Jo Connolly
GARDEN Designer
“Every client has a different relationship with their garden; some want a space to entertain, others a quiet place to retreat.
My role is to shape those needs into something both beautiful and lasting, always rooted in the character of the home.”
Every garden Jo designs is tailored not only to her client’s lifestyle, but also to the property itself - reflecting its style, proportions, and sense of place. Whether contemporary or period, city or country, Jo ensures each design feels like a natural continuation of the home and considers the natural setting of the landscape.
“A well-designed garden becomes an extension of your home—a place that lifts your mood, supports your lifestyle, and connects effortlessly with the way you want to live, inside and out.”
With extensive experience in planting design, landscaping and project management, Jo brings clarity and confidence to each project. Jo works closely with the interior team to create a cohesive flow between interior and outdoor spaces.
Jo works across the UK and, remotely, in Australia, where she began her career and continues to take on selected projects. She has been widely featured in the design press, including Australian House & Garden Magazine, and is a regular speaker at design events such as Grand Designs Live.
What clients say about Jo
Large Country Garden, Kent
“We used Jo Connolly to design our large garden revamp and then to Project Manage the works through to completion.
We were delighted with the design which was perfect for our needs. Jo was then brilliant at the implementation and pushed the whole project forward when it most certainly would have stalled without her.
She was on call whenever we needed her and we feel we couldn’t have managed without her.
We look forward to seeing the plants grow over the next few years!” ”
SMaLL Back Garden, Brighton
“Initially we bought a Get Started package. Jo had great ideas and a depth of knowledge about plants and materials that we lacked and so we moved on and asked her to draw up a detailed plan.
We have been astonished by the extent to which her ideas have totally transformed the space so that it seems so much bigger, more useable and beautiful to look at.
It has been particularly helpful to have been able to call on Decorbuddi to help with both the interior and the garden so that the two flow together. We are now in the process of working with Jo to redesign the front garden also.”
Back & Front Gardens, Australia
“Jo has been instrumental in creating our beautiful garden from the initial stages of design through to planting and lighting and is meticulous with every stage.
We loved working with her through every stage and her knowledge of plants is exceptional. We were so thrilled to see how she created our garden using traditional hedging and bringing together more modern features that work together so well.
After 3 years now the garden has grown into a complete beauty and we get so much pleasure from it everyday.”
More About Jo Connolly
Jo Connolly is a UK-based garden designer whose work is defined by a deep understanding of how outdoor spaces connect with the home. Drawing on her Australian heritage and English lifestyle, Jo brings a fresh, considered perspective to garden design, creating outdoor environments that feel natural extensions of the interior. Her gardens are carefully composed, combining distinctive design elements with dynamic planting to create spaces that enhance everyday living, support wellbeing and sit comfortably within their surrounding environment.
Background & Design Philosophy
Jo’s approach to garden design is shaped by years of experience working across different climates and landscapes. Her knowledge of planting design that can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions is increasingly relevant in today’s changing climate. She designs gardens that are resilient, adaptable and long-lasting, without compromising on beauty or character.
At the heart of Jo’s work is a belief that a garden should be both a sanctuary and a functional living space. She balances practical considerations with personal style, ensuring that each design reflects how her clients live, relax and entertain. Whether designing a compact urban garden or a large country landscape, Jo’s focus is always on creating spaces that feel calm, purposeful and deeply personal.
Working Across the UK & Internationally
Based in the UK and working closely with the Decorbuddi team, Jo supports garden design projects throughout the country. She also continues to work in Adelaide, South Australia, bringing international experience and a broader environmental understanding to her UK projects. This dual perspective allows her to design gardens that respond intelligently to climate, light and seasonal change, while remaining grounded in the architectural context of the home.
Jo’s UK work includes supporting international clients purchasing property from overseas, delivering a fully coordinated, design-led turnkey approach - from landscape design through to the creation of bespoke garden rooms - ensuring clarity, confidence and continuity throughout.
Design Style & Approach
Jo’s garden designs are driven by the relationship between form, function and feeling. She takes time to understand each site, assessing how it is used, how it connects to the interior and how it can best support her clients’ lifestyle. Her designs are structured yet relaxed, often incorporating strong spatial layouts alongside softer planting schemes that evolve naturally over time.
A key part of Jo’s work is her close collaboration with interior designers. She enjoys linking internal and external spaces to maximise flow, visual connection and usability, effectively creating a larger living environment that works seamlessly for entertaining, family life and quiet retreat. This integrated approach helps bring the outdoors in, while allowing the interior to extend naturally into the garden.
Outdoor Living & Garden Design
Jo has worked on a wide range of projects, from small city courtyards, roof terraces and balconies to expansive country gardens. Her experience includes the design of outdoor living and entertaining spaces, garden rooms, productive gardens, swimming pools, ponds and tennis courts, all tailored to the individual needs of each client. She is equally comfortable creating intimate, restorative spaces or larger gardens designed for social gatherings and active use.
Throughout every project, Jo places strong emphasis on practical function, ensuring that gardens are easy to use, maintain and enjoy over time. Her planting designs are thoughtful and layered, creating interest throughout the seasons while supporting biodiversity and long-term sustainability.
Working With Jo
Clients value Jo for her calm, intuitive approach and her ability to translate ideas into gardens that feel balanced, considered and effortless. She offers clear guidance throughout the design process, helping clients make confident decisions while keeping their aspirations at the centre of the project. Whether working independently or alongside interior designers and architects, Jo brings clarity, creativity and a strong sense of purpose to every garden she designs.
Get in Touch
If you are looking for a UK garden designer who understands the relationship between interiors and outdoor living, and who can create a garden that enhances both your home and your lifestyle, Jo would be delighted to help. She offers garden design, consultation, project support and planting guidance, working with clients across the UK and internationally.