Our Story and Values

Building gardens that honour nature and enrich communities.

Where It All Began

Knowlora Trek started in 2011 when our founder, Eleanor Hartwell, recognised a gap in the market for genuinely ecological garden design. After completing her RHS qualifications and working for several traditional landscaping firms, she noticed how often environmental considerations were treated as optional extras rather than foundational principles.

Eleanor's vision was simple but ambitious: create beautiful outdoor spaces that actively contribute to biodiversity rather than diminishing it. What began as a solo venture has grown into a team of five dedicated horticulturists, each bringing specialised knowledge in areas from soil science to pollinator ecology.

We've remained deliberately small. This allows us to maintain quality control and ensure every project receives the personal attention it deserves. We're selective about the work we take on, preferring depth over volume.

Our Core Values

Ecological Integrity

We believe gardens should enhance rather than diminish local ecosystems. Every design decision considers its impact on soil health, water cycles, and wildlife habitat.

Honest Communication

We're transparent about what's achievable within your budget and timeframe. If something won't work in your specific conditions, we'll tell you directly and suggest alternatives.

Continuous Learning

Horticultural knowledge evolves constantly. We attend workshops, trial new techniques, and stay current with research in soil biology and plant science.

Craftsmanship

Good gardening requires patience and attention to detail. We take pride in the quality of our work, from soil preparation to the final placement of each plant.

Meet Our Team

Our horticulturists bring diverse backgrounds and complementary skills. What unites us is a deep respect for plants and the natural systems that support them.

Eleanor Hartwell

Founder & Lead Designer

RHS-qualified with a master's degree in ecology. Eleanor specialises in pollinator gardens and has consulted on several rewilding projects across southern England.

James Thornbury

Senior Horticulturist

James brings fifteen years of experience in organic growing systems. His expertise in soil health and composting has transformed numerous challenging sites.

Amara Okonkwo

Landscape Horticulturist

Specialising in water-wise planting and drought-tolerant species, Amara helps clients adapt their gardens to changing climate conditions without sacrificing beauty.

Thomas Brennan

Maintenance Specialist

Thomas oversees our seasonal care programmes, ensuring gardens we've established continue to thrive. His knowledge of pruning and plant health is exceptional.

Our Distinctive Approach

Site-Specific Design

We spend considerable time understanding your garden's microclimate, soil composition, and existing ecology before making recommendations. A sunny, sandy plot in Kent requires entirely different plants than a shaded, clay-heavy garden in Surrey. Cookie-cutter approaches don't work in horticulture.

Native Plant Priority

Where appropriate, we prioritise UK native species that support local insect populations. A single native oak can support hundreds of invertebrate species, while many ornamental imports support virtually none. That said, we're not purists—some non-natives offer valuable nectar when native flowers have finished.

Soil-First Thinking

Healthy plants grow from healthy soil. We invest time in building soil structure, encouraging beneficial microorganisms, and establishing natural nutrient cycles. This creates resilience that no amount of fertiliser can replicate.

Long-Term Perspective

Gardens evolve. We design with succession in mind, planning for how the space will develop over five, ten, even twenty years. Fast-growing pioneers give way to permanent plantings; temporary gaps are planned for rather than problems to be solved.

Milestones & Recognition

2011

Company Founded

Eleanor Hartwell establishes Knowlora Trek with a focus on ecological garden design.

2014

First Award

Received commendation from the Kent Wildlife Trust for a biodiversity-focused residential garden.

2017

Team Expansion

Grew to a team of four specialists, allowing us to take on more complex projects.

2020

100th Garden

Completed our hundredth garden design, marking a decade of ecological horticulture.

2023

Educational Partnership

Began collaborating with local schools on educational garden projects and wildlife habitats.

2026

Ongoing Growth

Now serving clients across the South East with a portfolio of over 200 completed gardens.

Who We Work With

While most of our work is with private homeowners, we also partner with organisations that share our environmental values.

Private Homeowners

From small urban courtyards to large rural plots, we design gardens that reflect your vision while supporting local ecology.

Educational Institutions

School gardens that serve as outdoor classrooms, teaching children about plants, insects, and ecological relationships.

Community Groups

Helping community gardens and allotments adopt more sustainable growing practices and improve biodiversity.

Small Businesses

Commercial spaces that want welcoming, low-maintenance landscapes with environmental credentials.

Let's Discuss Your Garden

We'd love to hear about your outdoor space and explore how we might work together.