The Garden Design Process

I provide a professional design service to deliver a garden that meets your needs and tastes, as well as linking with the architecture of your house. This involves a step by step process, working closely with you to produce creative design solutions that solve spatial challenges and maximise the use of your outdoor space.

If you only require a set of plans you may choose to opt for a design-only service, or alternatively, I can provide a project monitoring service, overseeing the build and planting to completion.

Initial Consultation

The initial consultation is an important first step in the design process. The consultation involves an on-site meeting between both parties, in order to present my portfolio and explain my services, to view the existing garden and to gain a good understanding of your requirements and wishes for the garden. The consultation also enables me to check that your ideas are both realistic and achievable, to suggest alternatives, and to answer any specific questions you may have.

From this discussion, I write up a brief with a quote for carrying out the design work. If accepted by you, this will form the contract for the job.

Site Survey & Analysis

In order to produce the design, a comprehensive survey of the existing garden is first carried out, recording measurements, levels, features, boundaries, access, good and bad views, plants, trees, aspect, soil type and pH. From this information, a scale survey plan is produced, from which the design is worked on.

Concept Plan

You will be presented with a scale concept plan in pencil showing the proposed design, outlining the ground pattern, features, materials, trees and style of planting. This plan is open to discussion and any changes can be agreed at this stage.

Outline Presentation Plan

This is your final hand-drawn scale presentation plan in black and white, showing all the main elements of the design, with details of features and materials to be used in the hard landscaping.

Planting Plan

Once the garden design is completed, a hand-drawn scale plan showing the names and positioning of all the plants in the design is produced, with an accompanying plant schedule listing all the plant names, sizes and quantities. All plant selection takes into account the aspect, soil type, maintenance required, and eventual height and spread of each plant, as well as their aesthetic qualities (texture, form, colour, and seasons of interest).

Hard Landscaping

I work closely with reputable, fully insured contractors, who will provide honest estimates for undertaking the construction work to a high standard. You are not obliged to use their services and can, if you wish, appoint other landscapers to carry out the work.

Planting

I will provide a quote for supplying the plants and undertaking the planting, in accordance with the planting plan. Buying plants in quantity is a big investment and to ensure they thrive proper soil preparation and improvement is vital - a key element of my planting service. I take pride in planting with care to bring your garden design to life.

Additional Services

If required, I can produce further sketches, three-dimensional visuals, construction drawings or coloured copies of your design plan. These services are charged for separately. I can also schedule additional consultation time or on-site meetings at your request, charged at an hourly rate.