Services

The first step begins with an initial design consultation, either in person or via video call. During this first meeting we will discuss your likes, dislikes, possible themes and styles, and create a wish-list. It is helpful to have to hand any images of gardens you have visited that you like, or images from online resources or magazines that have particularly sparked your imagination as this will help to determine the desired look and feel of your garden. The outcome of this consultative meeting is the creation of the design brief: a written summary of key requirements that must be met in the creation of your garden. The design brief includes a quote for delivering the design work, together with an indication of next steps and our terms of business.

The next step is to undertake a full and detailed survey of your garden as it currently is, accurately measuring its boundaries and orientation, plotting the location of any existing structures and services, areas to hide or highlight, items to remain or remove, and, if you have a sloping garden, any changes in ground levels. The site survey provides the opportunity to note any challenges that the design must overcome. For instance, do we need to screen an unsightly view? Which areas of the garden get the most sun/most shade? Is the garden overshadowed by neighbouring trees or buildings? Helpful reference photography and soil analysis are also taken at this stage.

With the survey complete, the creative process can begin in earnest. This will typically include the development of an initial concept plan and design mood board or imagery to communicate key ideas. Once we have agreed the overall creative approach to the garden, the concept plan is developed into a scaled and fully detailed outline plan. The outline plan is the transformation of ideas from the initial design consultation and creative concept into a complete, CAD design for your garden including 3D visuals. It will show all the proposed hard landscaping elements, focal points and features, areas of soft landscaping, and specimen plants.

Seeing your garden take shape is perhaps the most exciting phase of the design project. We can recommend experienced and professional landscapers and help with obtaining quotes for the work to ensure the plans are costed accurately. Typically, we work with trusted landscapers but are equally happy to work with your chosen landscape contractors. Once work begins, we can be on hand to monitor the project at critical points throughout the build, with regular liaison until your dream garden is complete. If we have also created a planting plan for you, we can be on hand to supply and set out all the plants, and ensure this final stage of the project is completed to a high standard.

A garden is always evolving and over time it may need a little help to keep it looking its best. Once the garden is complete, we can help you to maintain it by providing personalised aftercare support to help you keep your garden looking great throughout the seasons. For those gardens where we have been involved from concept to completion, we offer follow-up visits during the first year after completion. This ongoing support – typically scheduled in spring or autumn - gives us an opportunity to review how the garden is developing, and discuss any areas that may need attention.