Thoughtful garden and planting design across Surrey and beyond. Working with homeowners to create natural, inviting spaces from small city gardens to countryside retreats.

“a well-designed garden can completely transform how you feel about a space – it becomes somewhere to breathe, unwind and enjoy every day.”

– CLARE McMILLAN

Services

Garden design that suits your space and lifestyle

I offer a range of garden design services; from concepts through to planting plans and support during the build, I’ll guide you through the process to create a garden that works beautifully for you.

Meet Clare

Your designer from first sketch to final plant

I’m a garden and planting designer based near Haslemere, working with clients across the South East. With a personal, flexible approach, I help you shape a garden that reflects your taste and fits naturally with the way you live.

Clare graduated with Honours from KLC School of Design (Dip.KLC(OL)Hons) and was a finalist at the prestigious Society of Garden Designers Awards in 2021.

She believes in fostering a collaborative relationship to ensure that every garden truly reflects individual styles and needs. Through an enjoyable design process she hopes to pass on her knowledge and enthusiasm to encourage and enable clients to take an active interest in their gardens.

Clare is also a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and retrained in garden design following a career as a professional oboist.

Thinking about your next garden project?

Get in touch to see how Clare McMillan Garden Design can bring your outdoor space to life.

Explore Services

Get to know our range of offerings

Garden Consultation

An initial site visit and conversation to understand your garden space, lifestyle and aspirations.

Garden design

Tailored designs from concept sketches to detailed plans.

Planting design

Bringing your design to life with beautiful planting schemes.

What clients say

“Clare has been a joy to work with throughout every stage of creating our new garden.

We wanted a space that lent itself to the rural environment we live in, with a wildlife pond and wildflower area, as well as raised beds. Primarily, it had to be a practical, low maintenance and fun garden for a family, with space to play.

Clare has been clear in her ideas and vision and always listened to us, staying true to our brief. She incorporated tricky ground levels into the design and the garden has a great flow, from green spaces to hard landscaping and back again. Her planting suggestions have been spot on, allowing for everything from year-round damp ground, shady woodland beds to sunny raised beds.

Endlessly cheerful and positive, she has been a lot of fun to work with, inspiring us to keep going and always ready with advice on a new plant. We would highly recommend Clare to anyone with a project large or small.”

Rebecca & Tim, West Sussex

“From the first consultation, it was clear to see that Clare knew her stuff. She took the time to really understand our vision for the garden and then brought it to life with thoughtful planting choices, beautiful structural elements and a layout that feels both functional and serene. The design is not only visually stunning but also low-maintenance – exactly what we asked for.

Throughout the process, communication was excellent. Clare kept us informed at every stage and was always open to feedback, making the entire experience enjoyable and collaborative.

Every time we step outside, it feels like we’re walking into our own private retreat. We’ve had so many compliments from friends and neighbours. If you’re looking for someone who combines artistic vision with horticultural expertise and a real passion for their craft, I would highly recommend Clare. She really does go above and beyond.”

Mr & Mrs H, Haslemere

“We cannot praise Clare highly enough. She listened to our ideas and offered fantastic design suggestions that aligned with our vision. Her attention to detail and knowledge about what would and wouldn’t work was top-notch.

The final design exceeded all our expectations and we couldn’t be happier with her work and would highly recommend her. Thank you!”

Mr & Mrs M, East Molesey

“We’re absolutely delighted with the front garden that Clare created for us. Although the space is small and north-facing, Clare created a vibrant, welcoming entrance with year-round interest in the beautiful planting, which feels full without ever being overcrowded.

The final design is very different from what I’d originally planned but it’s so much more interesting and creative than I could have imagined. Clare chose plants I’d never have thought of but they are perfect for the conditions and bring texture, colour and personality to the space. Neighbours often stop to compliment the garden and every day we’re delighted to see how it grows and changes.

Clare was a pleasure to work with from start to finish – professional, imaginative and deeply knowledgeable. We couldn’t recommend her more highly to anyone looking to transform their outdoor space.”

Alison & Jerry, Penarth

“Happy clients and successful gardens go hand in hand. Having worked with Clare, it’s easy to see why her gardens are successful. She listens closely to the needs of her clients, as well as being sympathetic to the character of the garden and its surroundings.

Her meticulous attention to detail is evident in her plans and this, combined with her understanding of hard landscaping techniques and materials, enables the construction element of her projects to run smoothly.

The fact that Clare is a seasoned, hands-on plants person means her schemes are not only rich and interesting through the seasons but, above all, reliably hardy. Perhaps her most important trait is her infectious enthusiasm, which is crucial in bringing any garden to life.”

Ben West, Landscaping Solutions Ltd

“Clare captured my desires for the garden and expanded them with solutions that have worked beautifully in linking the garden to the house. She is very reliable and a pleasure to listen to with her inspirational ideas, which have transformed the garden into a space that is uniquely ours.”

Mr & Mrs S, Fernhurst

Thinking about your next garden project?

Get in touch to see how Clare McMillan Garden Design can bring your outdoor space to life.