Having spent his childhood in the rolling hills of the High Weald garden, landscape design was a natural career choice for Oliver. He first started volunteering at the world renowned garden Great Dixter.
It was not surprising that Oliver was quickly offered a job in Dixter's specialist nursery founded by Christopher Lloyd. Four years later having received a world class horticultural training at Dixter Oliver decided he wanted to to study design at the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew with a view to setting up his own practice.
After graduating Oliver set up his own company designing gardens and landscapes. He focuses on creating exceptional designs that change with every season and benefit the environment.
Our clients include private individuals and large commercial businesses / charities. Notable clients include The NHS, and Macmillan Cancer support. We take on a diverse range of projects from small urban courtyards to very large country gardens throughs the UK.
Having established our first studio in the High Weald. In 2021 we took the decision to open a second studio in the Cotswolds.
Our High Weald studio undertakes work in Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, London and Essex.
Our Cotswolds studio undertakes work in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Oxfordshire.
However, we do consider and have worked on projects further afield.
Book a consultation
Oliver can help you with:
- Garden design ideas
- Garden layout and zoning
- Planting plans and recommended schemes
- How to create a multi use garden
- Materials and finishes
- Garden furniture sourcing
- Construction and renovation advice/second opinions
- Career advice for aspiring garden designers
- Shops and brands to consider
- Creating a low maintenance garden
Gallery
Customer Testimonials
Oliver Rutman
Book a 60-minute one-to-one consultation with Oliver Rutman where you can ask questions and discuss how to transform your garden into the space you desire.
- 60 minutes
- Video Call
- £385.00
Oliver was fantastic at visualising the ideas I had in my head. Her plans and suggestions really helped me realise the space I was dreaming of. I was left with clear details of what types of plants suited the different areas of my garden, and how best to keep them thriving through the seasons. I would highly recommend Polly to anyone looking to take their garden to the next level.
- Julie
Totnes
Oliver was fantastic at visualising the ideas I had in my head. Her plans and suggestions really helped me realise the space I was dreaming of. I was left with clear details of what types of plants suited the different areas of my garden, and how best to keep them thriving through the seasons. I would highly recommend Polly to anyone looking to take their garden to the next level.
- Julie
Totnes
Oliver was fantastic at visualising the ideas I had in my head. Her plans and suggestions really helped me realise the space I was dreaming of. I was left with clear details of what types of plants suited the different areas of my garden, and how best to keep them thriving through the seasons. I would highly recommend Polly to anyone looking to take their garden to the next level.
- Julie
Totnes
How does the consultation work?
All of our consultations are via Zoom (you can create a free account), upon confirming your consultation you will receive an email with a calendar invite. Within the email you’ll find a link to the consultation to join the video call where you will be met by your designer on the date and time of your consultations. From there, you’ll be able to show your space (screen-share or via video), ask questions and get feedback and advice. There is no set structure to the consultations and we encourage a collaborative approach to ensure you maximise the output from the consultation.
How do I prepare my consultation?
Once booked, you’ll receive a questionnaire via email to fill in prior to your scheduled consultation. In addition, we suggest putting together a simple document or presentation that includes photos of the outdoor space you need help with and questions you’d like answered. Some clients also include inspirational images, zones/areas being considered, or garden dimensions, plans and drawings.
How do I show the designer my garden/space?
Consultations happen over Zoom video calls, so you can either share your space with the designer via the device you are taking the consultation on, or many find it easier and more efficient to gather photos of their space into a document and upload this via the pre consultation questionnaire to review during the consultation. You can also review additional content on an ad-hoc basis using the screen share feature in your consultations. It’s worth noting that if you choose an evening consultation slot then the light may not be good enough to share your outdoor space live, so please bear this in mind when compiling your pre consultation material.
How much can I get from a consult?
Our designers are seasoned professionals, designing gardens and outdoor spaces round the clock, so between us we are confident that within your 55-minute consultation you will be satisfied with the range of questions and content that can be covered. We want all clients to go away post consultation feeling empowered and confident to action any advice they have been given.