Mark Wakley from Freshscapes offers landscaping and maintenance services to discerning clients across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and occasionally Devon. He's well known in the landscaping industry for his fresh approach to finding that all important balance between hard and soft landscaping in each and every garden he creates. Anna Roochove from Arbour Landscape Solutions chatted to Mark to find out who and what inspires his work.

beautiful garden with a good balance between hard landsdcaping and planting

beautiful planting scheme beside a small patio designed and built by Freshscapes

Q: What Inspired You To Become A Landscaper?

A: I love hands-on work, nature and working outside! The beauty of landscaping is that it ticks all of those boxes!

Q: How Long Have You Been In Business?

A:  15 years. Freshscapes is 10 years old this May (2025)! I initially worded as a foreman at Ornamental Landscapes owned by Dave Dunbar and learn a lot. His plant knowledge was excellent! This inspired me ultimately to start my own company but was invaluable to my career.

Q: Where Did You Train?

A: I trained on the job but originally I had trained in carpentry and furniture making. I have always loved building, and carpentry particularly demanded an eye for detail that translates very well into building excellently crafted gardens. 


 

traditional garden terrace landscaped by Freshscapes

show garden created by Freshscapes

Q: Do You Design and Build Or Work With Garden Designers?

A: I design and build and also work with garden designers in the Thames Valley area. That's Bucks, Berks, Oxfordshire and occasionally the SouthWest. I regularly build show gardens and that work takes me and the Freshscapes team all over the UK

Q: Which Award Winning Chelsea Flower Show Gardens Inspire You?

A: Answers to follow - once I've had time to enjoy and absorb the delights of RHS Chelsea 2025

Q: Where Do You Gain Inspiration For Your Work?

A:  The situation and location is a huge influence on what we decide. Architecture of the home where the garden to be installed is a huge inspiration to ensure that the architecture and the garden fit well. I am a big fan of traditional materials with a complimentary twist.

Often clients are in a muddle with what they want. We go through a process of image selection to get a steer on their preferences so that we can create gardens that meet their brief.

Q: Who Has Had The Biggest Influence On Your Career?

A: Dave Dunbar of Ornamental Landscapes really believed in my transferable skill set. Edd Grimes Designs ignited the creativity within for how to transform garden spaces.

Q: Natural Stone, Porcelain, Or Reclaimed Stone; Which Is Your Favourite And Why?

A:  Natural Stone. Lovely to work with, cuts well, natural variations blend well with other materials. Softer on the eye, less clinical than porcelain. Tumbled edges etc are more in keeping with nature.

complex arrangement of garden steps expertly installed by Mark Wakley of Freshscapes

elegant patio for a georgian brick built property

Q: How Do You Feel Your Work Transforms Your Customers' Lives?

A:  Huge! Gardens create an extra living space and offer a new dimension to how clients use their homes. The trend for outdoor living has exploded since COVID and the products that can now be added to a garden to bring comfort to the space are amazing. So many people still work from home which has further enhanced the desire for beautiful outdor living spaces.Q: What Advice Would You Offer To Newly Qualified Landscapers?

A: Get out there, collaborate, don't be afraid to approach different designers and landscapers and ask questions, the industry is small and helpful.

Q: Which Trade Shows Do You Like To Attend?

A: Futurescape, Landscape Show, RHS Chelsea, RHS Hampton Court and RHS Malvern

Q: Are You Part Of Any Trady Body Organisations?

A: At the time of writing, that's a work in progress!

Thankyou Mark for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with Anna and share your story. It's great to learn how your career has developed so far and we look forward to seeing more of your work in the future.

One of Mark's landscaping projects are featured among the case studies on the Arbour Landscape Solutions website. Please use this link to explore more.

Family Garden In Marlow
 

‘Meet’ more inspirational and influential personalities working in landscaping and garden design in by visiting Arbour Landscape Solutions ‘Client Spotlight’ 

If you would like to feature in a client spotlight, please email Anna to find out what’s involved.

 

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