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Original poster

Business idea: Would you be interested in planting consultation services?

36 replies

Plantingconsultationservices · 03/07/2025 11:25

I am not sure if allowed but I do know some MN have asked fellow MN for their views on business ideas - so I hope so 🤞

Not an ad and won’t be naming the business here or linking directly.

We have a garden design business already but the full package is not what everyone needs. I am thinking of starting a separate business which supplies plants only direct from really great British independent nurseries and offers planting design consultations to give guidance and help formulate the shopping list. Kind of like an expert and collaborative personal shopper service.

I am hoping this will help everyone. Some nurseries are struggling reaching customers, some clients have no idea where to start and have small budgets and prefer a diy approach.

Is this something you would be interested in and there is a market for?

If so please comment how much you would pay for such a service (bearing in mind the plants you access afterwards will be a considerable discount to garden centre prices).

POLL:
YABU - no one wants or needs this
YANBU - I like the idea and would or know someone who might engage such a service

Thank you 🙏

OP posts:
CrochetQueeen · 03/07/2025 12:06

I'm a keen gardener, would love the first one with some notes though. The second one I'm not so sure, the cost of the planta you suggest could be almost anything so I'd be conscious that it's coming out of the plant budget. If I bought £300 worth of plants for example I'm pretty sure the garden would look better so there are a few factors to consider

itsjustasecrethandshake · 03/07/2025 12:01

Where are you based pls? We’re very much in need of someone to revamp the plants/beds in our garden

Cocomelonhauntsme · 03/07/2025 11:56

Agree with PP that could maybe charge more. Especially if you highlight the discount you will be getting on the plants.

McCartneyOnTheHeath · 03/07/2025 11:55

I personally just ask my mum! But even if I didn't have her knowledge, I wouldn't pay those prices. I'd rather do my own research and spend the money on plants.

Cocomelonhauntsme · 03/07/2025 11:53

Yes, this is absolutely something I would have been interested in when starting out or starting a new project. When I was in London and had a small patio area I'd have loved to talk through with someone how to make the most of the space and have that back and forth with someone with genuine knowledge.

I would have been particularly interested if the service had highlighted that it could do specific projects not just general. I.e. what I wanted in London was someone to help me plant a kitchen garden with containers to make the most out of the small space and that side by side planting thing where the plants compliment eachother.

If this is something you would do highlight it in your advertising as I would have certainly paid middle tier probably higher tier for it.

1apenny2apenny · 03/07/2025 11:52

I would love this OP and would happily pay however I think your prices are too cheap. If the 2.5 is billed as f2f how much time are you taking doing the rest? I appreciate you’ll have some templates that you can ‘cut and paste’ to save time.

Also what’s the plan for on-going revenue?

Will you offer ‘we’ll plant it for you’ as well?

DominoRules · 03/07/2025 11:51

You’d be exactly what I’m looking for! Old cottage garden, very pretty but lots of weeds and overgrown beds. Clearing it and putting in a new patio/beds we’re fine and would like to do ourselves but totally clueless about what plants would do well and where. I’d opt for Tier 3

JaninaDuszejko · 03/07/2025 11:47

Also, a 5 hour visit seems quite long and might be better split over a couple of visits. Depends how much of that time will be you taking measurements etc vs chatting about the plans.

JaninaDuszejko · 03/07/2025 11:44

I'm not sure if I'd want level 1, I'm not sure how much extra value I'd get vs e.g. googling planting suggestions for a north facing border. Levels 2 and 3 seem good value though.

Original poster
Plantingconsultationservices · 03/07/2025 11:39

tostaky · 03/07/2025 11:26

This is exactly what i need!

Oh really 🥳 that’s a good start 😅

What would you imagine you would want or would be most important when picking someone for this? Loose questions but any insight would be great.

I am thinking of 3 tiers;

1. 1 Hour of Expert Planting Advice
£100
Best for: Quick, focused advice to get clarity and direction.
In this power hour, we’ll explore your planting questions and give you confidence to move forward. Ideal for those who want:

  • A visual diagnosis of soil type and site conditions
  • Plant family and species suggestions based on your light, soil and space
  • Inspiration on planting styles (e.g., naturalistic, cottage, low-maintenance)
  • A discussion of potential layouts or combinations
No follow-up notes or documents are included — this is a pure idea-sparking session.

2. 2.5 Hour Planting Scheme Consultation
£250
Best for: Creating a planting plan for one or two beds, or refreshing existing borders.
We’ll walk through your garden together and co-create a planting scheme on the day. Perfect if you have an existing layout or are making small structural tweaks.
Includes:

  • Measuring and mapping existing beds or minor layout adjustments
  • Design of a custom planting scheme in person
  • Style and mood exploration
  • Plant palette designed for your garden’s conditions
Afterwards, you’ll receive:
  • A digital Planting Scheme Calendar (seasonal interest & key features)
  • An itemised Plant List with quantities and sizes
  • 3 practical guides to empower your DIY implementation:
  • Prep Guide – how to prepare your beds
  • Setting Out & Planting Guide – placing and planting like a pro
  • Establishment Guide – how to water your new planting

3. Full 5 Hour Planting & Layout Design Visit
£500
Best for: Larger or more complex areas, bed layout changes, or soft landscaping updates.
This immersive session is a creative deep dive. We’ll reimagine your planting and soft landscape layout together — whether that’s overhauling tired borders, reworking large beds, or introducing a cohesive new style.
On the day:

  • Visual survey and soil/site diagnosis
  • Designing your planting scheme and softscape layout on-site
  • Style direction and plant palette creation
Afterwards, you’ll receive:
  • A digital Planting Scheme Calendar
  • An itemised Plant List with quantities and notes
  • A simple Digital Layout Plan showing updated bed shapes or features
  • The full suite of implementation resources:
  • Prep Guide
  • Setting Out & Planting Guide
  • Establishment Guide
  • Aftercare Guide - maintenance guide for your chosen plants

What do you think?

OP posts:
tostaky · 03/07/2025 11:26

This is exactly what i need!

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