About
Carly Tong Garden Design
Thoughtful garden design with planting at its heart
Every garden has potential
My job is to help you see it, trust it and bring it to life in a way that feels completely right for you - whilst also discovering creative possibilities you didn’t know were there.
The story of Carly Tong
I didn’t set out to be a garden designer, but looking back, it makes perfect sense. I’ve always been drawn to creating things - I studied textiles, spent years working as a buyer in the corporate world and kept that creative spark alive however I could. But I knew I wanted to build something of my own that genuinely helped people. When I bought my first home, the garden was a mess. So I designed it myself. That’s when everything clicked.
When the pandemic hit, I watched everyone suddenly paying attention to their outdoor spaces but not knowing where to start. I began offering online consultations and it grew from there. Five years later, I’m a qualified garden designer offering everything from 1:1 consultations to full design services, both locally and virtually. What hasn’t changed is how much I love the planting, that’s where gardens truly come alive.
I’m drawn to country gardens with soul and character, but what matters most is what works for you. Good design listens first. It’s about understanding how you want to live outdoors, then making it possible with attention to every detail. My clients’ trust means everything to me. You’re not just getting a design, you’re getting someone who genuinely cares about delivering real value and a garden that exceeds what you thought was possible.
My ethos
Trust & collaboration
Great gardens are built on trust. When you trust my expertise and embrace the design process, that’s when something truly special happens, a space that changes how you live and use your outdoor area all year round.
Personal & Purposeful design
Every garden I create is an extension of your home and a reflection of who you are. There’s no cookie-cutter approach here, each design is deeply personal, tailored to how you want to live outdoors and what matters most to you.
Planting at heart
Plants aren’t decoration, they’re what bring a garden to life. I design with planting as the foundation, using it to soften spaces, connect all the elements and create something that evolves beautifully through the seasons.
Respect & communication
Good working relationships matter. I respect your time, meet my commitments and keep you informed every step of the way. In return, I ask for the same; clear communication, realistic timelines and a shared commitment to creating something worthwhile.
Awards
In 2022, I was awarded Gold at BBC Gardeners’ World Live in the ‘Beautiful Borders’ category for my design, Express Yourself. It was an incredible opportunity to showcase my approach to planting on a national stage.
“When I moved, I was struggling to create a plan for the garden. We inherited a layout that was really functional but wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted a design that was wildlife friendly, year round interest and something that we could create over time (so budget friendly). Carly created a design which I can honestly say is my dream garden.”
Rachel from Kingston
Ready to create a garden that tells your story?
Whether you’re starting fresh or reimagining a garden you love, I’d love to hear about your vision and explore what’s possible together.