McCormack Noble Garden Cultivation

Gardens for the Future

A newly completed garden is only the beginning. The first few years are particularly important in helping plants establish, develop and mature. At McCormack Noble we understand the importance of ongoing, considered garden management, and of cultivating a garden with the same care and attention that goes into its design and construction.

Our Garden Cultivation service is about what happens next. We believe that gardens maintained with biodiversity and the wider ecosystem in mind are not only more sustainable but more beautiful, resilient and rewarding. This approach is at the heart of our work, with soil health, plant health, responsible water use and opportunities to enhance biodiversity all considered fundamental to good garden management.

Every garden begins with a complimentary biodiversity assessment, helping us understand its natural environment and identify opportunities to strengthen and enhance it. Our garden cultivation upholds the original design intent, while helping the garden establish, develop and mature for the future.

Services

Every McCormack Noble cultivation garden receives the same high standard of care.

The frequency and annual cost of the service are tailored to the individual garden depending on its size, planting, complexity and seasonal requirements.

By caring for the garden year after year, our team also builds an understanding of its plants, soils, irrigation and seasonal behaviour. This continuity allows us to identify changes early and make informed decisions about its ongoing development.

Following an initial assessment, we will recommend an appropriate cultivation programme and provide a bespoke annual package.

programmes

Gardens will typically receive regular visits throughout the year, with the frequency and duration of visits adjusted according to seasonal requirements.

For many gardens, this will involve a two-person team attending for regular half-day visits, with additional time allocated at key points in the year when the garden requires more intensive attention.

This approach allows us to respond to what the garden needs at different times of year, rather than applying a fixed maintenance schedule throughout the seasons.

approach

Biodiversity is considered throughout the cultivation of every garden.

As part of the annual programme, we will undertake a complimentary biodiversity assessment, considering opportunities to improve habitat and support wildlife within the existing garden.

Depending on the garden and the client's wishes, this may include:

  • Creating and maintaining habitat for pollinators

  • Retaining suitable deadwood and natural materials

  • Supporting healthy soil life and improving soil biodiversity

  • Creating areas of shelter and habitat

  • Encouraging wildlife-friendly lawn management

  • Incorporating bird boxes, bat boxes, bee bricks and hedgehog holes where appropriate

  • Identifying opportunities to improve connectivity and habitat throughout the garden

Any additional habitat features or installation works will be discussed and agreed with the client before proceeding.

The annual cultivation programme also includes:

  • An annual review of the garden by its designer and / or a senior member of the McCormack Noble team

  • Edging of lawns and borders

  • Deadheading and seasonal cutting back

  • Plant support and tying

  • Pruning of shrubs, perennials and climbers

  • Hedge trimming and management

  • Monitoring plant health and prioritising preventative and non-chemical approaches to pest and disease management

  • Monitoring and adjustment of irrigation where appropriate

  • Seasonal planting and bulb care, with wildlife-friendly planting encouraged wherever appropriate

  • Mulching and soil improvement where required

  • Managing green waste responsibly and looking for opportunities to retain, reuse or compost organic material within the garden

  • Ongoing communication regarding any issues or recommended works

Packages

Every garden is different, so we provide a bespoke annual price following an initial garden assessment. The annual programme is tailored to ensure that the time and attention given to each garden reflects what it genuinely needs. Therefore, the cost reflects the level of horticultural care required throughout the year, rather than a simple charge for individual visits.

Annual programmes typically range from £7,000–£10,000, depending on the size and complexity of the garden, the amount and type of planting, seasonal requirements, irrigation, green waste and the level of ongoing horticultural care required.

Payment can be made by direct debit annually or biannually, depending on preference.

Let’s talk about your garden

If you’re interested in our Garden Cultivation service, we’d love to hear from you.

Tell us a little about your garden and your requirements using the form below. We’ll get back to you within two working days to discuss your garden in more detail and arrange an initial assessment.

The small print - additional works

From time to time, the garden may require work that falls outside the agreed annual cultivation programme. This might include larger-scale pruning, tree work, additional planting, irrigation repairs, lawn renovation or other landscape improvements. Where additional work is recommended, we will discuss this with you and provide a separate quotation before proceeding.