Wildlife-friendly garden mentoring & consultancy in Angus
Based in Angus, I help gardeners create sustainable, beautifully planted gardens that support biodiversity, soil health, and local wildlife.
John Gordon BSc (Hons), Dip.Hort.Edin, RHS (mbr)
Horticultural & Ecological Consultant, Angus
I specialise in creating beautifully planted, wildlife-friendly gardens, helping gardeners work with nature rather than against it. Operating from Angus, I provide eco-conscious garden consultancy, mentoring, and hands-on horticultural services to support sustainable, biodiverse gardens that benefit both people and wildlife.
With over 40 years of qualified experience in horticulture and ecology, I help clients create, maintain, and develop planting schemes rooted in structural biodiversity, soil health, and long-term planting resilience to climate chnge
I am a Member of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), supporting the RHS Sustainability Strategy, and a supporter of Plantlife.
Expert Eco-Conscious Gardening Advice for Scottish Conditions
North East Scotland presents unique challenges and opportunities for gardeners. I have extensive experience advising on plants best suited to the local climate and soil conditions, from coastal gardens exposed to wind and salt to inland gardens with heavier soils or cooler temperatures.
My consultancy has supported gardeners across:
Angus, Dundee, Perth, Fife, Aberdeen, Edinburgh,, North Berwick and as far afield as London
How I can help you:
- Wildlife-friendly garden consultancy
- Sustainable planting & habitat creation
- Hands-on garden creation and maintenance
- One-to-one mentoring and practical tuition
Soil Health, Composting & Biodiversity
Healthy gardens start below ground. I teach simple, effective composting methods and help gardeners understand the vital role of the soil food web in plant health and biodiversity.
By improving soil structure and biological activity, you can:
- Increase planting resilience & persistence
- Reduce reliance on chemicals
- Support insects, birds, and mammals
- Create a more self-sustaining garden ecosystem
Why Eco-Conscious Gardening?
I prefer the term eco-conscious gardening rather than eco-friendly because any form of gardening—from maintenance to creating a new feature—can cause short-term disruption to wildlife.
Eco-conscious gardening means:
- Understanding the interaction between plants, soil, and wildlife including micro-organisms
- Making informed, respectful decisions
- Putting nature at the forefront of every action
- By working with these natural systems, your garden becomes a thriving wildlife habitat, not just a decorative space.
Resources for Wildlife-Friendly Gardening
The pages accessible via the menu above are designed as a practical resource for DIY gardeners. They provide guidance to help you gain confidence in eco-conscious, wildlife-friendly gardening, whether you are starting small or redesigning an entire garden.
Cost-Effective Professional Garden Advice
Hiring a qualified horticultural mentor & consultant—even for a short consultation—can save you time, money, and costly mistakes. I provide clear advice, practical suggestions, and a written follow-up report addressing your questions and next steps.
This is often a far more affordable and flexible option than employing a garden designer or landscape architect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wildlife-friendly garden?
A wildlife-friendly garden is designed to support local biodiversity through sustainable planting, healthy soil, and habitat creation for insects, birds, and mammals.
Do you offer garden design services?
I offer horticultural mentoring & consultancy rather than formal garden design. This provides practical, cost-effective advice tailored to your existing garden and long-term goals.
Can you help improve soil health and composting?
Yes. Soil health is central to my work. I provide guidance on composting, soil structure, and developing the soil food web to improve plant health and biodiversity.
Is eco-conscious gardening different from eco-friendly gardening?
Eco-conscious gardening recognises that gardening can temporarily impact wildlife. It focuses on informed, respectful decisions that prioritise long-term ecological benefit.
John Gordon BSc (Hons), Dip.Hort.Edin, RHS (mbr)
Wildlife-Friendly Garden Mentor & Consultant
đŸ‘‰ Contact me to discuss your garden
