Stuart Holden; Development manager - Projects, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust

“ Harris Consulting has supported the Mesnes Park Restoration Project through the development of detailed landscape proposals to inform the structural and visual changes to the Park in line with the Heritage Lottery Funded project. The quality of design and specification produced was excellent and consistent across the individual commissions. The design recognised the history and importance of the site whilst ensuring long term sustainability. I would highly recommend Harris Consulting for future landscape design commissions.”

Mr T Hilton; The Friends of Wigan's Boer War Memorial

"John Harris of Harris Consulting has acted as the agent of the Friends of Wigan's Boer War Memorial in applying for planning permission. His work on this complicated application was of the highest professional standard and resulted in a successful conclusion. Moreover, throughout the process he has enthusiastically guided our project, and this support, involving multiple contractors and officials, will be vital in the process of restoring the Boer War Memorial."

Miss C. Winstanley; Bridgwater, Somerset

“I engaged Mr. Harris to design the garden of my cottage. John was extremely diligent and worked very hard to understand my needs and hopes for the garden. The house is a period property and the completed garden is a perfect representation of the property. It really is a beautiful cottage garden, with the look and feel that I had hoped for. His use of traditional planting and period design fits the house perfectly, and as a result, the garden feels traditional, like a cottage secret garden! It is a wonderful space for entertaining guests, with the perfect balance of cosy cottage but enough space to spread out and fit people and garden furniture. Guests often comment on the garden, especially the great use of space and the way that it draws you in to the different sections; if I want an afternoon relaxing in the sun I can go to one, more open area, if I want to sit with the crossword and a glass of wine, I can feel warm and enclosed in another area. The garden is brilliantly manageable too, just as I asked for it to be; he really took into account the fact that I wouldn't have lots of time to devote to maintenance and it’s just the right amount for me. I would recommend Harris Consulting to anyone, and often do. John is a warm, friendly guy and most importantly, I could trust him with my home, and indeed an area that is incredibly important to myself and my family. The end result is more than I could have wished for and we are very grateful for his hard work and professionalism.”

Mrs P. Edwards, Stafford

"When we moved to a new-build house we didn’t think much could be achieved with a steep sloping garden and heavy clay soil. A few landscapers looked at it but their ideas didn’t stimulate us. Then a friend recommended John Harris. He talked us through the possibilities for the garden and the practicalities. John was keen to discuss our aspirations and take those on board as much as was practical so that the finished garden wouldn’t disappoint. It certainly didn’t. We now have a garden divided into 3 terraces with wonderful focal points and a circular patio surrounded by scented plants which is very pleasant. It is designed to give individual character to 4 different areas and with a nice walk along paths and up and down steps. John also designed the garden furniture, did sketches for the 2 pieces of sculpture and advised on specialist contractors. Our garden was transformed from a boring and difficult plot to something very exciting."

Walk and Watch Pets Services; Upholland, Lancashire

"Our business Walk and Watch Pet Services, provides a number of services including a rabbit and small animal hotel. Having a small animal hotel demands a functional garden for the business but still allowing a space that is useable for the humans! We employed John to re-design the garden with this aim in mind. The garden was previously quite wild and busy, with many large bushes and plants, and it was difficult to maintain. There was also not enough space to house all of the hotel guests on the lawn. John took all of our aims and the needs of the business into account and presented us with a garden plan that we were more than happy with. He worked tirelessly on surveying and setting out the levels and shapes of garden (in a great British summer that included lots of rain!) and finished on time and in budget. The finished result is fantastic. It feels as though there is twice as much room as there was before! The space has been opened up so much, there is more lawn, some lovely raised beds with plants that the animals can eat and, really importantly, it is so much more manageable than before. The animal guests seem to love it too, having more lawn to nibble on and, in the case of a couple of the naughtier bunnies to dig! The service was affordable, reliable and honest and we are extremely satisfied with the garden. John was also very careful around the animals, which was a big worry when we were looking to engage a garden designer. We would recommend the service to all...and the bunnies agree!"