Garden design service

PHASE 1: Initial consultation, site survey and scaled drawing

The first step is to meet on site at your home to discuss what you would like to achieve from your outdoor space. This will be followed up by a detailed questionnaire, for you to fill in with all family members using the garden, which will help to inform the design further.

I will then conduct a site survey, which will involve taking detailed measurements, photographs, soil samples and notes on the conditions and aspects within and around your garden, and how your home relates to your outside space.

Following this I will create a scaled drawing of your garden and devise an initial design for you, based on our initial consultation discussion and questionnaire feedback. This will be a 2D visual – an aerial layout. This 2D image will be accompanied by an e-moodboard which will give you a visual idea of elements within the new design, including hard landscaping materials, planting suggestions and styles. Please note that an exact planting plan will not be conducted at this stage, but at the following stage noted below.

PHASE 2: Finessing the design and planting designs

Once I have shared the initial design with you, I will come to your garden (location dependent) and we can discuss the design in depth on site. This meeting will allow you to share your feedback and I can subsequently make any changes you would like to the design. A final scaled 2D design drawing will be created on the back of our meeting.

Following this, you can ask a hard landscaping company to quote for the work. I work closely with a number of landscapers and can provide their contact details, if needed.

Once the hard landscaping is underway I will revisit your garden and devise detailed planting plans for the soft landscaping areas, including a 2D view of your plant layout, as well as planting lists and a plant mood board. I can then supply and install the plants and provide you with detailed aftercare instructions.

I will arrange a visit to meet you and see your garden so that I can understand the conditions of your space, such as soil ph., aspect and climate. During this visit, we can discuss your likes and dislikes, including colours and textures, as well as seasons that you would like the garden to look at its best. If you are not sure what look you would like to achieve, it can be helpful to look at Pinterest boards and magazine clippings for inspiration in advance.

During my site visit, we will also discuss practicalities including how much time and energy you are able to put into your outdoor space. This could have a significant impact on the planting choices that we make to ensure your garden is right for you in terms of sustainability.

I charge a fee for producing a planting design. This starts at £295 plus £20 per square metre and will increase depending on the complexity of the design. If you decide to proceed I will create your detailed planting plan and planting list.

I will only specify plants that are hardy and that I know will do well in your locality, as well as the specific area of your garden that you have in mind. It is then up to you to look through the plant list and ensure you like the look of all of the plants. If there are any you dislike, we can arrange suitable substitutions at this stage.

Once you have approved the planting plan I can then get a quote for your plants. If you decide to go ahead I will arrange a delivery date and planting date and will ask for payment for your plants up front before they are delivered. I will then attend your site on the specified date to layout and plant your plants, providing detailed aftercare instructions to ensure their ongoing care. If you are interested to learn how to look after your own garden, and would like the skills and expertise to do this with confidence, please check out my gardening tuition service.