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Insightful Collective

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What we do.

Welcome to the Garden Design Business Accelerator Programme. We’re all about helping passionate garden designers like you achieve incredible success in your garden design ventures.

How we do it.

Our purpose is simple, to provide you with the tools, knowledge, and support, and create the breakthroughs you need to build a thriving garden design business.

We get it – running your own garden design business comes with its unique challenges, and we’re here to make that journey a whole lot easier.

Understanding You

  • We're here for garden, planting and landscape designers who are ready to take their business to the next level
  • We’ve got your back when it comes to finding high-budget clients, boosting your income, and giving you a clear roadmap to find new clients

What We Bring to YOUR Table

In a nutshell… we make sure yours is the voice that gets heard.

In a world where everyone is bombarded, daily, with millions of messages, from a multitude of channels, we help you make sure that yours is the voice that gets heard.

Our Programmes and workshops give you a proven path, practical strategies and essential tools to develop your design business to:

  • Position you and your business in the best light to attract more of the right clients with the right budget
  • Build the Know, Like, Trust dynamic, so potential clients get to know you and your work, like what you do and trust you enough to become a paying client
  • Show your value and charge your worth skillfully and with confidence
  • Price to deliver a decent profit and support a sustainable business and lifestyle
  • Put the right systems in place to support your business as it develops

All programmes draw on Denise’s specialist insight and work with hundreds of designers, combined with her commercial background in sales, marketing and business development.

Insightful Collective - What We Do

Business Accelerator Programmes

We have 3 great options for you, specific to your aspirations:

One-to-One Coaching Programme

With one-to-one attention, we look at where you are now, where you want you and your business to be; and what’s getting in the way.

We then provide a bespoke path:
  • To address the business and/or mindset-specific issues
  • Practical approaches and resources to move the business forward
  • A friendly, yet gently challenging, coaching style where appropriate
  • Accountability to keep you on track
  • One-to-one support along the way
  • Complimentary access to our Friendly Business Networking Group - SME Force for Good

To really accelerate your business, the sessions are delivered over a 3-month period.

Ready to really move your business forward? Wonderful! Book a complimentary call to understand more , and make sure this is a good fit for you and your business.

Book My Call
Insightful Collective Testimonial Caroline Loup

“Following Denise’s coaching, I have rethought our business fundamentals to better reflect how we design and work with clients, contractors and suppliers plus my own priorities as business owner. I found having an independent view from a professional who understands the sector, its joys and challenges, invaluable. Our conversations focused me on prioritising things which were important but I had put off.

It’s easy to be distracted by the landscape and garden design and transformation i.e. the doing, and forget business imperatives. Working with Denise was not a pushover but very enjoyable.”

CAROLINE LOUP, Caroline Loup Landscape & Garden Design

Prefer to Join a Group Short Course?

Perfect for those who like the dynamics and learning while being part of a group while reducing isolation that can come with running your own business.
 
Our six-week short courses take a deeper look at a specific area of your business, combining structured learning with practical frameworks Denise has developed through her work with designers. You work through the approaches at your own pace, alongside three live group sessions where you can explore your own questions, ideas and business challenges, with accountability to keep you moving forward.
 
  • Includes complimentary access to our Friendly Business Networking Group – SME Force for Good
     
Book My Call
Ready to Take the First Step?
  • Brilliant! The time is ripe to unlock your garden design business success
  • Join us in transforming your passion into profit. Don't miss this limited opportunity to redefine your success in the world of garden design.
  • Book a complimentary call to address your biggest business challenge and make sure this is the best fit for you and your business
Insightful Collective Testimonial Sadie Honeybun

“The biggest transformation is how I now see myself and the growth in my self-belief. I finally value and recognise my wealth of experience and knowledge!

It’s as though I’ve unlocked the key to who I am – my passion, my background, an amazing amount of skill, and importantly, what I’m worth. All rolled into one. It’s been a massive shift which is amazing!

I’ve not just put up my prices which is great, but I’m much more comfortable bringing out all these valued elements, confidently. It’s been a game-changer.”

SADIE HONEYBUN Plant People, Garden Designer & Horticultural Specialist

Prefer to Join the Self Study Course?

Group Business Club sessions

Perfect for those who like the dynamics and learning while being part of a group, with each session focused on one specific business topic such as Vision, Mindset and Goals, Attracting the Right Clients, Marketing, Pricing and Selling with confidence, and Systems & Tools to Grow your Business.
 
See workshop section below for our latest events and sessions. 

Workshops

We run a number of different shorter workshops throughout the year, including:

Garden Designers' Business Club-
Systems and Tools for Running a Thriving Business
9.30am - 11.00am,
Wednesday, 11 June 2025

Find Out More

In this session, learn systems and tools for running a thriving business. Get an overview of considerations for tools and systems to make life easier. Create efficient processes for consultations and follow-up. Learn about organising financial and project data effectively.

Garden Designers' Business Club-Connect with Your Ideal Clients
9.30am - 11.00am,
Thursday, 3 July 2025

Find Out More

In this session, learn to understand your target client. In the subsequent sessions, we look at further topics to get your garden design business heading robustly in the right direction.

Get Great Clients - Part 2 - at Provender Nurseries - 9am - 4.30pm, Friday 20 September

Find Out More

Having established key foundational ‘must have’ approaches for your business in Get Great Clients – Part 1, we dig deeper and share further game changing approaches to get you more of the clients you love. 

Business & Marketing Skills for Garden Designers - at Sussex Prairies Wild - 9am - 12.30pm, Thursday 10 July

Find Out More

If you find it hard to market yourself and your business, this is for you. Accessible, friendly, and structured, we dive into how to get more of the clients you love, with budgets to match. 

Photographing Gardens to Promote Your Business - at Sussex Prairies Wild 1.30 - 4.30pm, Thursday 10 July

Find Out More

Want to take great photos? With an iPhone or Android? This workshop is perfect for those who currently take quick ‘snaps’ and want to create more considered, professional-looking photographs to show your beautifully designed gardens, and ones that inspire you. Super opportunity to practise your newly learnt skills on Provender’s beautiful plants, trees and shrubs 🌸 🌿

Business & Marketing Skills for Garden Designers - at Sussex Prairies Wild - 9am - 12.30pm,
Thursday 18 September 2025

Find Out More

If you find it hard to market yourself and your business, this is for you. Accessible, friendly, and structured, we dive into how to get more of the clients you love, with budgets to match. 

Photographing Gardens to Promote Your Business
Saturday, 3 October 2026

Find Out More

This Workshop is suited to garden, planting and landscape designers, and horticulturalists who currently take quick ‘snaps’ and want to create more considered, professional-looking photographs that show off their beautiful work and gardens that inspire, in the best light possible. This Workshop is perfect for those with iPhones or Android phones.

Why Clients Don’t Say Yes… even when they love your work.
4.00pm
Thursday, 15 October 2026

Book Your Free Ticket

Unable to join Denise’s in-person FREE talk at FutureScape, 10am Wednesday, 14th October 2026?

Here’s a chance to join a FREE live online version with more time for Q&A.

You’re having good conversations. Clients are engaged. The ideas resonate. And yet… projects don’t always move forward.

This session focuses on what’s happening between interest and instruction – even when clients appear engaged.

Why Clients Don’t Say Yes… even when they love your work.
12.30pm
Friday, 16 October 2026

Book Your Free Ticket

Unable to join Denise’s in-person FREE talk at FutureScape, 10am Wednesday, 14th October 2026?

Here’s a chance to join a FREE live online version with more time for Q&A.

You’re having good conversations. Clients are engaged. The ideas resonate. And yet… projects don’t always move forward.

This session focuses on what’s happening between interest and instruction – even when clients appear engaged.

Designers' Business Club-Vision, Mindset and Goals
9.30am - 11.00am,
Wednesday, 29 October 2025

Find Out More

 The first in a series of six (once-a-month) through to April 2026.

In this session, we cover the essential framework to make your (business) life easier. In the subsequent sessions, we look at further topics to get your garden design business heading robustly in the right direction.

Garden Designers' Business Club
Confident Systems and Tools for Running a Thriving Business
9.30am - 11.00am,
Thursday, 6 November 2025

Find Out More

The last session of the GDBC 2025 series.

In this session, learn how to build systems and tools to run a thriving business.

Designers' Business Club
Invisiably Attract the Right Clients to Your Website
9.30am - 11.00am,
Wednesday, 26 August 2026

Find Out More

Learn how to use your website to quietly attract the right clients – and let that clarity shape everything you share about your business.

Designers' Business Club
Core Marketing Foundations
9.30am - 11.00am,
Wednesday, 14 January 2026

Find Out More

In this session, we will learn core marketing foundations.

Align and Refine Your Garden Design Business for 2026
9.30am - 10.20am,
Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Find Out More

A warm-up session exploring where your garden design business is now, where you
want to take it in 2026, and what really supports a resilient, flourishing venture.

Align and Refine Your Garden Design Business for 2026
12.30-1.20pm
Thursday, 22 January 2026

Find Out More

A warm-up session exploring where your garden design business is now, where you
want to take it in 2026, and what really supports a resilient, flourishing venture.

Why Clients Don't Say Yes...Even When They Love Your Work
9.30am - 10.30am,
Wednesday, 29 April 2026

Find Out More

This session focuses on what’s happening in the gap between interest and instruction – and why projects don’t always move forward, even when clients are enthusiastically positive.

Making it Easier for Your Clients to Say Yes
9.30am - 10.30am,
Wednesday, 6 May 2026

Find Out More

Clients like your work… but hesitate. This session looks at what changes that. So saying yes becomes easier.

Designers' Business Club
Pricing with Clarity and Confidence
9.00am - 10.30am,
Thursday, 28 May 2026

Find Out More

Learn how to promote your business beyond your website, so attracting the right clients feels natural and achievable.

Designers' Business Club
Sell Without Selling
9.30am - 11.00am,
Thursday, 5 November 2026

Find Out More

Natural, respectful and effective client conversations – without the awkward selling.

Designers' Business Club
Creating Systems that Give You More Space to Design
9.30am - 11.00am,
Tuesday, 7 July 2026

Find Out More

How to quietly support your business, giving you the space and energy to focus on design.

Unlock Your Garden Design
Business Success

Find Out More
Love what you do yet frustrated by how best to get you and your business ‘out there’. Then join us for this recorded live workshop and get yourself on the path to a business that delivers your dreams

Photographing Gardens to Promote Your Business - at Provender Nurseries - 9am - 4.30pm, Friday 8 November

Find Out More

Want to take great photos? With an iPhone or Android? This workshop is perfect for those who currently take quick ‘snaps’ and want to create more considered, professional-looking photographs to show your beautifully designed gardens, and ones that inspire you. Super opportunity to practise your newly learnt skills on Provender’s beautiful plants, trees and shrubs 🌸 🌿

How to Create the Perfect Christmas Offer - 9.30am - 12.30pm, Friday 22 November

Find Out More

This is your opportunity to create an exciting offer that will introduce your target clients to the first step towards their dream garden. Solves the taxing problem of a meaningful Christmas present for their loved one. Gets you in their thoughts as they consider, over the festive session, their projects for the year ahead and seeds conversations for 2025.After this 2.5-hour interactive session, you’ll be ready to launch a prospect-resonating offer while building your business momentum for the new year.🌸 🌿

New Year Business Kickstart - In Person at Provender Nurseries
9.15am - 11.30am,
Friday, 31 January 2025

Find Out More

In this special interactive in person session will be held at Provender Nurseries, Swanley, Kent. In this Q&A, we look at getting set up for the year. Whether you’re are starting out with your business feeling overwhelmed with a huge to-do list or are working out where to start this year, this session can help.

Join us for ideas to unlock these challenges: 

  • Get motivated for the year
  • Refresh your business approach
  • Kick start your business for the year ahead
Includes a bonus follow-on complimentary 1:1 coaching call 🌸 🌿

Get Great Clients - Part 1 - at Provender Nurseries - 9am - 4.30pm, Friday 9 August

Find Out More

If you find it hard to market yourself and your business, this is for you. Accessible, friendly, and structured, we dive into how to get more of the clients you love, with budgets to match. 

SGD CPD Digital: Business and Marketing Skills for Garden Designers Part 2
9.30am - 2.30pm,
Wednesday, 5 February 2025

Find Out More

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been running your business for a while, this workshop equips you with the essential skills to build a thriving, sustainable garden design business.

What you’ll explore:

  • Clear, client-focused messaging: Recap (from Part 1), refine and strengthen the way you communicate your value to potential clients.
  • Practical planning: Create a clear, actionable plan for the next 12 months to keep your business momentum going.
  • Stand-out introductions: Craft an engaging and effortless response to the age-old question, “What do you do?”, showcasing your expertise without any confusion.
  • Winning testimonials: Learn how to get glowing, impactful testimonials that resonate with your future clients.

 

Photographing Gardens to Promote Your Business - at Sussex Prairies Wild 1.30 - 4.30pm, Thursday 18 September

Find Out More

Want to take great photos? With an iPhone or Android? This workshop is perfect for those who currently take quick ‘snaps’ and want to create more considered, professional-looking photographs to show your beautifully designed gardens, and ones that inspire you. Super opportunity to practise your newly learnt skills on Provender’s beautiful plants, trees and shrubs 🌸 🌿

Business and Marketing Skills for Garden Designers - Live Online
9.00am - 2.30pm,
Friday, 7 February 2025

Find Out More

In this special interactive workshop, we’ll be focusing on how to position yourself to Get Great Clients sharing game-changing approaches tips and techniques to get more from 2024.

Whether you’re:

  • Just starting out with your business feeling overwhelmed with a huge to-do list
  • A few years in, working all the hours, frustrated and not earning enough
  • Working out how to grow your business  
Join us to: 
  • Get more of the clients you love and a financially flourishing business
  • Refresh your business approach
  • Get re-motivated and feel less isolated as a business-owner

Includes a bonus follow-on complimentary 1:1 coaching call 

New Year Business Kickstart - Online 9.45am - 11.15am,
Wednesday, 8 January 2025

Find Out More

In this special interactive session with Q&A, we look at getting set up for the year. Whether you’re are starting out with your business feeling overwhelmed with a huge to-do list or are working out where to start this year, this session can help.

Join us for ideas to unlock these challenges: 

  • Get motivated for the year
  • Refresh your business approach
  • Kick start your business for the year ahead
Includes a bonus follow-on complimentary 1:1 coaching call 🌸 🌿

Garden Designers' Business Club-
Pricing with Confidence
9.30am - 11.00am,
Wednesday, 16 April 2025

Find Out More

In this session, learn to price with confidence. Address self-doubt about charging appropriately. Learn pricing models: hourly vs project-based and ensure profitability.

Whether you’re:

  • Just starting out with your business feeling overwhelmed
  • A few years in, working all the hours, frustrated and not earning enough
  • Working out how to grow your business  
Join us to: 
  • Boost your business confidence
  • Join like-minded Garden Designers getting to grips with business skills
  • Feel more in control 

Photographing Gardens to Promote Your Business- In-Person at Provender Nurseries
9.00am - 2.30pm,
Friday, 7 March 2025

Find Out More

This workshop is suited to garden designers and horticulturalists who currently take quick ‘snaps’ and want to create more considered, professional-looking photographs that show off their beautifully designed or inspirational gardens, in the best light possible.

  • Includes light lunch + plant talk with experienced horticulturalist specialist, Liz Hughes
  • Perfect for those with iPhones or Android phones

Garden Designers' Business Club-
Confident Conversations that Convert
9.30am - 11.00am,
Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Find Out More

In this session, learn to have confident conversations that convert. Learn how to have non-salesy, stress-free conversations. Ask the right questions to understand your client’s needs. Also, learn to handle common objections with confidence.

Whether you’re:

  • Just starting out with your business feeling overwhelmed
  • A few years in, working all the hours, frustrated and not earning enough
  • Working out how to grow your business  
Join us to: 
  • Boost your business confidence
  • Join like-minded Garden Designers getting to grips with business skills
  • Feel more in control 

SGD Continuing Professional Development Workshops

Find Out More

Denise delivers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) online workshops such Business & Marketing Skills (previously known as ‘Get Great Clients’ Part 1 and 2, and ‘Photographing Gardens to Promote your Business’ for the UK’s leading professional Garden Design association, The Society of Garden Designers (SGD). Non-members are welcome to join the workshops.

New Year Business Kickstart - In Person at Provender Nurseries
9.15am - 11.30am,
Friday, 10 January 2025

Find Out More

In this special interactive in person session will be held at Provender Nurseries, Swanley, Kent. In this Q&A, we look at getting set up for the year. Whether you’re are starting out with your business feeling overwhelmed with a huge to-do list or are working out where to start this year, this session can help.

Join us for ideas to unlock these challenges: 

  • Get motivated for the year
  • Refresh your business approach
  • Kick start your business for the year ahead
Includes a bonus follow-on complimentary 1:1 coaching call 🌸 🌿

Daniel describes his business BEFORE joining our Business Accelerator Programme:

“It felt like a game of pinãta. You’re doing the right thing holding the stick but then you don’t know where the pinãta is. It’s always that feeling of, I know this is what I have to do but with this movement, I don’t know if I’m going to get, the right results!” What I most enjoy now, for both my business and me :

  • New found confidence, and a sense of purpose and direction
  • The move from uncertainty to a state of self-assuredness
  • Making me feel more organised and in control of my business
  • I no longer undervalue my services as I did before
  • I now appreciate the worth of my expertise and design services, and charge accordingly!

DANIEL ADIEGO Founder and Principal Designer of The Bloomsbury Gardener

Friendly Business Networking - SME Force for Good

Vibrant and friendly networking for business-owning, creative-thinking entrepreneurs.

Easy to join via Zoom, SME Force for Good is all about supporting small business owners.
  • The last Friday of the month, it’s a guaranteed best start to the last working day of the week
  • Short and punchy, a guest speaker each month shares their top expert tips to helpful widen your understanding of different business or life-related topics.
  • Talk topics span anything from marketing, social media, mindset and wellbeing, to fitness and finance
Join Us Here - Friday 25th September 2026
Insightful Collective Testimonial Jane Houghton

“Really great workshop. Learnt so much and have already seen results following Denise’s guidance. My god, you know your stuff!”

JANE HOUGHTON, Jane Houghton Garden Design

“Networking is an important marketing channel for our business – I love the energy in the virtual room, and always meet such interesting people. The timing is not too early, and not too long, and the tutorial sessions are always super-helpful. A fab networking choice for both new and experienced networkers!”

NICKY McKENNA – CEO WSI Digital Advisors

Insightful Collective Testimonial David Pugsley

“Support, networking, fun, and community.”

How Success Strategist and Story Teller, DAVID PUGSLEY, describes SME Force for Good. And why he returns.

Nicky McKenna - WSI Digital Advisors - SME Force for Good Networking

“Networking is an important marketing channel for our business – I love the energy in the virtual room, and always meet such interesting people. The timing is not too early, and not too long, and the tutorial sessions are always super-helpful. A fab networking choice for both new and experienced networkers!”

NICKY McKENNA – CEO WSI Digital Advisors