About Andrew Harkins
Professional horticulturist and garden consultant with Head Gardener experience managing and developing significant gardens and estates.
My approach combines practical horticultural knowledge with clear, structured garden management — helping owners make informed decisions about the care, improvement and long-term development of their gardens.
Professional Experience
My career in horticulture has included Head Gardener positions across three very different gardens, giving me experience in garden management, planting, living collections, restoration and the practical challenges involved in developing gardens over the long term.
At Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute, I worked within one of Scotland's most significant historic gardens, with experience spanning plant collections, garden development and conservation-led horticulture.
Alongside my professional garden management experience, I hold HNC and HND qualifications in Horticulture and am continuing my professional development through the RHS Master of Horticulture.
I established Andrew Harkins Garden Consultancy to bring that experience directly to private garden owners, estates and venues that need independent, professional horticultural guidance.
"We invited Andy to have a look at our garden as we were concerned that there was blight in our buxus plants. He examined the buxus carefully, advised on treatment and gave more general advice on the garden. The follow-up written notes were particularly useful for future reference. Really appreciated the consultation and would definitely recommend the service. It represented great value for the fee Andy charges."
Marie — Private Garden, Scotland