Studio philosophy
A relationship defined through design
A garden should feel as though house and landscape belong to one another — inherently connected, shaped through a quiet underlying coherence.
We design private landscapes where space is organised with clarity, materials are used with restraint, and planting is composed to bring depth, movement and seasonal change.
Projects range from complete garden redesigns to the refinement of individual areas, often involving the reworking of levels, terraces and circulation, alongside detailed planting design.
Working across Cheshire, Heswall and North Wales, our gardens settle into their surroundings and improve with time.
White Garden, Cheshire
A garden shaped through restraint — where planting, material and light are carefully balanced to create a calm, unified composition.
A limited palette allows subtle variation in form and texture to come forward, establishing a quiet structure that evolves through the seasons.
The result is a landscape that feels settled and composed — softening and deepening over time.
Approach
A measured approach to landscape design
Each project begins with a close reading of the site — its levels, architecture, orientation and atmosphere.
From this, a clear spatial structure is established. Circulation, terraces, thresholds and planting are developed in relation to one another, allowing the garden to read as a coherent whole.
The design is refined through adjustment and resolution — ensuring clarity in both form and construction.
This is landscape design grounded in spatial thinking and informed by horticultural knowledge.
What we design
Private landscapes for significant homes
Projects are defined by the relationship between architecture, garden and setting — with space organised clearly and a framework established to allow the garden to develop over time.
Commissions range from complete estate redesigns to the refinement of individual areas, often involving the reworking of levels, circulation and spatial hierarchy.
Work typically includes architectural terraces, structured and naturalistic planting, outdoor living spaces and the careful placement of trees and materials — each element considered in relation to the whole.
Planting, composed over time
Planting is developed as part of the wider composition — not applied as a separate layer.
It provides structure, atmosphere and seasonal variation, reinforcing the architectural framework while allowing the garden to evolve.
Schemes are built as layered compositions, combining long-term structure with more ephemeral planting, ensuring the landscape remains legible as it matures.
Decisions are informed by horticultural knowledge, nursery experience and ongoing observation — bringing depth, resilience and quiet complexity to each project.
Standalone planting commissions are undertaken at a meaningful scale — typically from £5,000 — allowing schemes to be properly developed, sourced and established.
Working at scale
Working at scale
Larger gardens require more than decoration — they require structure, patience and a long view.
Projects often involve establishing new spatial hierarchies, reworking levels and shaping a sequence of connected outdoor spaces, allowing the landscape to unfold gradually.
The result is a garden that feels generous, composed and entirely in keeping with its setting.
About
About the studio
Jane Houghton is an award-winning landscape and garden designer based in Chester, working across Cheshire, the Wirral and North Wales.
Her work brings together design training, horticultural knowledge and an ongoing process of observation — resulting in landscapes that are carefully composed and deeply connected to their setting.
Projects are developed in collaboration with architects, landscape contractors and specialist craftspeople, ensuring each scheme is realised with care, precision and attention to detail.
Locations
Garden design across Cheshire
The studio undertakes projects throughout Cheshire, including Chester, Alderley Edge, Wilmslow, Knutsford and the surrounding countryside.
Work includes new-build properties, renovations and established gardens requiring a considered redesign, often in collaboration with architects and project teams.
We work closely with architects, landscape contractors and specialist craftspeople to ensure each project is delivered with care, precision and attention to detail.
Begin the conversation
For clients considering a significant garden project or landscape transformation, we would be pleased to discuss your plans.
We typically work on projects with a construction value from £80,000 upwards.