Creating a garden that reflects your lifestyle
A garden design that suits your current and future needs will include some or all of the following stages.
Stage 1: Initial consultation
We meet at your home to talk through what you want from your garden, the style you envisage and your budget.
Then your garden is surveyed so we know the heights and placement of existing elements (eg damp proof course, party walls), and how and where the slopes run.
Stage 2: Concept design and detailed plan
Based on your brief, and working with the survey, I produce a concept design which we discuss together.
When you are happy with this, I create a detailed plan to help you understand precisely how your finished garden will look.
A detailed outline plan of a garden
Stage 3: Planting design
The choice of plants is then driven by your preferences and my guiding hand, given the type of soil you have, the amount and direction of light you get, and the need to provide year-round interest. This is set out in a detailed plan. An accompanying Plant Schedule will facilitate ordering from a nursery.
A planting plan shows were every plant goes
Stage 4: Construction drawings and scope of works
Technical drawings and written instructions, known as the scope of works, enable your chosen landscape contractor to create exactly what you want in the way of borders, paths, ponds and pergolas.
Section drawing for the steps to the terrace
Setting out drawing to layout the garden
Stage 5: Tender process
I can then brief three landscape contractors to quote for the build. With the scope of works plus the plans and technical drawings, you will get fair and accurate quotes. I can also help you understand the tenders so you can appoint the contractor that suits you best.
Or I can help you find a project manager to run the tender process, co-ordinate project and visit the site regularly until the project is completed. They ensure that the contract runs smoothly, on time, on budget, and to the required specification, so you don’t have to be involved in the daily grind of creating your garden.
Stage 6: Aftercare and garden maintenance
A garden needs regular care to keep it looking good. If you don’t want to do this yourself, I can help you find a garden maintenance service to suit your needs.