About us
ABOUT US
Leaf Creative Gardens is an award‑winning garden design and landscaping studio with a heritage rooted in plants, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design.
Established in 1996 as Howle Hill Nursery, the practice was founded by Peter Dowle, a multi‑award‑winning garden designer whose career has been shaped by a lifelong immersion in horticulture. Growing up around the Chelsea Flower Show and later training at Pershore College of Horticulture, Peter developed a deep understanding of plants and their role in creating enduring, expressive gardens.
Today, Leaf Creative Gardens brings together a highly skilled team of garden designers, landscape architects, plant specialists, and experienced landscapers. Working collaboratively, we design and build gardens that balance strong structure with natural beauty — spaces that feel considered, personal, and grounded in their surroundings.
Plants are at the heart of everything we do. From mature trees to carefully layered planting schemes, our work reflects decades of plantsmanship and RHS show‑garden success. Each project is approached with the same attention to detail, whether we are transforming a compact courtyard or shaping a large country landscape.
Our studio is based in Huntley, Gloucestershire, but our work takes us across the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering gardens that not only look exceptional on completion, but continue to mature and improve with time.
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PETER DOWLE
As Head Garden Designer and owner of Leaf Creative Gardens, Peter Dowle has been immersed in the world of plants and gardening from an early age. His father, Julian Dowle, was a respected garden designer, and Peter spent much of his childhood at the Chelsea Flower Show, assisting in the creation of his father’s award-winning gardens.
Peter trained at Pershore College of Horticulture, and his career has spanned every aspect of the industry—from garden design and construction to nursery cultivation and ongoing garden maintenance.
A passionate and knowledgeable plantsman, Peter takes great pride in curating Leaf’s diverse and distinctive plant collection, with a particular fondness for acers, which remain a signature feature of his work.
DESIGN STUDIO
Based in Huntley, our design practice is made up of a talented and highly skilled team of professionals who can help bring your vision to life—whether it’s a compact courtyard in a townhouse or an expansive country garden. Our designers provide expert guidance on every aspect, from hard landscaping to plant selection.
Led by Peter Dowle, the team includes accomplished landscape architects, garden designers, and supporting professionals such as quantity surveyors and project managers, all of whom share a deep passion for creating exceptional gardens.
Our award-winning design team has received numerous accolades for both garden design and construction, including gold medals at RHS Malvern, RHS Hampton Court, and RHS Chelsea, with several members honoured with the prestigious Best in Show award.
HARD LANDSCAPERS
We take pride in our team of highly experienced landscapers, who specialise in bringing exceptional gardens to life.
Their expertise spans precise setting-out, meticulous groundwork, careful excavation, and the skilful construction of unique garden features, from elegant patios and pathways to striking water features and bespoke structures.
Every project is approached with the same dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that defines Leaf Creative Gardens.
Our landscapers work closely with our designers to ensure that every element not only complements the overall garden design but also stands the test of time.
Whether your vision is classic, contemporary, or entirely bespoke, our team has the skill and experience to turn it into reality.
PLANTING & SOFT LANDSCAPING
Our planting and soft landscaping team are passionate plantspeople who bring gardens to life with colour, texture, and seasonal interest.
From selecting the perfect specimen trees and shrubs to designing intricate flower borders and planting schemes, they combine horticultural expertise with a keen eye for aesthetics.
Every planting plan is tailored to the client’s garden, taking into account soil, climate, aspect, and long-term growth, ensuring a sustainable and thriving landscape. Our team works closely with designers and hard landscapers to integrate plants seamlessly with structural elements, creating gardens that are both beautiful and functional.
Whether your garden calls for a delicate courtyard planting, a vibrant contemporary border, or a lush country-style landscape, our specialists have the knowledge and skill to realise your vision with flair and precision.