Originally a graphic designer, I decided to re-train in horticulture in 2008 to combine design with my passion for working outdoors in natural landscapes. I completed my RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture at Duchy College whilst working alongside a local gardener and then developed my career by working at The Lost Gardens of Heligan and The Trevarno Estate Gardens here in Cornwall. I went on to become a self-employed professional gardener in 2012, working in many private gardens over the last ten years, which has given me an extensive plant knowledge that informs and enhances my design work.
I qualified with a Diploma in Landscape and Garden Design with Distinction at the Oxford College of Garden Design in July 2021, and now work as Kinetic Garden Design. I enjoy bringing my expertise with planting and gardening to my designs.
Oliver Ross-Macdonald
01 Ethos
Every space has its own character.
The location, ambience, natural environment, history and
architecture, combined with the client's tastes and requirements,
form the basis of a design brief.
I don't have a generic design style, but instead I employ a creative process that incorporates these facets into
a final design concept.
As an experienced gardener and designer,
I create beautiful and functional spaces to be enjoyed
by people and nature.
02 Process
Stage 1
Client meeting
We can arrange an
initial meeting to gain all the basic information about a project and to discuss a potential plan
of progress.
Stage 2
Design brief
At this point we will gather more information and create a written design brief containing all the requirements
and aims.
stage 3
Survey
Once the design brief
has been agreed we will carry out a detailed survey of the site.
stage 4
Design concept
This is where we are
able to begin designing using methods such as sketchplans, mood boards and 3D visualisations of key areas as required.
Stage 5
Masterplan
Once the design
concept has been finalised and agreed, the masterplan can be drawn accurately and to scale. This plan will be used for the construction and
build phase.
Stage 6
Construction & build
Construction drawings, irrigation/lighting plans, specifications will be drawn up from the masterplan and will be used for the build. You can either choose your own landscaper or I can recommend one for you. As an option, I can offer regular inspections with advice throughought the construction phase.
stage 7
Planting plans
Detailed planting plans will be drawn and I can recommend or source the plants for you. I will also set out the plants according to the plans ensuring the correct location and spacing and planted if required.
stage 8
Management plan
A management advice
plan will be produced for you to keep and refer to in the early stages of the new garden and I also offer follow-up visits where I can advise on the development
of the garden or landscape.
04 testimonials
"Ollie’s attention to detail and desire for quality resulted in an end result that exceeded our expectations.
He met the very difficult brief in full and we now have now turned an unused area into a landscaped and beautiful
space that is used daily by visitors to our site.
The Trust and indeed I would recommend Ollie without hesitation."
Jakie Jewell
CEO Children’s Sailing Trust
"Ollie’s input with design and its implementation at Trenoweth House/Gardens has and
continues to be of the highest quality. Ollie has an excellent eye and backs this with an impressive level of knowledge,
coming from years of experience and study.
I would highly recommend his services for Design, consultancy and installation."
Trenoweth House/Vicarage and walled garden
"I cannot recommend Kinetic Garden Services enough! Ollie Ross-Macdonald designed a very big outdoor living space for
us which has completely transformed our experience of how we interact with and relax in our garden. With plenty of consultation over
in-situ practicalities and personal taste, we were involved from start to finish and are delighted in particular with so many finishing touches we hadn't even thought of like garden lighting and a fire pit for cooler evenings. Ollie's extensive knowledge of hard landscaping and innovative and eco-friendly planting schemes also gave us complete confidence that our final choices would really work long term. Budget considerations were discussed in a no-nonsense and upfront way. Ollie was happy to liaise with the local company we chose to implement the design allowing a smooth transition from plan to actuality. It feels like one of the best investments in our home life and
overall well-being we've ever made, were so grateful."
Rebecca M.
