The Design Process
Depending on what you require the actual process will differ accordingly. Some clients just need help with a concept idea in which case I would tailor the process accordingly. Other clients may be on a tight budget and may wish for me to spend a morning or a day offering advice. The majority of people however employ me for a complete design which involves several stages. These stage are as follows:
Initial Consultation
The initial consultation involves discussing your wish list for your garden. It is the basis for the design, so the more information I can gather the better. Some clients find it difficult to pinpoint what they want from their garden. I will bring a range of source books and photos so that I can get a real sense of your likes and dislikes. I will also be looking at your home just so I can ensure the garden I design works well with and compliments your house interior and exterior and the surrounding landscape. After the consultation I would send full garden brief together with a quote for the design, specifying the cost stage by stage.
Master Plan
The Master Plan is a final detailed plan of the design for your garden. It show exact locations of areas, surfaces, planting areas and structures, colour rendered and labelled with detailed descriptions for clear understanding.
Site Survey
On receiving approval to start the design I will arrange for a site survey. For small gardens we can carry out the site survey ourselves. For larger gardens and estates we recommend using a professional Surveying company. This provides us with a ground plan of the garden from which we will then work from. During the site survey we will accurately measure your garden, analyse level changes,take a detailed note of existing plants, soil conditions and garden aspect. We will also take photographs and make sketches to assist with the design.
Planting Plan
The Planting Plan shows plant details, specific plant by plant locations and groupings for every area within the design. With this we create a Plant Schedule showing plant names, quantities, recommended sizes and cost. We also produce a Maintenance Guide for your garden both Month by Month and by individual plant so you know how to manage the garden plants after the garden is finished.
Site Analysis and Draft Plan
Once the Site Survey is complete and the information gathered onto a base plan we will then analyse your wish list and site conditions to create a Draft Plan. The Draft plan will show an outline overview of the intended design. As well as a Draft Plan we create mood boards and provide sketches to help you visual the final garden, together with outline ideas for planting schemes. We can also provide 3D CAD visualisations and walk throughs. At this point we would arrange a visit to discuss the plan, ensure it is developing in the right direction and make any necessary changes before the Master Plan is produced.
Further Plans
We also offer the option of Construction Detail Packages, Work Schedules, Irrigation and Lighting Plans as part of our design service. These are invaluable in ensuring the quality of the build of the garden and provides invaluable details for quoting should you wish to use an external landscape contractor.