Tel: 07866 747 849
about
Passionate About Creating Beautiful, Functional Gardens in West Sussex
At Alex Bell Garden Design, we believe a well-designed garden is more than just an outdoor space – it’s an extension of your home and lifestyle. Based in Steyning, West Sussex, we specialise in creating bespoke gardens across Sussex, Surrey, Kent, and Hampshire.
Led by award-winning garden designer Alex Bell, our designs balance creativity, practicality, and sustainability to bring your dream garden to life. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil retreat in Chichester, a family-friendly garden in Horsham, or a low-maintenance landscape in Worthing, we create outdoor spaces that thrive for years to come.
Our story
Alex Bell’s career in garden design grew from a lifelong passion for the natural world and a deep appreciation of how outdoor spaces can enrich daily life. With a background in habitat management and conservation, moving into horticulture and garden design was a natural evolution, combining environmental knowledge with creative vision. Over the years, Alex has gained extensive experience working on a wide range of projects – from stylish contemporary town gardens in Shoreham-by-Sea to expansive country estates around Petworth and Midhurst.
In 2003, Alex founded Alex Bell Garden Design (ABGD). Since then, the practice has earned a strong reputation across West Sussex and the southern counties for creating inspirational, plant-rich, and sustainable gardens. From intimate planting projects in Haywards Heath to large-scale landscaping schemes in Crawley or Arundel, every design is approached with sensitivity, creativity, and expert attention to detail.
At the heart of Alex’s philosophy is a simple belief: gardens should be beautiful, functional, and sustainable – designed not just for today, but to grow, mature, and thrive for years to come.
What makes us different
At ABGD, we pride ourselves on a personal and professional approach to garden design. we specialise in designing, building, and maintaining exceptional gardens, offering a professional yet accessible service for anyone looking to transform their outdoor space. Every project is unique, which is why our services are flexible and tailored to each client’s individual needs, vision, lifestyle, and the character of their home.
Through close consultation and a fresh, creative vision, we craft innovative designs that respond beautifully to their setting. Inspired by our love of plants and the natural world, we create gardens that not only look stunning but also bring lasting enjoyment season after season.
Over the years, Alex has brought together a trusted team of designers, horticulturalists, and consultants who share his passion for creating gardens of real distinction. With our combined expertise, we deliver every project—large or small—with professionalism, creativity, and a personal touch.
Meet the team
At Alex Bell Garden Design, we believe that a garden is only as good as the team that creates it. While Alex leads the garden design process, every project is supported by trusted professionals with specialist skills in landscaping, planting, horticulture, and garden care.
Together, we share a passion for quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship—ensuring your garden not only looks beautiful on day one but continues to thrive for years to come. Whether you are based in Chichester, Horsham, Arundel, Worthing, Midhurst, or wider West Sussex, our expert team is here to help bring your garden vision to life.
Alex Bell – Founder & Garden Designer
Award-Winning | Creative | Passionate
With over 30 years of experience in garden design, horticulture, and environmental consultancy, Alex Bell is the creative force behind every project. His career began in conservation and habitat management before moving naturally into horticulture and design—an influence still clear today in his nature-led approach to sustainable garden design.
Since founding Alex Bell Garden Design in 2003, Alex has created bespoke gardens across the South of England, from West Sussex and Surrey to Hampshire and East Sussex. His work has been recognised at leading UK flower shows, with multiple medals at Hampton Court Flower Show and Malvern Spring Gardening Show (Gold, Silver-Gilt, Silver, and the Most Creative Garden Award). He was also a finalist on Channel 4’s The Great Garden Challenge (2005).
Alex believes gardens should be a seamless extension of the home, balancing beauty, function, and sustainability. From the first consultation through to the final planting, he remains hands-on—ensuring every detail is delivered with care and precision.
Alex Ballantyne – Project Mgr & Horticulturist
Practical | Organised | Problem-Solver
After a successful career in sales and marketing with global brands such as Fender Musical Instruments and 20th Century Fox, Alex Ballantyne retrained at the Royal Horticultural Society, following his true passion for the outdoors.
For over a decade, Alex has worked as a professional gardener while also managing projects at Alex Bell Garden Design. As Project Manager, he ensures each design is transformed into reality—organising quotations, coordinating contractors, and managing the full garden build process.
He’s also actively involved on planting days, making sure each plant is perfectly placed to achieve the desired effect. A natural problem-solver, Alex strongly believes gardens have the power to enhance wellbeing and reconnect people with nature.
Keeley Bell – Garden Maintenance Consultant
Knowledgeable | Supportive | Organised
Over 12 years ago, Keeley made the switch from administration to horticulture—and she has been caring for gardens across West Sussex ever since. Today, she not only looks after many of the gardens designed by Alex but also advises clients on how to get the very best from their outdoor spaces.
Now a full-time member of the design team, Keeley helps coordinate and schedule ongoing garden maintenance following the design and build. Often seen during maintenance consultancy visits, she supports clients with seasonal guidance so they feel confident nurturing their new gardens.
