots of different levels and corners, meaning we were at a loss as to the best way to transform it. Charles put togther a design that tied all the different parts of the garden together in a consistent way, with the perfect blend of plants & hard landscaping. The garden now looks fantastic, ties in beautifully with our house and provides a brilliant place to relax & socialise in. Charles was full of ideas & advice whilst also being responsive to our inputs. He is easy to work with, friendly and very focused on getting the project done right. We’re extremely happy with the project overall and would recommend Charles to anyone looking for a great garden designer.
Chris B.
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I would highly recommend Charles Butler Gardens. From my initial enquiry, it was quickly followed by a visit to review the work required and an indication of the price was given without any obligation, this was followed by a booking and the work undertaken without any fuss or hassle to a high standard. All in all, a very pleasurable experience and both Charles and Jane offer a 1st class service with a really friendly and professional approach. Hard to beat I would suggest. Many Thanks.
Phil T.
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Charles is a thoughtful, measured and precise gardener, he ensures work is done to the highest standard. This is not a quick fix gardening company, but one that invests effort and time to ensure the job is done thoroughly and properly. great work and a beautiful result. Highly recommended.
Nigel T.
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Charles Butler Gardens started working with us a few years ago to sort out a large, neglected garden. He has transformed it through a combination of clever design, thoughtful planting (both new additions, but most often splitting and relocating plants) and ongoing maintenance. It’s so rewarding to see the garden develop over recent years and each season brings new delight. Charles has demonstrated his deep knowledge of horticulture, particularly through his choice of plants for different areas, but also through his pruning which has transformed our wisteria and climbing roses into abundant producers! He is also patient and generous in sharing his knowledge with us, which has enabled us to learn and appreciate our garden.
Lisa G
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We are absolutely thrilled with the terrace makeover Jane and Charles led for us. They completely transformed our outdoor space into a beautiful, modern retreat. We now have one of the best office terraces in London! From the start, they were incredibly professional creatives, and they had fantastic design ideas which aligned with what we wanted. The whole process was seamless and they were a pleasure to work with. We highly recommend Jane and Charles to anyone looking to elevate their outdoor space. Thank you for our new favourite spot to relax!
Wagestream Ltd.
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A great experience working with Charles and Jane throughout the garden redesign project. From initial conversations, meetings and designs Charles was able to distill exactly what we were thinking and hoping and come up with (and deliver) our perfect garden. All the way through to completion of the project, it was a pleasure working with CBG and their knowledge, advice and suggestions were spot on every time. We now can’t wait for spring and summer to see the garden in full bloom and use it as our own perfect haven. I would recommend CBG to anyone in a heartbeat. Thank you Charles and Jane.
Neil B.
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We had a wonderful experience working with Charles and Jane on our garden project. The computer generated videos were really helpful to visualise the garden design and we were impressed by their professionalism and speed of response. Both Charles and Jane are very client focused and listened to the brief whilst guiding us expertly. The plants were designed to fit with the soil, sun and maintenance levels. We love the finished product and are enjoying our new look garden. Thank you both so much!
Suparna D.
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Charles re-did all our borders last year and has done a fantastic job, helping to transform our garden.
Steve M.
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We recently worked with Charles Butler on our garden design and couldn’t be happier with the results. From the initial planning stage, Charles demonstrated a clear vision and really listened to what we wanted. Communication throughout was excellent — always responsive and kept us informed at every stage. The finished result has completely transformed our outdoor space. Highly recommended.
Yovaan I
Get in Touch
Thank you for considering Charles Butler Gardens.
We specialise in residential and commercial landscape design, garden layout, planting, outdoor living spaces, custom water features, swimming pools, kitchens, firepits, hardscapes, and seasonal garden maintenance. Book Your Free 30-minute Garden Design Consultation, with a free, no obligation design quote.
After form submission, expect a review and scheduled consultation to discuss your vision, budget, and preferences.
We are excited to bring your garden to life!