About David Boothman
Award Winning Garden Designer based in Hertfordshire
David Boothman is an RHS Chelsea Flower Show award-winning garden designer based in Hertfordshire, creating thoughtfully designed gardens and considered planting schemes for private clients across St Albans, Harpenden, The Chilterns, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
With a particular interest and skill in naturalistic garden design and planting, David brings together creative vision, horticultural knowledge and a considered understanding of the relationship between a garden, nature and the surrounding landscape. His approach is rooted in creating distinctive, enduring outdoor spaces that respond beautifully to their setting and reflect the people who live and use them.
Trained at the prestigious London College of Garden Design
David trained at the prestigious London College of Garden Design under the directorship of Andrew Wilson. David graduated with Distinction and received the College Prize of the Top Student. His professional training, combined with his experience and continued development as a designer, provides the foundation for a thoughtful and technically informed approach to every project. He went on to design a Main Avenue award-winning garden with James Parker Sculpture in his first year after graduating. David is a Associate Member of British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) and Pre-Registered Member of Society of Landscape and Garden Designers (SGLD).
A considered design philosophy
David is a concept driven garden designer specialising in creating imaginative, thoughtful, sustainable, modern garden designs across a broad range of garden sizes and styles taking his inspiration from the natural world around him. At the heart of all his designs is a deep connection with the surrounding environment and landscape. His goal is to create gardens which feel rooted in their landscape, are wildlife and insect friendly boosting biodiversity and work for you.
His design work is guided by 5 design principles:
1) Creative & Imaginative garden design
2) More planting, less hard landscaping
3) Wildlife & insect friendly gardens
4) Resilient, sustainable & considerate
5) A style designed around you
Thoughtful approach to garden design
Every garden has its own character, opportunities and challenges. David believes successful garden design begins with understanding these unique qualities alongside the aspirations and practical needs of the people who will use the space.
Whether re-imagining an established garden or developing a design for a new property, he brings together design expertise, considered layouts, carefully selected materials and purposeful planting to create gardens with a strong sense of identity.
Planting design is central to the look, feel and atmosphere of the finished garden. Building on his deep horticultural understanding and experience, David creates layered, naturalistic planting schemes that bring texture, structure and lasting interest to the garden. Central to each schemes is an understanding of how gardens need to evolve to deal with Climate Change.
The ambition is always to create something individual: a garden that feels connected to its surroundings, work beautifully in practice for the client and which becomes more rewarding as it matures.
Experience, creativity and attention to detail
Before establishing his garden design practice, David enjoyed a successful corporate career developing professional experience that continues to inform the way he approaches projects and clients today.
He combines creative thinking with as structured, collaborative approach taking time to understand each client’s requirements and translating them their ideas into a coherent and carefully resolved design.
From initial concepts and spatial planning to detailed construction drawings, planting plans and documentation, David works closely with clients to ensure that every element contributes to the overall vision and, most importantly, works for the client.
His work has been recognised at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, reflecting his commitment to design quality, horticultural excellence and creative garden design.
Garden design across Hertfordshire and the Chilterns
Based in the Hertfordshire countryside, David works with private clients across St Albans, Harpenden, The Chilterns and surrounding areas including London.
David works with clients who recognise the potential of their gardens and want the benefit of professional garden design expertise to realise it.
From established country gardens and contemporary family gardens to smaller urban spaces, each project presents an opportunity to create something distinctive and personal. He works closely with local professional landscape contractors to ensure the design is built to the highest standards ensuring the design is as intended.