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Q&A
WITH GREEN CITY LANDSCAPES LIVE FROM CHELTENHAM
With over 25 years experience, Green City Landscapes owner, Tim answers your favorite questions:

"What do you think the most popular garden look for 2025 will be?".
"The most popular gardens for 2025 should be water, more water features for wild life. It doesn't have to be extravagant. You don't need to spend fortunes on ponds either. Just some small containers with water attracts dragon flies. Even small fish in a large pot is fine and adds a great look".

"What do you recommend for garden features in 2025?".
"I think buildings structures, such as wooden structures you walk under or a built in fire place that is basically a fire pit that looks like a front row. A nice brick wall mirroring an indoor wall is again lovely".

"Why did you choose to base Green City Landscapes in Cheltenham?".
"Cheltenham and Gloucestershire in general is a beautiful part of the country. It's peaceful and quiet in many areas and the rural beauty hasn't been affected as it has been in other parts of England. I also love working with the natural Cotswolds stone and the traditional dry walling that is so unique to this area. The Cotswold dry stone walling, which originates from the Burford Quarry in the Cotswolds, is an oolitic limestone that's just perfect for decorative walling. It has a really distinctive light creamy, beige tone, which adds a stunning beauty and natural rustic charm to any garden".

"What is your advice for clients looking for a new garden look with so many options out there?".
"Well initially it was by trial and error! I had started becoming interested with landscape gardening when i built a pond and bridge in my parents garden. "I suggest that people think your their best holiday and theme their garden based on their favorite holiday. If for example you went to Mexico or the French Riviera and were taken in by that stunning scenery then you can base your garden designs on these memories. At Green City Landscapes we can assist with creating those memories in your garden in Cheltenham or anywhere!".

"How does Green City Landscapes ensure the environment in Cheltenham and other areas is preserved as much as possible?".
"Planting is most important. most people think you need to spend fortunes on porcelain and hard landscaping, you don't. Planting creates the wildlife and is economically viable for all. It really is the basis of an excellent garden that respects nature at the same time"..

"What can clients do in their gardens to maintain an environmentally friendly garden?".
"Let the leaves rot down naturally. I don't think at the early part of the year it is necessary to clearing all the leaves. Let the leaves rot down and add to the flower bed and the nutrition of the soil. Everyone worries about clearing up when in many ways you don't have to. The leaves in the forests follow natures flow and my advise is that you should let the leaves drop naturally. The fallen leaves will also supress the weeds which is vital for a great garden".

"Green City Landscapes has worked with some very famous clients. When did you get to that level?".
"Well initially it was by trial and error! I had started becoming interested with landscape gardening when i built a pond and bridge in my parents garden. It was during this initial project that i realised i loved being creative and building something from scratch. As time went by the mistakes became less and the creativity increased. I'd say it was probably about 3 years after starting Green City Landscapes that a more recognised client base became open to me".

"Can you tell us all which celebrities you've worked with or for?".
"Yes sure. Firstly i would like to say how genuinely lucky i've been. Hard works is obviously the key, as well as talent, but you need a break here or there to get to the next level. My break came through night clubs which i was involved in, namely the promotional side. From there my contact list grew and over the years i've worked for the singer and song writer Gary Barlow at his house, actor Danny Dyer, Rosie Nixon who's the Chief Editor for Hello magazine, Sally Phillips the actress, Ronnie Woods from the Rolling Stones, the actress Anthea Turner and also Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas's home in Bermuda".

"What is the most important thing when working with a company or someone who is so famous?".
"All clients are as important as each other. My work ethic is based on creativity, an understanding of the client's needs and the ability to deliver, time and again. Obviously with financially independant clients you can make designs slightly more extravagant and that is always an advantage. But generally speaking, the core values of Green City Landscapes are always the same. Deliver exactly what the client wants and more".

"What is the best project you have worked on during your whole career and why?"
"So many to choose from over almost 30 years! I'd have so say Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas's place in Bermuda. Not only was the location out of this world but the design and whole experience was one of those ones, you look back on ask, did i really do that?!".

"Back in the day did you study landscaping and if so where?".
"I initially studied at Writtle Agricultural College and later at Southend Polytechnic and i got two diplimas, one in garden design and one in graphic design. It was the initial formation that i really needed and i've never looked back".

"You offer a wide range of professional services. Which ones excite you the most?".
"Water features, without question! Over 70% of the earth is water and the body is pretty much the same ratio. It's something we seem to take for granted but working with water is incredible and it adds a totally new dimension to any garden. The possibilities are limitless and of all the services we provide, it's the water features that gets my creativity flowing more than most".

"What are the most important areas of landscaping that your clients need to be aware of?".
"Without question. An expert. In any walk of life you need people who know what they're talking about and can deliver on their promises. Over the years i've been fortunate enough to help a wide range of clients with their needs and my advice is always the same. Whether you are in Cheltenham or Venice, garden design advice is the same. Choose someone for any gardening job that has a solid reputation and the same vision as you. If you're not passionate about it, there's no point. Creativity stems from passion and experience".

More Questions And Answers
Coming Soon!
Each month Tim will be answering more questions on landscaping in general.

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