Planting-led garden design in Cork
Design that starts with the planting
Every good garden begins with the right judgement
Whether you are rethinking an established garden, starting with a new home or trying to bring a disconnected space together, I provide planting-led garden design, professional planting plans and on-site garden advice in Cork.
My work begins with how the garden should feel, function and mature. Planting is considered from the beginning, not added at the end once every other decision has been made.
Not every garden requires the same level of design. Tell me about your garden and I will recommend the most appropriate way forward.
One service, scaled to the garden
Some gardens need the whole space rethought. Others already have their structure and need the planting improved. Many simply need an experienced eye to work out what is worth keeping. These are the levels the work tends to fall into, and if you are unsure which one applies to you, that is exactly what a consultation is for.
An established garden that needs new life
Your garden already exists. Some of it works and some of it does not, and you are unsure how to improve it. This is the most common garden I am asked to look at.
I identify what should stay, what should go, what should be moved and what should replace it. Mature planting is an asset when it is the right planting in the right place, and a liability when it is not.
The structure is in place, the planting is not
Where the hard landscaping is already built, or already designed by someone else, the planting design works within the structure you have. Nothing needs to be dug up for the garden to change completely.
This is Planting by Numbers. Every plan is drawn to be followed by whoever does the work: each plant named, positioned and counted, so you can easily follow it yourself or hand it to a gardener without translating anything.
The whole garden reconsidered
Where the layout itself is not yet defined, a planting-led concept design sets out how the space should be structured: the position of patios, paths, steps, walls, boundaries and planting areas.
The planting is designed alongside the structure rather than added once every other decision has been made.
Whether you have a mature garden that needs an overall rethink or a brand new space that needs inspiration, tell me about your garden and I will tell you what it actually needs.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR GARDENPlanting-led garden design for Cork gardens
Many garden projects begin with hard landscaping, the patios, paths, walls and boundaries, with planting considered only afterwards.
My approach begins with the garden as a living space. Soil, exposure, existing trees and plants, scale, privacy, seasonality and long-term maintenance are considered alongside how you want to use the garden.
For gardens requiring wider change, I can create a concept design establishing the overall direction of the space. This can identify the proposed position of hard-landscape elements and planting areas before a detailed planting plan is developed.
My particular expertise is planting design and horticultural strategy: selecting, positioning and combining plants so that the garden has cohesion, seasonal continuity and a structure that improves as it matures.
What a concept design can include
- Overall garden layout and design direction
- Suggested positions for patios, paths, walls, steps and other key elements
- Location and shape of planting areas
- Decisions about existing trees and planting
- Detailed planting plans where required
- Plant lists, positioning, quantities and reference images
- Plant sourcing and supply options
- Guidance for contractors implementing the design
What it does not include
- Engineering calculations
- Drainage engineering
- Detailed construction specifications
- Structural drawings
- Detailed level surveys
- Planning or architectural services
- Hard-landscaping construction
Garden outside Cork? The same service is available remotely, working from your own photographs and measurements. See garden design across Ireland.
What They Say...
From wildlife-friendly gardens to low-maintenance spaces, I’ve helped countless homeowners create gardens that truly work for them.
“Peter’s expertise turned my blank lawn into a stunning pollinator-friendly garden. His advice and design were invaluable!
”
“Peter's Design service gave me a detailed, easy-to-follow plan. Now my garden is thriving!
”
“Peter's garden design completely transformed my outdoor space. His expert advice and attention to detail resulted in a stunning, functional garden that suits my lifestyle perfectly. He made it all so easy
”
“Peter came, visited the garden and advised. We didnt need a garden design. Peter made the suggestions, he sourced the correct plants and showed us exactly where to plant and how to layout the beds. I could not be happier with how it has turned out
”
See finished Cork gardens in the portfolio
Have a look at some Cork gardens photographed as they are now, not as drawings. The Douglas Road garden shows what happens when mature planting is edited rather than cleared, and the Ballintemple garden was designed around a family already using the space. The rest are in the Cork portfolio.
On-site garden consultation in Cork
An on-site consultation is appropriate when you are considering changes but are not yet certain whether the garden requires a planting plan, a wider concept design or simply some expert direction.
We walk through the garden together, examining its layout, existing planting, soil, light, exposure, scale, access and how you want to use the space.
The consultation includes
- An on-site visit in Cork or the surrounding area
- Assessment of the garden and existing planting
- Discussion of problems, priorities and possible changes
- Advice about what should remain, change or be removed
- Identification of the most appropriate next step
- A follow-up email report summarising the principal recommendations
If you subsequently commission a full concept design, the consultation fee becomes part of that overall design investment.
Select On-Site Consultation on the form, or mention it in your message.
If you would rather talk it through than fill in a form, call me on 0860495930 or email info@theirishgardener.com. Either is fine, and neither commits you to anything.
How Cork garden projects begin
Tell me about your garden
Send photographs, your location and a short description of what you want to achieve.
I recommend the appropriate route
Depending on the garden, this may be an on-site consultation, Planting by Numbers or a wider concept design and planting plan.
Scope and fee are confirmed
For design projects, I will outline the proposed deliverables, exclusions, cost and timeframe before any work begins.
Design and follow-up
Once the work is completed, we review the design together and discuss plant sourcing, implementation and the appropriate next steps.
About Peter Dowdall.
I have spent more than 30 years working with plants and helping people make better decisions in their gardens.
My work combines practical horticultural experience, planting design, ecological understanding and a realistic appreciation of how gardens are actually used and maintained.
I also contribute regularly to Irish television, radio and national garden media.
My approach is simple: understand the garden properly first, then establish the right level of support.
But at the heart of it all is this:
"I love helping people enjoy their gardens more.
Every garden project brings together practical experience, ecological understanding, and creativity, shaped around how you want to live outdoors."
Common questions
Do you provide garden design throughout Cork?
Yes. I work across Cork city and county and the surrounding areas of Munster. Locations further afield are considered by arrangement, and an online consultation is available anywhere in Ireland.
Do I need an on-site consultation first?
No. Use Tell Me About Your Garden and I will advise whether a consultation is necessary. Some gardens move straight to a planting plan or a concept design.
What is the difference between Planting by Numbers and a wider garden design?
Planting by Numbers is for gardens where the layout, hard landscaping and beds are already established, and the planting is what needs resolving. A wider concept design considers the overall structure of the garden before the planting is decided.
Do your designs include construction drawings?
No. I produce concept designs and planting plans. Where technical drawings, structural detail, drainage or level surveys are required, these are provided by a contractor, engineer or other professional. I am happy to work alongside them.
Can you supply the plants?
Yes. Once the planting plan is complete I can provide an accurate plant supply quotation, sourced from Irish trade growers.
Do you offer garden maintenance or landscaping construction?
No. My work is design, horticultural judgement, planting strategy, plant sourcing and guidance for the people carrying out the work.
Not Sure Whether This Is the Right Starting Point?
Tell me a little about your garden and I will advise whether an on-site consultation, online consultation, Planting by Numbers or another service is the most appropriate next step.