About Steve
Hi, I’m Steve Cook — and you could say horticulture runs in my veins. I was born and raised on a market garden and plant nursery, learning from a young age how plants grow, how the seasons shape the land, and how a well-designed outdoor space can lift the spirit.
I built my first small garden when I was just 12 years old, and from that moment I knew I’d found my path. I went on to gain hands-on experience with a local landscaping company before taking a three-year horticultural course at Plumpton Agricultural College. My passion for plants took me to the Royal Botanic Gardens, where I spent another three years deepening my knowledge, surrounded by some of the world’s most remarkable plant collections. I then broadened my practical skills even further by working with a local tree surgery company.
In 1996 I launched S J Cook Landscaping — and I’ve never looked back. Nearly 30 years on, I’ve designed and landscaped hundreds of gardens across the region and travelled the world gathering ideas, inspiration, and techniques that continue to shape my work today. Every project adds to a lifetime of learning about nature, materials, and how people want to live in their outdoor spaces.
My focus has always been simple:
To create beautiful, inviting gardens that grow and flourish for many years to come.
Spaces with character. Spaces that make life better. Spaces where memories are made.
The journey of understanding horticulture is never finished — and that’s exactly what keeps me excited about what I do. Whether it’s a small planting refresh, a complete garden transformation, or a stunning outdoor living space, I bring passion, care, and decades of expertise to every stage of the process.
Let’s build a garden you’ll love spending time in.