Process & Planning
Following my passion to become an independent Garden Designer, my dream finally came true in 2004. I’m inspired by innovative and sustainable projects that change the way we live. I plan and design unique and functional spaces that stand the test of time. Contact me today to learn what I can do for you.
Set out below is a typical garden design process from initial contact to final delivery of the project. As I provide a highly personal service this can be adjusted to suit individual requirements.
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Importantly, you have control at each stage of the process as I will only move forward if you are entirely satisfied with progress and give your consent.
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I can also provide other services as part of the package, such as project management, planting and horticultural consultancy. Further details are given below.
Initial Contact
Normally I have an initial telephone call to discuss what you wish to achieve, the scale of the project, the desired maintenance levels and understand any specifics that are important to you, including your budget.
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I may then provide some initial thoughts or suggestions on what we discussed as well as outlining the process that I feel would work best for you.
Free Onsite Consultation
I will visit you in your garden to discuss your ideas in more detail. This is an important stage as I can get a good feel for what can be achieved and whether that is likely to be within your initial budget. If I believe that your budget is likely to be constrained, I will be honest with you and provide options so that you can still realise your dream.
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Towards the end of the visit I will outline thoughts on design and make sure these meet with your approval. If there are any specific points that I believe you should be aware of, I will tell you at this time. We will also discuss how best that I can support you and outline sensible options.
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Following this visit I will provide you with a written estimate of costs so that there is no misunderstanding. This budget may change following design and changes to planting or other requirements, but any change will be discussed with you before any commitment is made by you.
Site Survey
Normally I will be required to undertake a separate site survey. This involves collecting information such as measurements, soil type and house amenities. With this information I can then begin your preliminary design
Preliminary Design
This will show the general layout of hard landscaping, planting areas and any key features, such as up lighting or water features.
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I will review this in detail with you and ensure that any changes you wish to make are then incorporated; these are, of course, free of charge at this stage.
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Should any changes you require impact the budget, I will let you know and make sure that you are happy with this. This will be confirmed in writing to make sure there is no misunderstanding.
Detailed Design
A hand drawn scaled design is then produced from the agreed preliminary drawing that also includes planting ideas that will best suit your garden. I will then review this in detail with you and make sure that it meets your requirements and your budget.
Planting Plans
A detailed planting plan is produced following agreement of the detailed design. This shows how the plants will look in the finished garden, providing an idea of the ambience, colours and shape that your garden will take through the seasons.
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This design will enable you to obtain quotes for plant suppliers should you opt to do this on your own.
Other Services
I can also provide other services as part fo the package, such as project management, planting and horticultural consultancy.
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Should you require these additional services, I will provide you with a quote at the outset.
Project Management
I am happy to project manage other trades people who are involved in the overall project, for example, landscapers. These could be those who you have already appointed or people that I source on your behalf.
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For people that I source on your behalf, this could include identification of trades, interview and selection, obtaining estimates and quotes for your approval and then managing them through delivery of your project. In this instance, their costs would be incorporated in my overall quote unless you wished to contract with them directly.
Planting Services
I love to add the final stages to my designs by getting involved with planting. I only use the best quality stock and source plants from local nurseries who pride themselves in their products and service.
Horticultural Consultation
I am happy to offer general guidance, whether that be about growing plants, specific gardening issues that you may have or if you just want to make some changes in your garden.