Services
The Design Process
Designing a garden is always a collaborative process. My initial, no-obligation visit provides the chance to see your garden in person and talk through how you’d like it to work for you, your family, and your lifestyle, as well as discuss your budget and priorities. From this conversation, I’ll prepare a design brief and a quotation for the proposed work. The service can be tailored to your needs — from a planting plan for a single border to a complete garden redesign, covering everything from concept development through to detailed construction drawings, tendering, and project management.
Site Survey & Appraisal
An accurate survey of the existing garden provides the starting point for the design. For most gardens, particularly where there are changes in level, I recommend a professional topographical survey to record the buildings, boundaries, existing features and levels across the site. I can recommend local surveyors to carry this out if required.
I’ll also carry out a full site appraisal, looking at sunlight and shade, soil conditions, existing hard and soft landscaping, views, access and services, together with any planning considerations such as listed status, protected trees or conservation area restrictions.
Concept Presentation
The initial concept plan outlines the proposed layout of the garden, including structures, paths, patios, planting areas and key structural planting such as trees and hedges. A moodboard accompanies the concept, providing a visual reference for the overall style, planting themes and ideas for materials. 3D visualisations of the proposed concept can also be provided – a fantastic way to help visualise your new garden. I work closely with you throughout the concept stage, giving you the opportunity to provide feedback and refine the design to ensure you are completely happy with every element of your new garden.
Detailed Design Documents
Once the concept has been agreed, a final masterplan is produced, showing the precise layout of all elements of the garden, with levels established throughout and materials specified. A comprehensive Scope of Works details the proposed landscaping works and provides the information required to obtain comparable quotations from landscapers.
Construction Detailing & Tendering
A detailed setting-out plan is produced, providing the dimensions needed for the landscaper to accurately set out the design on site. Technical construction drawings are prepared where required, providing precise details for the landscaper and other specialist contractors.
If you don’t already have a preferred contractor, I can recommend landscapers I have worked with previously. I can also manage the tender process, liaising with up to three landscapers, arranging site visits to talk through the proposed works and reviewing the quotations received to help you select the best fit for your project.
Project Management
You may also want me to oversee the project build, to ensure that the garden is built exactly to specification. I will liaise with the contractors throughout the build, carrying out regular site visits to check materials, measurements and quality and dealing with any issues that may arise.
Planting Plans
Detailed planting plans are prepared according to your planting preferences and style, as well as the characteristics of the site. These are accompanied by a plant moodboard and a seasonal maintenance schedule to help you manage your new garden. If required I can also source top quality plants at competitive prices and arrange delivery and planting.