Following your initial enquiry using the contact form on this website, I'll get back to you to understand in outline the nature of your project. A few photos of your site by e-mail is usually very helpful. The next stage will be to meet you for an Initial consultation.
Initial consultation
I will meet you on site for a detailed discussion to understand what you like about it, what you'd like to change, the practicalities to be included in the new design (for example, outdoor storage space), and your vision of how your ideal garden would look and feel. You may not have a very precise idea of this yet: no problem. As we discuss a selection of design and planting styles, from highly structured to naturalistic, and also the way you would like to use and enjoy your garden, it's my job to get to the essence of your ideal outdoor space. Sometimes it's a detail that seems to hold the key to it. By the end of our discussion I'll know the direction in which I'm heading with your new design, your priorities, your budget (or range) and what level of maintenance can be dedicated to the new garden. Following our meeting, I'll summarise the key points, and with your approval, this will form the Design brief.
Survey & Site analysis
This forms the foundation for all future design work. The site will be surveyed for line and level, to produce the Survey plan, a drawing to scale of the site as it is. This is accompanied by a thorough analysis of all the details of the site that need to be taken into consideration. The Survey plan is also essential for the Landscape contractor when they come to build the new garden.
Sketch proposal
The weeks following the survey are a time of intense creativity. In many cases, it is helpful to discuss a sketch proposal of the new design and gain your feedback before drawing up the Detailed design.
Detailed design
The Detailed design is a plan of your new garden, showing the spaces, hard surfaces and any structures, and structural planting (trees, shrubs and hedges). Decorative herbaceous planting will be described but not shown in detail: that comes in the following stage. Elevations and sections show how the new levels work and how the design looks as if standing in front of it, while further three-dimensional drawings or sketches help you to visualise the new space. Planting mood boards form the basis for discussion for the next stage.
Planting design
Following your approval of the Detailed design, the next step is to design the decorative planting. Planting plans show the position of every plant in the design, and are accompanied by a Plant schedule: a list of plants and quantities to be supplied.
Construction detailing and Tender documentation
Construction drawings show the detailing of bespoke structures or hard landscaping as required. A Setting out drawing gives the exact measurements and levels of the new design layout. Once you are happy with all elements of the design, I can draw up full Specification and Tender documentation on your behalf. You will receive the tenders from potential Landscape contractors, which we will discuss together. The contractor, once appointed, will work directly for you to realise the design.
Construction phase and Project monitoring
Most clients choose to have their designer monitor the construction of their garden. This involves setting out the site with the contractor and then making site visits at key stages in the build, for example prior to the construction of designed hardscape elements or during the planting of trees. Paperwork such as the agreement of interim payments will be taken care of on your behalf.
Planting
Planting usually forms the final stage in the build of your garden, once the construction work is complete.
Handover and Maintenance guidelines
Shortly after the completion of the build and planting, I will visit to ensure you are happy with all aspects and to take you through your bespoke maintenance guidelines to help you get the best out of your new garden both in the initial stages and through the seasons. A new garden fills out rapidly in the growing seasons of its first couple of years, and then takes on a more mature feel, although shrubs and trees will continue to grow and mature well beyond then.
Initial consultation
I will meet you on site for a detailed discussion to understand what you like about it, what you'd like to change, the practicalities to be included in the new design (for example, outdoor storage space), and your vision of how your ideal garden would look and feel. You may not have a very precise idea of this yet: no problem. As we discuss a selection of design and planting styles, from highly structured to naturalistic, and also the way you would like to use and enjoy your garden, it's my job to get to the essence of your ideal outdoor space. Sometimes it's a detail that seems to hold the key to it. By the end of our discussion I'll know the direction in which I'm heading with your new design, your priorities, your budget (or range) and what level of maintenance can be dedicated to the new garden. Following our meeting, I'll summarise the key points, and with your approval, this will form the Design brief.
Survey & Site analysis
This forms the foundation for all future design work. The site will be surveyed for line and level, to produce the Survey plan, a drawing to scale of the site as it is. This is accompanied by a thorough analysis of all the details of the site that need to be taken into consideration. The Survey plan is also essential for the Landscape contractor when they come to build the new garden.
Sketch proposal
The weeks following the survey are a time of intense creativity. In many cases, it is helpful to discuss a sketch proposal of the new design and gain your feedback before drawing up the Detailed design.
Detailed design
The Detailed design is a plan of your new garden, showing the spaces, hard surfaces and any structures, and structural planting (trees, shrubs and hedges). Decorative herbaceous planting will be described but not shown in detail: that comes in the following stage. Elevations and sections show how the new levels work and how the design looks as if standing in front of it, while further three-dimensional drawings or sketches help you to visualise the new space. Planting mood boards form the basis for discussion for the next stage.
Planting design
Following your approval of the Detailed design, the next step is to design the decorative planting. Planting plans show the position of every plant in the design, and are accompanied by a Plant schedule: a list of plants and quantities to be supplied.
Construction detailing and Tender documentation
Construction drawings show the detailing of bespoke structures or hard landscaping as required. A Setting out drawing gives the exact measurements and levels of the new design layout. Once you are happy with all elements of the design, I can draw up full Specification and Tender documentation on your behalf. You will receive the tenders from potential Landscape contractors, which we will discuss together. The contractor, once appointed, will work directly for you to realise the design.
Construction phase and Project monitoring
Most clients choose to have their designer monitor the construction of their garden. This involves setting out the site with the contractor and then making site visits at key stages in the build, for example prior to the construction of designed hardscape elements or during the planting of trees. Paperwork such as the agreement of interim payments will be taken care of on your behalf.
Planting
Planting usually forms the final stage in the build of your garden, once the construction work is complete.
Handover and Maintenance guidelines
Shortly after the completion of the build and planting, I will visit to ensure you are happy with all aspects and to take you through your bespoke maintenance guidelines to help you get the best out of your new garden both in the initial stages and through the seasons. A new garden fills out rapidly in the growing seasons of its first couple of years, and then takes on a more mature feel, although shrubs and trees will continue to grow and mature well beyond then.