Garden Designer in Cheltenham & the Cotswolds
Award-winning garden design for Cheltenham homes
Elle Arnett is an award-winning garden designer creating refined, contemporary and naturalistic gardens for private clients in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and across the Cotswolds.
With a background in garden design, construction and planting, Elle creates gardens that bring together architectural structure, thoughtful planting and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Each garden is designed around the character of the property, the people who use it and the way they want to live outdoors.
In 2026, Elle was awarded an RHS Gold Medal, the People's Choice Award and the Best Construction Award at RHS Badminton for the Macmillan Cancer Support Nascent Shade Garden.
Whether you are redesigning an established garden, developing a new-build property or looking to create a more considered connection between your home and its surroundings, Elle provides a complete garden design service from initial concept through to planting and construction.
Garden design in Cheltenham
Cheltenham has a distinctive architectural and landscape character, from Regency townhouses and mature suburban gardens to contemporary homes and properties overlooking the Cotswold landscape.
A successful garden should feel as though it belongs to its setting. For some gardens, that might mean working with existing stone, mature trees and established planting. For others, it might mean creating a contemporary landscape that complements a modern extension or new-build home.
Elle's approach combines considered spatial planning with naturalistic planting and carefully selected materials, creating gardens that feel both resolved and relaxed.
The result is a garden designed not simply to look beautiful, but to work beautifully — providing places to gather, entertain, relax, play and enjoy the changing seasons.
A considered approach to every garden
Every project begins with understanding the people, property and landscape.
Rather than applying a particular style, Elle develops each design in response to its surroundings. The architecture of the house, the character of the site, existing vegetation, views, light, materials and practical requirements all inform the design.
The aim is to create gardens with a clear sense of structure while retaining the softness and natural character that makes them enjoyable to live with.
From the initial layout through to the final planting, every element is considered as part of the whole.
The garden design process
A garden design project should feel exciting rather than overwhelming.
Elle's process provides a clear framework while allowing each project to develop in response to the site and the client's needs.
01 - Initial consultation
The process begins with a conversation about your property, your garden, how you use the space and what you would like to achieve.
02 - Concept design
The ideas are developed into an overall design, establishing the structure, flow and character of the garden.
03 - Detailed design
The approved concept is developed into the drawings and information required to bring the garden into reality.
04 - Planting & construction
Planting plans and specifications are developed alongside construction support, helping to ensure the finished garden reflects the original design.
Your Questions, Answered
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A garden designer brings together the practical, spatial and aesthetic elements of a garden to create a coherent overall design. This can include the layout of outdoor spaces, levels, materials, boundaries, planting, structures, lighting and the relationship between the house and garden.
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Yes. Elle works with private residential clients in Cheltenham and throughout the Cotswolds and the UK.
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Yes. Contemporary garden design is an important part of Elle's work, often combined with naturalistic planting and materials that respond to the surrounding architecture and landscape.
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Yes. Planting design can form part of the overall garden design service or be developed as a dedicated element of a project. Planting schemes consider the site's conditions, the architecture, seasonal interest, structure, colour and the desired character of the garden.
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Yes. Depending on the project, Elle can provide support during the construction stage and work with landscape contractors and other specialists to help translate the design into the finished garden.
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Yes. Good garden design is not dependent on the size of a garden. Smaller spaces can benefit particularly from careful planning, strong spatial organisation and considered planting.
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Ideally, a garden designer should be involved as early as possible, particularly if you are building a new house or undertaking a major renovation. Early involvement allows the garden and architecture to be considered together and can help avoid costly changes later.
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The cost of garden design depends on factors including the size and complexity of the site, the scope of the design service and the level of detail required. Following an initial conversation, Elle can discuss your project and recommend an appropriate design service.
Creating a garden that belongs to its place
The best gardens feel connected to their surroundings.
They respond to the architecture of the house, the landscape beyond the boundary and the way people actually live. They change with the seasons, mature over time and become more rewarding as they settle into their setting.
For clients in Cheltenham and across the Cotswolds, Elle creates gardens that combine thoughtful design with naturalistic planting, bringing together structure, softness and a strong sense of place.
Whether you are starting with a blank canvas or looking to transform an established garden, the first step is simply a conversation.
Let's talk about your garden
If you are considering a new garden or redesigning an existing outdoor space in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire or the Cotswolds, Elle would be delighted to hear about your project.
Tell us about your property, what you would like to achieve and how you would like to use your garden.
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Elle Arnett Garden & Landscape Design
Award-winning garden design in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and across the Cotswolds.