Process

Some clients give me free rein in the garden: others have a very clear idea of what they want. So the service I offer is very flexible. You can cherry pick the bits you want and decide how involved you’d like to be in the process. And, at every stage, you can be confident that I’ll keep you up to date on design detail, budget and timescales. If I need to call in specialists in any field I make sure they’re fully qualified, reliable and take pride in a job well done. Here’s what you can expect.

1. Initial Consultation

This is the first crucial step towards making your 'wish list' a reality. What do you want from your garden? How do you want to use it? What do you like and dislike? What's your soil type? Do you have problem site or just an awkward corner? I'll then produce a written proposal that summarises what you want to achieve and how I plan to achieve it.

2. Site Survey & Analysis

If you decide to go ahead, this is the next step. It’s an objective look at the existing site and reveals the exciting possibilities for its development.

3. The Design Plan

With all the information to hand and the concept agreed, I can now produce a hand drawn outline design plan. This will help you to picture your finished garden. We may have to tweak a few things here and there but generally from this point we can put more flesh on the bones with a planting plan, lighting scheme, detailed construction drawings and so on.

4. The Planting Plan

It’s the planting, even in a minimalist garden, that brings the garden to life. Every plant should make its own contribution – scent, colour, texture - and harmonise with its companions to create an overall aesthetic.

And so the planting plan identifies the plants to be used, their numbers and their exact location. It’s accompanied by a plant schedule for nursery use.

5. Lighting Scheme

Not only does this extend the use of the garden into the night and increase security: it can also add a completely different dimension to your garden, creating the look you want - understated elegance, beauty or drama.

6. Construction Drawings/Scope of Works

If you require hard landscaping, these are the technical drawings that the landscaper/builder uses to construct the garden in line with the design. They will be accompanied by a Scope of Works containing written details of materials or construction techniques

8. Perspective & Axonometric Drawings

Some clients find if helpful to see an artist’s impression or further 2D or 3D visuals of how the finished garden will look.

9. Project Monitoring

The exciting bit is seeing the concept turn into reality. I can guide you through the process of choosing the right contractor and monitor the project to make sure the finished garden lives up to your expectations.