daniel combes garden design
ABOUT US
Daniel Combes Garden Design
Bespoke gardens. Thoughtfully crafted.
Daniel Combes Garden Design, based in Semley, creates gardens across the UK from refined townhouses to expansive country estates
Our approach is deeply rooted in place. Every design begins with a close reading of the land and a thoughtful dialogue with our clients. We take time to understand not only what the space needs but what it means to those who live with it. From that foundation, we shape gardens that are entirely bespoke and responsive to the natural rhythms of the landscape.
Our planting schemes often contrast a strong architectural framework with naturalistic planting to create a mass of colour and scent, while the use of hard landscaping enhances each space. Materials are chosen with care: locally sourced stone, reclaimed elements, and natural finishes that age gracefully and settle into their surroundings over time.
Collaboration is at the heart of our process. We work closely with trusted artisans to create unique garden features handmade pots, gates, walls, metalwork, and structures, each one designed to enhance the landscape and enrich the experience of being in it.
Dan is personally involved throughout, from initial concept to final planting. This hands-on approach ensures each garden is entirely tailored, meticulously detailed, and deeply rooted in its context.
If you’re considering a garden design project, please do get in touch.
DAN COMBES
DESIGN DIRECTOR
After spending three years adventuring in the Amazon rainforest, Dan became profoundly inspired by tropical biology and moved to Arizona to study Environmental Science with a focus on botany. During this period he also ran a garden maintenance business, learning the craft of gardening.
With his hands in the soil and head being trained to think ecologically, Dan developed an instinctive feeling for the relationship between plants, their environment and people. Moving back to London, he spent three years working for a successful design studio before starting to take his own commissions.
Dan's approach to design is very much rooted in his experiences as an ecologist and a gardener. He is as at home with a spade in his hand as a pencil on the drawing board.
While much of the hard landscaping is carried out by specialists contractors, Dan and his team take pride in arranging and planting the garden. He works collaboratively with his clients to grow gardens that reflect their dreams, but also belong in the environment they inhabit.
robert thrussell
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Robert is a natural designer, visualising his surroundings through its makeup, form, and composition. He always wants to explore his creativity and bring the best out of everything.
With dirt under his fingernails from a young age, as an apprentice to his gardener father, Robert has had a long relationship with gardens.
His roles have ranged the spectrum of the industry which has given him the opportunity to share his experience and love with so many. This has moulded him into the conscientious designer he is today.
Studying Landscape Architecture at university only better helped Robert understand how we perceive, design, give purpose to, and value our gardens and the wider landscape.
Robert aims to strike a balance in his design approach, harmoniously encouraging us to build better relationships with our outdoor spaces.
katherine wilsey
GARDEN DESIGNER
Gardening was a hobby that Katherine turned in to a career; combining her background in art and history with a genuine passion for gardens and designing beautiful outside spaces.
After a successful career working for The Telegraph Travel and Property sections, Katherine left London with her family, relocating first to Suffolk and then to the Hampshire countryside. Passionate to embrace everything that the rural landscape offered, she retrained as a garden designer at KLC School of Design.
Having previously worked independently on residential and commercial gardens; her role covered design and project management from inception, build and beyond with a focus on excellent client relationships.
Now with several years experience to call on; her management experience, creative design skills and a genuine passion for gardening afford her a good understanding of every aspect of bespoke garden design. She is adept at creating beautiful spaces with a passion for naturalistic planting schemes.