A cottage garden in Bosham
Borders were overgrown, many plants were looking tired and poory maintained and the lawn lacked a programme of care.
The same cottage garden a few months later.
In a matter of a few months the garden had been transformed from an overgrown and poorly maintained area to one where the clients could look and admire.
A dry, shady garden in Southsea.
In view of a neighbour's Sycamore tree and the general aspects of the garden, this outdoor space certainly experienced some very dry shade. The lawn was deteriorating and the plants were past their sell by date.
A shady garden after redesigning.
The same garden directly after planting. Removing the lawn alleviated the need of regular maitenance. The borders were filled with plants suited to the dry conditions and in order to provide them with a healthy start, the soil was thoroughly enriched with organic matter.
A family garden in Fishbourne
A large border that needed some attention. Reducing the substantial width and rejuvenating the area were of key importance. The removal of numerous unwanted shrubs, such as Viburnum tinus, had already begun.
A rejuvenated border in Fishbourne
After a few weeks the border had been cleared of unwanted plants and the lawn was extended to provide an increased area of leisure and play for the family. Although the border has been cleared, development to this and other areas of the garden are ongoing.
A neglected border needing some work.
This was one particular area of the garden before the owners asked me to take over the reigns. Sadly, the garden was in desperate need of some attention.
The same border a year later.
The same border a year later. Shrubs had been pruned and unwanted vegetation removed to allow space for existing plants to flourish.
A small suburban garden in Portsmouth
The garden was in desperate need of privacy, a fresh input of plants and a new lawn.
A small suburban garden in Portsmouth
After a few weeks the lawn had been laid and the borders and hedges were beginning to get estabilshed.
A suburban garden before work commenced
The clients asked if I could look after their garden during their period of absence. Maintenance jobs included: re-defining and enriching the borders, pruning, implementing a lawn care programme and reducing the height of the hedges.
The suburban garden after a few visits.
In a matter of a few weeks the lawn had been scarified and fed. The borders were in a much better condition, along with the shrubs, and the overall garden was ready to handover to the clients on their return.
A garden in Bosham
One of the many gardens I maintain. The clients are passionate about plants and their garden. Maintenance work includes: all aspects of border mangagemnt, hedge trimming and a lawn care programme.
A suburban garden in Farlington
A substantial garden for an enthusiastic elderly couple. I help them with all aspects of garden maintenance such as: lawn care, border managemnt and hedge trimming.

Our 1/3 acre cottage garden has been in Bob's care for the past year and I'm so pleased with his knowledge of plants, his creativity, and his interest in the garden. He has my highest recommendation!

L. Deemer - Bosham 2009

For over a year Bob has been taking care of the borders in our garden with excellent results. The flower borders and lawn edges now look immaculate. He is enthusiastic, very reliable and extremely harding working.

We have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone who requires a gardener.

Mr and Mrs Peill - Warsash 2009

Bob Platts impressed us all right from the start - not only is he a terrific and reliable person but he is enthusiastic about plants and gardens, hardworking, very professional and competent.

The mark he left on us was such that we offered him a full-time position as part of the team at Dixter but unfortunately for us he had already set up Suburban Oasis and sadly couldn't join us.

He has a great future ahead of him and if I had to find someone to do my own garden he would be my first port of call. Good luck, Bob!

Fergus Garrett - Head Gardener Great Dixter 2008

I have no reservation whatsoever in recommending Mr Platts to anyone looking for a highly efficient gardener. He is a hardworking, conscientious and enthusiastic worker in all aspects of his gardening skills. In particular, his lawn care work is impeccable and on each occasion he has left my three lawns in immaculate condition.

Mr Ray - Farlington 2008

I would like to personally thank you for the superb job you made of our garden whilst we were away. From the initial conversation and our meeting, you interpreted our needs quickly and correctly. You took care of the lawn, garden areas and shrubs, leaving them healthy and looking good so that on our return we only had to look on and enjoy. We will certainly be in touch for our future needs and would happily recommend your services to others.

Mr Short - Bishops Waltham 2008

We responded to an advertisement which Bob Platts had placed in our local Bosham Village News. We were immediately impressed by his prompt and punctual arrival and his congenial and courteous manner. We liked his policy of "working with us" being totally mindful and sensitive as to how we would like our garden tended. He has a passionate interest in plants and all aspects of gardens and it is evident that he has gained considerable knowledge from his time working at Great Dixter. We have been more than satisfied with his efforts, his diligence, his preparedness to work in adverse weather conditions and he always takes the trouble to clear up thoroughly.

Bob is a joy to have around and we cannot recommend him highly enough.

Mr and Mrs Flanagan - Bosham 2008

Dear Bob, you made a lovely job of the garden...please come again and do the rest. Please treat the garden like your own. So glad you had the time to spare and glad to have found you.

Mrs E Mills - Waterlooville 2008

I am very pleased with the results. Suburban Oasis provided reliable and conscientious work in the garden this summer. The lawn edges are positively "Country House".

Mrs Russell - Waterlooville 2009

I was very pleased with your work. I would be happy to use your services again and to recommend you to anyone who requires a gardener.

Mrs G. Gasson - Portsmouth 2009

We live in central Southsea and the basic problem we had was a large forest tree in our Neighbour's ground, adjacent to our boundary, and a smaller one (or still quite large) in ours. The result was areas of shade and moisture taken from the soil and roots which spread on or just below the whole surface making having a decent lawn impossible.

We contacted Suburban Oasis. Bob arrived, took a series of measurements and discussed with us the best way to proceed including the plants to use. He then drew up a plan for our approval. The garden was re-shaped and the result was very satisfactory. We have no hesitation in recommending Bob who we feel to be thorough and conscientious.

G Clarke - Southsea 2008