About SmartCrack Level
We're a team of qualified horticulturists who believe gardens should enhance both your life and the local environment.
Our Story
SmartCrack Level began over a decade ago from a simple observation: many gardening services focused on quick fixes rather than building healthy, sustainable outdoor spaces. We saw gardens maintained with harsh chemicals, designs that ignored local growing conditions, and advice that prioritised appearance over ecological health.
Starting small in southwest London, we built our approach around what we'd learned through formal horticultural training and years of hands-on experience. We wanted to create gardens that worked with nature rather than constantly fighting against it.
Our early projects taught us valuable lessons about listening to clients, understanding site-specific challenges, and building solutions that last. A garden designed for your specific conditions requires less intervention, fewer resources, and gives better results than generic approaches.
Today we serve properties across the region, but our core philosophy remains unchanged: combine solid horticultural knowledge with sustainable practices and genuine attention to what each client needs.
What Guides Our Work
Honest Recommendations
We tell you what your garden actually needs, not what generates the most revenue. If a simpler solution will work, we'll suggest it. If a project doesn't make sense, we'll say so.
Continuous Learning
Horticultural science evolves, and so do our methods. We stay current with research on soil biology, plant health, and sustainable practices, applying new knowledge to improve our work.
Environmental Responsibility
Every decision considers impact beyond the immediate garden. We choose methods and materials that support broader ecological health whilst delivering results for our clients.
Craftsmanship
Details matter in garden work. Proper planting depth, correct pruning cuts, and thoughtful placement contribute to long-term success. We take pride in doing things properly.
Partnership Approach
Your garden should reflect your priorities and preferences. We bring expertise and recommendations, but the final decisions remain yours. This collaborative process creates better outcomes.
Taking Responsibility
When something doesn't go as planned, we address it directly. Mistakes happen in garden work—weather, pests, and unexpected conditions affect results. We stand behind our work and make things right.
The People Behind the Work
Our team combines formal qualifications with practical experience across different garden types and challenges.
Michael Thornbury
Lead Horticulturist
Michael holds an RHS Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture and has spent fifteen years working with UK gardens. His particular expertise lies in soil improvement and selecting plants suited to challenging conditions. He oversees our design work and complex projects.
Rachel Pemberton
Garden Designer
With a background in landscape architecture and native plant ecology, Rachel creates designs that balance aesthetic appeal with environmental benefits. She's particularly skilled at integrating wildlife-friendly features into formal garden settings.
David Chen
Maintenance Specialist
David manages our ongoing maintenance services and has an encyclopedic knowledge of pruning requirements for different plant species. His attention to seasonal timing ensures work happens when it benefits the garden most.
How We Approach Garden Projects
Understanding the Site
Every property has unique characteristics that influence what will thrive. We assess soil type, drainage patterns, sun exposure, and microclimates before making recommendations. A plant that flourishes in one garden might struggle twenty metres away due to different conditions.
This assessment phase saves time and money in the long run by avoiding plants that won't perform well and identifying opportunities you might not have considered.
Working With Your Vision
Some clients arrive with detailed ideas about what they want. Others know their current garden isn't working but aren't sure what would improve it. Both approaches are fine. We adapt our process to match where you are in your thinking.
Through conversation and site assessment, we develop plans that align with how you actually use your outdoor space, not generic solutions that look good on paper but don't fit your lifestyle.
Building Healthy Foundations
Sustainable gardens start with healthy soil. We prioritise soil improvement in every project, whether that means adding organic matter, adjusting drainage, or building up depleted areas. This foundation work makes everything else easier and reduces ongoing maintenance needs.
Selecting Appropriate Plants
Plant selection considers multiple factors: your site conditions, maintenance preferences, seasonal interest, wildlife value, and aesthetic goals. We favour plants with proven performance in UK conditions and avoid species that require constant intervention to survive.
Planning for Maturity
Gardens change as plants grow. We design with mature sizes in mind, spacing plants appropriately even when this means the garden looks sparse initially. Proper spacing prevents overcrowding issues that lead to disease, excessive pruning, and plant removal later.
Providing Clear Guidance
After completing projects, we explain what care your new or renovated garden will need. This includes seasonal tasks, signs to watch for, and when to seek help. Informed clients can make better decisions about their gardens.
Milestones & Recognition
Company Founded
Started operations in Richmond, focusing on organic garden maintenance for residential properties.
Design Services Launched
Expanded to offer full garden design and transformation projects after growing client demand for holistic solutions.
RHS Qualification
Lead team members completed advanced RHS certifications in horticulture and garden planning.
100% Organic Commitment
Transitioned all services to completely organic methods, eliminating synthetic pesticides and fertilisers from our practice.
Wildlife Garden Accreditation
Achieved specialist certification in wildlife-friendly garden design and native plant landscaping.
Service Area Expansion
Extended coverage across southwest London and surrounding areas whilst maintaining personalised service quality.
Our Environmental Commitment
Sustainable gardening isn't just marketing language for us—it's how we operate. Our environmental approach influences material choices, methods, and the advice we provide to clients.
Peat-Free Growing
We source only peat-free composts and growing media. Peat extraction damages irreplaceable habitats, and viable alternatives perform just as well in garden applications.
Water Conservation
Our designs incorporate drought-tolerant plants where appropriate and we advise on water-efficient irrigation. Mulching and soil improvement reduce water needs significantly.
Supporting Pollinators
Every design includes plants that provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. These food sources support bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Minimal Chemical Use
Our organic approach eliminates synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. Pest problems receive solutions based on biological controls, habitat modification, and cultural practices.
Local Sourcing
Where possible, we source plants and materials from UK suppliers. This reduces transport emissions and supports British nurseries growing stock suited to our climate.
Waste Reduction
Garden waste becomes compost rather than landfill. We maximise on-site recycling of organic material and choose suppliers who minimise packaging.
Professional Standards
Fully Insured
We carry comprehensive public liability insurance covering all our work. Your property and peace of mind are protected.
Qualified Team
Our horticulturists hold recognised professional qualifications including RHS certifications and continue professional development annually.
Ethical Practice
We adhere to professional standards for environmental responsibility, client communication, and business conduct.
Let's Discuss Your Garden
Whether you're planning a complete transformation or need expert maintenance, we're here to help. Get in touch to arrange a conversation about your outdoor space.
Get In Touch