Process

Interested in making a garden improvement? Be it a full redesign or a border that needs planting, it all begins with a consultation. Get in touch to book an appointment where we can discuss your plans in a friendly chat.

This can take between 1-2 hours, involve an in depth discussion about your garden, and a walk around the space in question.

A detailed site analysis must be recorded for the area to be designed. In what aspect does the garden lie? How does the sun travel across the garden? Are there frost pockets or drainage problems? All these issues are to be noted as they may affect where seating areas etc., are located.

Soil samples are also taken, to determine its make-up and pH.

All the above details inform what plants will thrive and where in the garden.

A land survey is essential when designing a garden. Boundaries, levels, existing plants, property details, all need recording in order to be able to redesign the space in question.

With simple, level gardens, I will be able to survey the garden myself at minimal cost. However, more complex gardens will need to be surveyed professionally.

Once the contract is signed I can begin to design your dream garden. Using the information unearthed from the consultation, I put together a draft design. This may consist of sketches, a moodboard, a loose 3D model, any tools that will allow me to convey the idea. Any alterations or further ideas from the client are welcome and can be incorporated into the design.

The culmination of the previous exchanges are channelled into this plan.

The concept plan consists of 3D rendered images of the proposed garden design. It shows the client how the garden will look at scale, allowing a true understanding of its atmosphere, space, and proportions.

The concept plan cannot be built from accurately. There are no details of materials, dimensions, or plants. For this, a Hard Landscaping Plan is required.

The Hard Landscaping Plan details how the garden will be built, what materials it is made from, and how much of each material is required.

This plan allows landscapers to quote on a like-for-like basis when competing for the job, as they are using the same materials and constructing the built elements in the same way.

Once the landscaping has been finished, the garden is ready for planting. For this, a bespoke Planting Plan is required. The plants will have been selected specifically for the microclimate and soil conditions for your garden, ensuring they have the best chance to thrive.

The landscaper may plant the garden themselves or the garden designer might prefer to set out and plant them. I prefer to do this myself if I’m available as I like to see the garden take shape with the planting (it’s also a lovely job to do!).

If the client requests this added service, I can invite quotes from landscapers, fielding any questions they have about the plans. I will then meet back with the client to evaluate the quotes and advise on the suitable landscaper.