Business Details
Sustainable Garden Design in Margate
Mambo Gardens, based in Margate, has spent two decades refining contemporary garden landscaping techniques while adapting to ecological challenges. Our founder, Simon Phillips, brings over 20 years of hands-on experience across London, Surrey, and Kent, complemented by an MSc in Ethnobotany from the University of Kent. His academic research into allotment gardeners in Dane Valley and participation in botanical expeditions across South America, Oman, and India inform our approach. We specialise in creating gardens that address modern environmental issues, such as biodiversity loss and climate resilience, while maintaining aesthetic and functional value. Our methodology integrates traditional landscaping with innovative solutions like permeable surfaces and reconciliation ecology to mitigate stormwater runoff and support local ecosystems.We prioritise client collaboration, offering free initial consultations and phased project execution to ensure gardens evolve alongside client needs. Our expertise extends to horticultural planning tailored to Thanet's coastal conditions, including native plant selection, water harvesting systems, and sustainable hard landscaping materials. By focusing on utility-driven design, we transform residential spaces into dynamic environments that benefit both people and wildlife.
Services
Garden Design
Horticulture
Vegetable Gardens
Hard Landscape
Water Harvesting
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in contemporary garden landscaping
- Our team includes an MSc-qualified ethnobotanist with international research experience
- We implement permeable landscaping solutions to mitigate stormwater runoff
- We specialise in plant selection suited to Thanet's coastal climate conditions
- We offer free initial consultations with flexible phased project execution
What people say
Breath of fresh air
Exceeded expectations
High standard
Polite and courteous
Would recommend
Services
Garden Design
We create tailored garden designs that balance aesthetics with ecological functionality. Our approach incorporates traditional landscaping techniques alongside contemporary environmental solutions. Each design considers local climate conditions and client preferences while promoting biodiversity and climate resilience through strategic plant selection and permeable surface integration.
Horticulture
Our horticultural expertise focuses on plant diversity suited to coastal environments. We specialise in native species that support local wildlife while providing seasonal interest. Our knowledge extends to Thanet's unique chalky soil conditions, recommending plants that thrive in variable weather patterns while creating habitats for pollinators and other beneficial species.
Hard Landscape
We install durable hard landscaping features using sustainable materials like Indian sandstone. Our services include permeable surfaces, retaining walls, and drainage solutions that manage water flow while maintaining visual appeal. We also create functional structures such as wheelie bin stores, recessed benches, and green-roofed sheds that integrate with the natural garden environment.
Water Harvesting
Our water management solutions include installing water butts, irrigation systems, and drainage networks that reduce runoff. We implement slot drains and soakaways to manage stormwater while directing excess water to garden ponds. These systems help maintain garden hydration during dry periods while preventing waterlogging during heavy rainfall.
Vegetable Gardens
We design productive vegetable gardens using raised beds and espaliered fruit trees. Our approach combines practical growing spaces with aesthetic appeal, incorporating climbing vines and edible plants into ornamental designs. We use durable materials like corrugated metal and timber while ensuring optimal growing conditions for year-round food production.
People
Simon Phillips
Owner
Simon has 20+ years of landscaping experience across London, Surrey, and Kent. He holds an MSc in Ethnobotany from the University of Kent, with research focused on allotment gardeners in Dane Valley. His international botanical expedition experience informs our ecological approach to garden design and plant selection.
Questions
What makes your garden designs ecologically sustainable?
We incorporate permeable surfaces, native plant species, and water management systems that reduce runoff while creating habitats for local wildlife. Our approach combines traditional landscaping with modern environmental solutions.
Do you work outside of Margate?
We primarily serve Kent and London areas, with specific expertise in Thanet's coastal conditions. Our experience extends to various regional climates and soil types across southern England.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
We offer free initial consultations and provide regular updates throughout projects. Our flexible approach allows for phased implementation and adjustments to ensure the final result matches client expectations.
What garden features do you specialise in?
We focus on sustainable hard landscaping, vegetable gardens, water harvesting systems, and plant selections suited to coastal environments. Our expertise includes creating functional spaces that support local biodiversity.
Can you help with small garden spaces?
Yes, we design solutions for gardens of all sizes, including vertical planting systems, living walls, and space-efficient structures that maximise functionality while maintaining ecological benefits.
