Garden Design Services

We can help you achieve what you want from your garden, and there are several stages at which we can be involved.  These include consultations, designs and implementation.

Consultations

The first step is often a design consultation.  It's a chance for us to meet and understand each other.  We get to hear what you want from the site, as well as your likes and dislikes.  We also get a chance to view the site and get a feeling for the genius loci, the sense of place.  You get initial advice and a better understanding of what we can do for you. We can then discuss a way forward.

It's never too early to engage a garden designer.  Early advice can prevent expensive mistakes.  So even if your house is still a building site, or even in planning, it makes sense to get in touch. We firmly believe inside and outside spaces work better when they complement each other. We are used to working alongside other professionals such as architects.

Topographical Surveys

A comprehensive survey of the site really helps get the best design possible, as it aids the creative design process and makes sure practical considerations are addressed.  We strongly recommend getting a professional survey carried out, particularly for larger gardens.  We can perform smaller surveys or advise on commissioning professional surveys.

Master / Concept Plans

We finalise the client brief to make sure the master plan will satisfy your changing requirements, both now and in the future.

We then explore and assess different options for the site, utilising our creative training and experience.  Most of our time will be spent at the drawing board.  Considerations include usability, lines of sight and desire, genius loci, and the balance between areas of mass and void.

We then produce a master plan showing the overall layout for the site, including specimen trees, planting areas and hard landscaping such as walls, buildings, paving and paths.  The plan may be supplemented by perspective drawings and mood boards.

Planting Plans

There are literally thousands of possible plants to choose from.  We use the principle of 'right plant, right place' to determine what to plant where.  Behind this sit considerations such as colour, shape, size, texture, seasonal interest and how plants work with each other.

Planting plans show the numbers and positions of plants.  They can be used together with Master Plans, or can be produced separately for existing planting areas.

Construction Drawings

Hard landscaping is more expensive than planting, and harder to adjust, so it is important that it is planned and implemented correctly.  We can produce construction drawings showing the detail and make-up of walls, water features, paving, paths and other hard landscaping.  These can be used to determine the cost of schemes and give contractors a plan to follow.

Selecting the Contractor

Some clients already have a contractor in mind, whilst others do not.  Designs can require many different professional skills to put them in place.  We can help you pick the right contractor for you, be that a main contractor or specialist sub-contractor.

Project Oversight

We can help make sure your garden plans are implemented properly through a supervisory and advisory role as regards your contractor. 

Sourcing

We can source and provide plants and landscaping materials. This service can be part of an overall design or a standalone service. If required, we can help set out plants prior to planting.

Maintenance Plans

All gardens will require maintenance, and we can provide schedules and plans for you or your gardeners.