James+Cook Landscapes

Matt is a genius at what he does, simple as that. After the first summer ever of being able to use our garden we are complete converts to the idea that done well your garden is a true extension to your home. We are the most un-green fingered people I know and needed help every step of the design process. Matt is a genius at what he does, simple as that. He grasped a brief from our ramblings on likes and dislikes, from several site visits and delivered us a number of designs that blew us away. He and his team worked hard and passionately to get the job done despite the persistent granite, rain and dodgy access. The plant design and palette is just lovely and continues to wow us as the seasons change. We now have a beautiful garden that makes me smile every time I either step into it or simply catch a glimpse from our kitchen window. The garden frames our cottage and we couldn't be happier. It is no longer a disappointing place to be, wishing we could do more to make it a place of relaxation and pride. We still don't really 'garden', but Matt has clearly identified for us the ones to leave, and the ones called weeds to pull out! We might just be converted.

We were looking for a garden design that was an extension to our internal living space, family friendly and easy to maintain. We wanted a stunning space that we could relax and entertain our friends in. While we wanted clean lines we also wanted simple natural planting which would work well with the backdrop of the common which our garden looks onto. Matt's design ticked every box and we were so excited when we saw his ideas and how he could bring our garden to life. Matt has extensive knowledge of the plants and shrubs that will work. His attention to every detail is flawless (from the type of fence to use, to the box trees we planted and the stone that was put down) The garden 4 years on is a testament to this. He really has delivered what we asked for and we would recommend him to anyone looking to transform their garden.

If you are looking for a professional and talented garden designer, Matt James is your man. Having worked with Matt twice during the past fourteen years, Matt has designed & created two truly beautiful gardens for us. Last year we were stumped as to how to move forward with our garden so decided to contact Matt James again. During our first consultation we knew that Matt would be perfect for the job. The garden that Matt & his team have created for us is just gorgeous. We would never have been able to achieve such a stunning outdoor space without Matt’s help and expertise. Matt’s aftercare is also amazing. Super highly recommend. Thank you so much Matt.

As a keen gardener myself I was extremely impressed with Matt and his team. They have completed a remodelling exercise to our particularly steep garden here in Port Navas, listening to our concerns and requests, we really have been pleased with the results! An excellent combination of creativity, botanical knowledge, landscape engineering experience and shear enthusiasm. Great job, thank you Matt.

We were delighted with the "contemporary cottage" garden Matt designed and built for us. He listened to what we wanted; a lawn as we have a dog, low maintenance and good space for sitting and eating. He gave us brilliant hard landscaping, planting hardy perennials for banks of colour (mauve in the sun, blue and white in afternoon shade) and interest throughout the winter and we love the Z-shaped green oak wall he built along the side of a dry-gravel bed, just the height for sitting with a glass. We've had the garden for two years now and we look forward each year to Spring, bringing it back to life, and Summer for long lazy afternoons. We have his detailed planting plan to help us look after the plants when weather (wet or hot) takes its toll; it's now OUR garden.

The garden Matt redesigned for us is unique, gorgeous and full of wildlife - all thanks to his vision, expertise, incredible commitment and knowledge of plants. We asked for, and got, a contemporary, wildlife friendly, sustainable garden with good all year round structure that we could manage ourselves. As an added bonus Matt opened our eyes to a whole range of new plants and ideas and has provided excellent aftercare. The project and budget were well managed and the garden has proved a fantastic investment – as well as adding value to our house, it genuinely enhances our quality of life and continues to inform my work as an artist.