Services

The first step in the design process begins with the initial design consultation. 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 photos from 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 will be 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 will also include a quote for our 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 initial concept sketches and style montage. Once we have agreed the overall creative approach to the garden, we will then evolve the chosen concept sketch 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, hand-drawn design for your garden. 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. To ensure the project runs smoothly from start to finish, we can draw up a scope of works and specifications. This is helpful in obtaining accurate quotes for the landscaping works and is invaluable when putting the work out to competitive tender. Typically, we work with trusted landscapers but are equally happy to work with your chosen 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.

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 prepare detailed and personalised aftercare plans to help you keep your garden looking great throughout the seasons. For those gardens where we have been involved from concept to completion, we also offer follow-up visits during the first year after completion. This ongoing consultancy – 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.