Francois Leaf Gardens
Francois Leaf Gardens is an independent business specialising in garden and planting design but also provides horticultural maintenance of private gardens.
When designing, Francois Leaf creates outdoor spaces that are responsive, adaptive, inviting and exciting. Whether you have a roof terrace or a multi-acre site, Francois Leaf will work with you to build an environment that works with your lifestyle.
With a practical approach and strong plant appreciation, Francois Leaf will help you to create a personal space to enjoy nature and beauty.
Why Garden Design?
From our Director, Simone Kirkland.
From an early age, I was taught to appreciate nature and the great outdoors. While this wasn't always appreciated at the time, the older I get the more excited I become, especially when visiting inspirational gardens and working in the great outdoors.
In my last position in the City, a wild meadow planting scheme had been installed on the terrace which wasn't doing too well - I was itching to get outside and sort it out. After completing a few short courses with the RHS, I decided that career change into the horticultural sector would be an interesting path to pursue.
I haven't regretted the decision and continue to be enthused and eager to create beautiful gardens and landscapes for people and communities to enjoy.
About Francois Leaf
After successfully obtaining a Garden Design diploma from the world renowned London College of Garden Design, Francois Leaf was created. Francois Leaf is directed and managed by Simone Kirkland who after working for 20+ years in the financial services industry, decided to change her career into something more green. After working as a Landscape Gardener for an award winning Grade I listed landscape in Surrey and studying at Capel Manor College for the Royal Horticultural Society exams, this sparked the desire to expand into garden design.
Style Influence
Francois Leaf designs are clean, well structured spaces. Carefully planned and closely aligned to the client brief, your garden will be transformed into a space that you will want to spend time in.
Although strongly influenced by classical, geometric gardens from the 18th century and from modern day designers, such as Anouska Hemple and Luciano Giubbilei, your garden design is influenced by its surroundings and the natural lay of the land.
Planting selections vary from lush and green to naturalistic planting with a focus on biodiversity to encourage wildlife to your garden.