How we work together
The design process
A professionally designed garden gives years of enjoyment — a space to relax in, entertain in, and one that sits properly inside the wider landscape. Getting there takes four stages. Some gardens need them all, some only the first.
Initial consultation
I visit you and your garden. We talk about how you use the space now, how you'd like to use it, what you'd want to change, what you'd want to keep. Likes, dislikes, style, budget. A new paved seating area, a pond, raised vegetable beds — whatever's in your mind.
I also look at the wider landscape: the views, the surrounding trees, the aspect of the site, the soil.
This is free of charge for the first hour. Travel costs may apply.
If you agree to proceed, where possible I will survey your garden on this visit, to draw up scaled plans to work from. Larger or more complex gardens will need a second visit and a level survey if needed.
Design ideas
From the consultation and survey, I draw and create a number of scaled design options — variations on the themes we discussed. The designs show overall layout, hard and soft landscaping, a sense of materials, planting types and planting character.
Design ideas consultation
I come back with your drawings and designs. Together we discuss the various options, looking at materials and planting, how the overall design will work, often mixing design ideas to create an overall working plan together. At this stage it should be possible to give you an idea of the overall cost and timescale.
Detailed master plan
Optional. Recommended if you're building the garden yourself or working with a third-party landscaper.
From the agreed working plan I can create detailed plans showing hard landscaping specifications, materials, planting plans. Anything a landscaper or you would need to make the design real.
Beyond the design
Landscaping and project management. Providing a competitively priced landscaping service that is hands-on throughout the landscaping process. I strongly believe the design process doesn't stop when your garden is landscaped; working with you making improvements to the design and garden at each stage, it's in the details that make a good garden become an outstanding garden.
Garden restoration and head-gardener consultancy. Larger gardens, often over several years, working alongside owners and existing groundsmen. Hands-on horticultural expertise and skilled maintenance, with the long view across seasons.
Hourly consultation. Practical advice on plant care, pruning, problems. Sometimes a garden just needs a second pair of eyes.