Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Design Process?
The service I offer is completely bespoke; I do as much or as little as you like, so each job is different. However, as a guide, the progression through a full garden design is detailed here. Your project may not need all these stages.
Initial Visit
Every job is different but all work starts with an initial visit. This first meeting is brief, usually no more than ½ – 1 hour, and gives you a chance to get to know me and how I work. During the meeting I make a brief assessment of the site, you tell me what you hope to achieve, and we work through a short questionnaire to give me enough information to quote for the design work. Design ideas are not discussed at this meeting. Following the meeting I send you a copy of the outline brief along with a proposal and quotation for the first stages of the design work.
It is important at this stage to establish your budget. Many clients are unfamiliar with the costs of landscaping and so are hesitant about committing themselves but it is an important constraint so at least a ballpark figure must be agreed before design work starts.
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Survey
An accurate survey of the garden is needed before any design work can take place. The survey measures the ground levels and the position of all existing features. It ensures that the new design fits the site and is an important pre-requisite if costly and time-consuming rework is to be avoided. If an existing survey is available then this may be sufficient. If not then I usually measure up the garden myself. At this stage I also conduct an analysis of the site and take reference photographs. If your garden is large or complex then I may recommend employing a professional land surveyor.
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Consultation
The consultation is a thorough and detailed discussion of the site and your aspirations for the garden. Potential design solutions and style options are discussed. The aim is to establish a detailed brief for the design of the garden based on your needs and the constraints and attributes of the site. Anything that illustrates your design and planting likes and dislikes is invaluable, so please bring along any images or anything else you have that might help convey your requirements. Following the consultation I summarise my understanding of your requirements in a detailed brief and send this to you for your approval.
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Master Plan
Once the detailed brief has been approved I prepare initial drawings. These comprise concept plans and sketches that describe the proposed design. They do not show all the detailing, but act as a discussion document allowing me to present my ideas, discuss areas of uncertainty, and talk through any changes you may wish to make.
Once the concept plans and any amendments have been agreed I prepare a scale plan of your new garden. This includes the layout, specification of materials, levels and indication of planting areas.
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Planting Plan
Once the concept plan and any amendments are approved I also design the planting for the garden, taking in to account soil type, aspect and situation. Any preferences you have expressed will be accommodated providing that the conditions are favourable. The planting plan shows the location and spacing of all the plants, both new and existing, in the design. An accompanying schedule summarises the new plants required, listing the plant names, sizes and quantities and is used for costing and ordering the plants.
Once the planting plan is approved, I can also prepare a maintenance schedule to help you care for your new garden.
Planting plans and maintenance schedules can also be commissioned separately from a garden design. If this is the case then a consultation will be required. A survey may also be necessary if the size and shape of the border is undecided, or if there is existing planting to identify and reuse.
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Construction Details
For small gardens and simple designs the master plan may be all a landscaper needs in order to build the garden. However for more complicated designs additional drawings may be required. These may include some or all of:
- Setting out plans to assist the landscaper in transferring the design from the plan to the ground.
- Construction drawings for steps, walls, pergolas, ponds and other bespoke items,
- Site sections showing level changes,
- Lighting, electrical, drainage, etc. layout plans,
- A written specification to enable landscape contractors to submit itemised quotes on a like-for-like basis for the building and planting of your garden. This is a highly detailed document that sets out everything that must be done to build your garden. It can be useful when requesting more than one quote as it ensures all the contractors quote for the same quality of materials and standard of work, and include all elements of the garden in their price.
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Build
I do not undertake the physical implementation of the garden design but work in a similar way to an architect; I supply the drawings and details necessary to allow a landscaper to build the garden. To help ensure your garden construction goes smoothly and to help deal with any issues that may arise during the build, I can work with you to find the right landscaper for your project and I offer project inspection.
If you would like me to assist you in engaging a landscaper then I manage the tender process. This involves preparing the tender documentation and copies of all plans and drawings, liaising with landscapers including accompanied site visits, and preparing a report of tenders submitted for you to consider.
Once a landscaper has been appointed I make periodic visits to the site to inspect the construction of your garden. I do not assume any responsibility for the work of the landscaper. I can only notify you of any discrepancies between the design and the build in order that you can take steps to rectify it.
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Planting
If a planting plan is commissioned then I can source the new plants listed in the schedule at competitive prices. Once the landscapers have built the garden, I set out the plants in their correct positions ready for you or your landscaper to plant.
Plant sourcing and setting-out may need to be staged to allow for correct planting seasons.