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After studying for three years at the University of Bristol’s Botanic Gardens, I qualified in the “Principles and Practices of Horticulture” and “Garden Planning, Construction and Planting Design” with the Royal Horticultural Society. Leaving behind a successful career in law I switched to a career in horticulture.
I began my horticultural career for a couple of years under Andy Dean, a producer the BBC’s ‘Garden Rescue’, which has given me the practical experience necessary to envisage creating gardens that are practical, as well as aesthetically pleasing, and allowed me to develop my style of planting.
I have worked in private gardens of all sizes and types, including those designed by RHS gold medal winners Butter Wakefield and Darren Hawkes. Former clients include Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack.
I have undertaken practical training in the building and repairing of dry stone walls with the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain.
I took part in an episode of the BBC’s ‘Garden Rescue’ (Series 3, episode 10 televised on 8th June 2018).
I left Bristol in the UK in early 2018 to start a new life in France with my wife and two children, and have been filmed by Channel 4’s ‘A New Life In The Sun’ following our journey (televised between 12th and 14th February 2020) and featuring in upcoming episodes of ‘A New Life In The Sun: Where Are They Now?’.
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So why choose me?
I am formally trained in horticulture and am both registered and insured to work in France.
I am a sole-trader (‘Entrepreneur Individuel’). This means you receive a one-to-one, direct service. There are no messages or emails that need to be forwarded on; you’ll always deal directly with me.
I work with a limited number of clients each year. This allows me to maintain a high level of project quality and speed of communication. For the duration of your project you will be my main focus.
I will have designed your project so I will know it inside-out. This makes communicating with you, and any third party suppliers, much simpler.
I create gardens that are sympathetic to their surroundings and the warming climate. I seek to reuse and recycle waste on-site wherever possible to reduce unnecessary output.
I use traditional materials made to last and sympathetic to the local vernacular, such as wood, brick, stone and steel, but in a contemporary way that juxtaposes strong, durable form with soft and dynamic planting schemes.
I use a range of trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs that work with Mediterranean xeric, meadow/prairie and steppe styles and that are, once established, well adapted to periods of dry weather, require no cossetting or support, excessive irrigation, have no special fertilising requirements, or need other constant special attention from the gardener.
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What do others think of me and my work?
“Barry has done a fantastic job of turning a neglected and boring landscape into a lovely, zoned and low maintenance joy exactly as we discussed. He is a total expert who works hard at his craft with wonderful results…I could not have wished for better” – Helen, Charroux
“The work was very impressive, and once he had finished he sent us lots of pictures, before and after, so we could really appreciate his work! Would thoroughly recommend Barry’s services” – Lorna, Villefagnan
“We inherited a large garden that was totally overgrown. We wanted a mediterranean garden and Barry designed a wonderful plan…We agreed a budget which he did not exceed…We particularly enjoy dining under the pergola with its sturdy oak posts which will eventually be entwined with jasmine. Our mediterranean garden designed by Barry is beautiful and flourishing” – Myrjam, Paizay Naudouin
“Barry tastefully and carefully designed and planted a flower and herb bed, transforming and beautifying the entrance to our garden. We appreciate Barry for his professionalism, reliability, and the quality of his work. We highly recommend his services” – Fabrice, Val-de-Comporté
“Barry designed a low maintenance bed next to the pool which has matured really well. Thoroughly reliable, and I can highly recommend” – Colin, Villefagnan
“Barry has designed a low-maintenance naturalistic-style garden on a plot of more than one hectare. He elaborated beautifully and in detail the garden concept, including the selection and location of various plants, flowers, bushes, trees and potager, as well as paths and sitting areas. A great advantage of Barry’s services is that…he is also executing the works, including procurement of various plants and other materials at a competitive price. Barry is a very reliable professional, always responsive, adapting the design to our wishes and strives for the best quality possible. He regularly follows up on the gardens progress and provides hands-on advice how to maintain it. We highly recommend him” – Stefan, Paizay Naudouin
“Barry…has made a huge difference, turning what had become an unmanageable, overgrown mess into a tidier, lower-maintenance garden…He has done many aspects of garden work, including pruning and training a very wild wisteria, roses & other plants. Barry is always reliable, responsive, friendly and professional. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience and also gives excellent advice. We can’t recommend him highly enough!” – Katy, Taizé-Aizie
“His knowledge and expertise regarding plants is fantastic. He has helped us to transform a messy over-grown area into a beautiful tranquil space which we love to sit and enjoy soaking up the natural beauty. We are extremely pleased and would highly recommend Barry, he provides a friendly, honest and professional service” – Derren, Les Adjots
“Barry is a…skilled gardener, hard-working and knowledgeable…My garden’s problem areas have been transformed to a manageable condition. I thoroughly recommend him” – Mike, Salles-de-Villefagnan