APPROACH

Authenticity over artifice​

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I am interested in gardens that feel as though they belong.

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Design decisions are guided by function, meaning and instinct rather than fashion or the desire to create something shiny and new. I look closely at what is already there, including the architecture, history, landscape, materials and the way a place is lived in, and allow these things to guide the design.

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The process is intuitive, but never arbitrary. Every decision should have a reason, whether it is practical, emotional, ecological or simply because it feels right.

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Plants are central to this process. My plantsmanship allows me to make highly considered planting decisions, choosing plants not simply for their beauty, but for their character, associations, seasonality, behaviour and relationship to a particular place. I am particularly drawn to unusual edibles, forgotten plants and unexpected combinations that can give a garden its own identity.

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Through planting, I create atmosphere: moments of enclosure and openness, light and shade, abundance and restraint, familiarity and surprise. The planting is carefully composed, but should never feel contrived.

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I prefer gardens with character to gardens that feel overly resolved, materials that acquire patina rather than demand attention, and planting that feels as though it has grown from the place rather than been imposed upon it.

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For me, good design isn't about adding more. It is about understanding what is already there, knowing what is needed, and having the confidence to leave the rest alone.

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About Matt Evans​

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Matt Evans is a Chartered Landscape Architect, garden designer, photographer and passionate plantsman based in Bath. He creates distinctive gardens that celebrate a deep love of plants and encourage a meaningful connection with the landscape.

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Working across a broad range of scales, from compact urban townhouses to expansive countryside estates, Matt’s designs are defined by thoughtful detail, strong spatial composition and plant-led design. His work has been featured in Gardens Illustrated, where he was named one of their ‘One to Watch’ in 2025.

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Matt’s connection with the natural world began in childhood, through memories of picking wild strawberries and exploring his own garden. These early experiences developed into a lifelong interest in plants and continue to influence his approach to design.

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Alongside his professional work, Matt has spent many years growing and studying rare and unusual plants, with a particular interest in species with forgotten histories of medicinal or edible use. His two allotments in Bath provide a place to experiment with planting ideas, including woodland and gravel gardens.

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His background in photography has shaped the way he observes landscapes, with a particular sensitivity to depth, balance, perspective and light. Photography continues to be an important part of how he looks at and understands the natural world.

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With over 10 years’ experience in landscape design, Matt has worked across a wide range of projects, from urban gardens and private estates to public realm regeneration. Having worked with renowned garden designer Arne Maynard, he has worked on designs for some of the world’s finest gardens and led projects across the UK, Europe and the Americas.

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Matt continues to develop his horticultural knowledge through regular visits, courses and workshops with leading plantspeople, specialist nurseries and designers.

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He works closely with clients, specialist nurseries, craftspeople and suppliers to create gardens that are personal, carefully considered and built to last.

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EDUCATION

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• 2026 - Soil Ecology Workshop with Eddie Bailey 

• 2025 - Agroforestry research trust - Garden Tour with Martin Crawford

• 2025 - Damson Farm -The Regenerative Edible Garden with Alison Jenkins.

• 2024 - Great Dixter - Succession planting with Fergus Garrett.

• 2023 - Great Dixter - Bulb planting with Fergus Garrett.

• 2022 - Hermannshoff, Germany - 3 day masterclass with Cassian Schmidt.

• 2021 - Lowther Castle - Guided Talk with Dan Pearson. 

• 2021 - Horniman Garden - Planting workshop with James Hitchmough.

• 2021 - Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI).

• 2013 - Master of Arts in Landscape Architecture - University of Gloucestershire. Graduated with Distinction.