Tel: 07894 614 575
about
Beautiful gardens, designed for real life in West Sussex
At Alex Ballantyne Garden Design, we see your garden as so much more than just the space outside your back door. It’s where you unwind after work, where the kids let off steam, where friends gather on warm evenings. It should feel like a natural extension of your home — and your life.
We’re based in Steyning and design gardens across West Sussex and the surrounding counties, including Shoreham-by-Sea, Horsham, Henfield and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful retreat, a sociable entertaining space, or something stylish and low-maintenance, we’ll help you create a garden that feels completely, wonderfully yours.
Our story
Alex’s journey into garden design started with a lifelong love of the natural world (and probably a fair bit of muddy enthusiasm). With a background in marketing and musical instruments, moving into horticulture was a natural step — blending creativity with practical know-how and a deep understanding of how spaces make people feel.
Since founding the studio in 2018, Alex has designed everything from contemporary town gardens to expansive country landscapes across West Sussex. Each project is different, but the aim is always the same: to create plant-rich, characterful gardens that feel effortless and stand the test of time.
At the heart of it all is a simple belief — gardens should be balanced, thoughtful and beautiful. Not just for now, but for the years ahead as they grow, mature and really come into their own.
What makes us different
We keep things personal. No cookie-cutter designs. No one-size-fits-all solutions.
Every garden starts with a proper conversation about how you want to use the space, what inspires you, and how your home and surroundings shape the possibilities. From there, we design something thoughtful, creative and perfectly suited to you.
We can take care of the full journey — from concept and detailed design through to build and planting — and we work with a trusted team of skilled landscapers and horticultural specialists who share our passion for doing things properly.
Above all, we love plants. We love the changing seasons. And we love creating gardens that not only look beautiful on day one, but bring joy year after year.
If you’re based in West Sussex and ready to transform your outdoor space, we’d love to have a chat.
Meet the team
At Alex Ballantyne Garden Design, we believe that a garden is only as good as the team that creates it. While Alex leads the garden design process, every project is supported by trusted professionals with specialist skills in landscaping, planting, horticulture, and garden care.
Together, we share a passion for quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship—ensuring your garden not only looks beautiful on day one but continues to thrive for years to come. Whether you are based in Chichester, Horsham, Arundel, Worthing, Midhurst, or wider West Sussex, our expert team is here to help bring your garden vision to life.
Alex Ballantyne – Founder & Garden Designer
Award-Winning | Creative | Passionate
With over 10 years of experience in garden design, horticulture, and environmental consultancy, Alex Ballantyne is the creative force behind every project. His career began in Marketing before moving naturally into horticulture and design—an influence still clear today in his nature-led approach to sustainable garden design.
Since founding Alex Ballantyne Garden Design, Alex has created bespoke gardens across the South of England, from West Sussex and Surrey to Hampshire and East Sussex.
Alex believes gardens should be a seamless extension of the home, balancing beauty, function, and sustainability. From the first consultation through to the final planting, he remains hands-on—ensuring every detail is delivered with care and precision.
Alex Bell – Consultant Garden Designer
Practical | Organised | Problem-Solver
With over 30 years of experience in garden design, horticulture, and environmental consultancy, Alex Bell is the creative force behind every project. His career began in conservation and habitat management before moving naturally into horticulture and design—an influence still clear today in his nature-led approach to sustainable garden design.
Since founding Alex Bell Garden Design in 2003, Alex has created bespoke gardens across the South of England, from West Sussex and Surrey to Hampshire and East Sussex. His work has been recognised at leading UK flower shows, with multiple medals at Hampton Court Flower Show and Malvern Spring Gardening Show (Gold, Silver-Gilt, Silver, and the Most Creative Garden Award). He was also a finalist on Channel 4’s The Great Garden Challenge (2005).
Alex believes gardens should be a seamless extension of the home, balancing beauty, function, and sustainability. From the first consultation through to the final planting, he remains hands-on—ensuring every detail is delivered with care and precision.