We have developed a simple design process that will guide us through the creative and practical steps to designing and building your dream garden.
Step One - Consult
On receipt of an e-mail or telephone call, a meeting will be arranged for a free consultation to discuss the design of the garden with our client.
The first visit will be to:-
1. Discuss the clients needs
2. Carry out a risk assessment
3. Look at existing hard landscaping
4. Discuss utilities required
5. Discuss soft landscaping
6. Discuss the clients Budget
1. Clients needs
One of the most important points is that the clients needs will be taken into consideration
· Do they have children, pets or grandchildren visiting regularly, If so they may need a play or recreation area
· Do they want a formal (geometric) garden with straight lines, rectangles, squares or would they prefer an informal garden with circles swirls or curves
· Do they require a wildlife garden, vegetable garden or country cottage garden or all of these
· Would they require low or high maintainence depending on how much spare time they want to spend on the garden
· Do they like entertaining or prefer privacy or both
2. Risk Assessment
The consultant will survey the ground and ensure there are:-
· No underground cables or pipes
· Overhanging branches from trees
· Manhole covers
· Electric submeters
· Foundations of old buildings
· No tree preservation orders (TPO’s) on existing trees
· No planning permission required for any hard landscaping
3. Hard Landscaping
The consultant will then look at the existing layout of the garden, what can be used and utilised as part of the design, this includes:
· Existing paths
· Steps and slopes
· Existing trees and plants
· Perimeter fences and walls
· Access for skips, lorries, diggers or wheel barrows.
· Patios
· Barbecues
· Raised beds
· Decking
· Pools and ponds
4. Utilities
The consultant will discuss with the client the utilities required:
· Electricity supply for lights, water features etc.
· Outside water tap or water pipes
· Washing lines
· Sheds for storage
· Bin storage
5. Soft Landscaping
The final touch to any garden design is the soft landscaping, the consultant will first look at the soil type and structure, orientation, wind direction and possible frost pockets. They will then discuss the clients preferances looking at the following:
· Focal points
· Seating areas
· Pergolas and arbors
· Climbing plants
· Tactile plants
· Scented plants
· Herb gardens
· Vegetable patch
· Perenial border
· Meadow grassed area
· Wildlife area
· Lawns
· Textures, colour and juxtaposition
They will also look at the condition of and give advice to the client on existing lawns and trees and any possible pests and diseases.
6. Budget
The consultant will help the client establish a budget if they have not already set aside a given amount for the works and design, this budget will have to take into account:
· Any council fees required e.g. planning permission or the cost to remove tree preservation orders,
· Design fees
· Cost of materials or new plants
· Machinery hire for landscaping
· Labour to complete the works
· Project manager for phasing (if required)
Step Two - Garden Design
Subject to your approval of our fees We will carry out a full site survey of your garden to produce scale drawings of the site, these will be used to design your new garden. At the same time soil samples will be taken and the gardens micro climate observed and recorded. We will then arrange a follow up visit. During this visit we will discuss the design and bring it to life by viewing the images, sketches and samples of materials to be used. We will then discuss any changes or additions you would like to make. We will then produce the final garden design plans.
Step Three - Landscape & Build
We will send you a full written estimate for the landscaping work. From this quote you then have the choice to either use us to see the project through or use your own chosen gardener. If you decide to use our services for the build process we will then send you a full schedule of works and give you a start date. The designer will be on site to supervise our Landscaping team so you will only have one point of contact through out the process.
Step Four - Maintain
All our work is fully guaranteed and carried out to the highest standard. Plants will be supplied by us at cost price and we can offer you a maintenance package once your garden is complete to keep it looking at its best.