About
Stone & Flora was formed not just to design gardens but to help people who desire an outdoor space to be proud of but don’t know where to start.
I create spaces for clients to relax, recharge and reconnect… with nature, with family and friends and most importantly, with themselves.
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Stuart Flinter
Why Do I Design Gardens?
Stone & Flora was born from years of my adult life working in hard landscaping and years of my childhood spent with my grandfather at his nursery just outside Edinburgh.
I remember vividly, spending time curiously wandering up and down the rows of planting in the many greenhouses and large potting sheds, watching him tend to the plants and try to impart some knowledge to me.
There was something incredibly comforting about the smell of the soil, the compost and flowers. Not to mention being able to sit in his office chair or better yet, in the tractor.
Even today, I can’t go to a nursery without thinking about my grandfather and his love of flowers.
I also cannot deny the influence my father has had on my career.
He worked in civil engineering for the best part of 50 years and was involved in countless major projects both in the UK and South Africa.
As a teenager I would be mesmerised by the plans he would bring home to work on at the dining table and would study the drawings and steel schedules.
Designing gardens allows me to combine both of these influences into a role that is hugely fulfilling.
Award Judging
Why Should You Trust Me?
Choosing the right garden designer is about more than creating a beautiful space – it’s about working with someone who understands how exceptional gardens are designed, built, and made to last.
With over 25 years’ experience in the landscaping and construction industry, I bring a depth of knowledge that few designers can offer. My career has included running my own contracting company, working for building material manufacturers and merchants, and spending the last 16 years with a national paving manufacturer. For the past 11 years in that role, I have specialised in inspecting patios and driveways, ensuring high standards of workmanship are achieved and investigating projects when things haven’t gone to plan. This unique experience means I don’t just design attractive gardens – I design spaces that are practical, buildable and engineered for long-term success.
I have also been privileged to serve as a judge for prestigious landscaping awards and to act as an expert witness in legal proceedings, giving me an exceptional insight into what separates outstanding landscapes from average and downright dangerous ones.
Having worked alongside many of the UK’s leading award-winning landscape contractors, I initially began providing design services and technical advice to professionals before expanding my services to homeowners who want to transform their outdoor spaces.
As an award-winning garden designer, recognised with the Best Small Patio Award in 2025, I combine creativity with technical expertise to deliver designs that are as practical as they are beautiful.
I am a strong advocate for ongoing learning and personal development. The landscaping industry is a dynamic and exciting one which is constantly evolving and where professionals cannot simply rest on their laurels. I am committed to continuous professional development, purposefully undertaking training, qualifications and product familiarisation every year to ensure my clients benefit from the latest knowledge, ideas and best practices in garden design and landscaping.
