Paul.

I became a garden designer because I wanted a career doing something I love, to learn new skills and because I'm passionate about the value that considered, sensitive design can bring to people and nature.

Sustainability, biodiversity and climate change mitigation are issues that are important to me and like many things in life, there are decisions that we can make that will help. Making a positive difference through gardens, to their users, to the pollinators, the insects, the birds, mammals and soil organisms makes me happy.

I qualified with Distinction and hold a PostGrad Diploma from the British Academy of Garden Design, a RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture and continue my professional development as a member of the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers. I also volunteer at Calderstones Park Nature Reserve, Liverpool. See Nature Reserve to learn more about this amazing project.

I’m married with 2 kids who don't yet share my passion for gardens, although I remain optimistic! I’m based in my home town of Liverpool and love its combination of parks and waterfront, which I like to explore by bike and foot.

Ethos.

Forb has a core sustainability and biodiversity focus. Through thoughtful and considered design, we can deliver gardens that are beautiful, functional and low maintenance, that work for people and nature. We'll let you into a little secret... gardens with greater biodiversity are easier to manage and perform better. Win-Win.

We are very aware that transforming a garden can have a significant environmental impact, particularly the hard landscaping due to the materials required, transport and installation. We look to reduce, reuse and recycle hard landscaping in every design to save on virgin materials, transport and waste. We apply a similar approach to plants, preferring to prune established specimens or move plants as opposed to rip out and start again. We treat topsoil like the precious commodity it is and will not put it in a skip.

As well as doing our bit for the planet, all these measures also have the benefit of reducing cost to you.