WHAT DOES A GARDEN DESIGNER DO? 

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We work to a detailed design brief supplied by you from an initial consultation meeting, and using information from the site analysis and site survey. We then create a unique and functional design, which is then passed on to a chosen landscaper to bring to life. 

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CAN I SEE OTHER GARDENS YOU'VE DESIGNED?

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There are examples of on going projects available to view on my portfolio page.

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We bring a portfolio of previous garden design drawings with us to the first client meeting, this allows you to see what level of drawings you are receiving and what type of drawings you can expect to receive from us which aren't included on this website. 

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WHY COMISSION A GARDEN DESIGNER?

 

Please take a look at my blog 'Why Commission a Garden Designer' for an in depth look at the benefits to hiring a designer.

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A good designer will suggest ideas you haven’t thought of yourself. They will be able to come up with a design that is both practical and beautiful, and is tailored to your needs and site. You can see where your investment is going because we provide you with detailed drawings and visuals. giving you the confidence that your investment is being well spent. Even if you don’t want to opt for a full redesign it can be worth asking them to cast their expert eye on a particular aspect you want to tackle. Perhaps a boundary that’s recently become overlooked or a troublesome area of planting, or to get ideas for changing existing elements.

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HOW MUCH DOES A GARDEN DESIGN COST?

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The overall cost depends on what service you're after. E.g Full Garden Design or Planting Plans. When you decide to invest in your garden, you will want to be sure that your money is well spent. Therefore it is worth devoting a small percentage of your overall budget to professional garden design to ensure that you get your dream garden. 

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The actual design cost depends on the size and complexity of the site and what elements are included e.g. lots of hard landscaping, water features, lighting, sculptures, bespoke seating etc. The masterplan is based on a fixed fee by size. After this I work at an hourly rate (eg planting plans, construction drawings and site visits). I can provide you a broad estimate so you can make an informed decision before you proceed with the design process. To project monitor the build we charge a % of the build cost or we arrange a site visit fee. 

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WHAT IS THE GARDEN DESIGN PROCESS?

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Please see my Garden Design Service page for detailed information on how the design process works.

 

You have as little or as much input as you wish. Most of our clients commission us for the whole process, investing wisely in the garden build, having the designer to help them through all the decision making, and to also deal with any potential issue that may arise through the project.

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DO I NEED TO DO WHOLE DESIGN PROCESS?

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The garden design process is flexible. Some clients provide us detailed Pinterest boards and have a very clear vision of what they want and where and just need a 2D drawing/ construction drawings doing to provide a contractor for the building process. Some clients may know their plants and want to do the planting stage themselves. Others have managed house renovations and want to project monitor the build themselves. 

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WHAT CAN I DO BEFOREHAND?

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 Before the first meeting I will send a questionnaire in advance to get some thoughts flowing about what you're wanting to achieve in your new space. Spend some time in your garden and decide what works, what doesn’t and who will be using the new garden and the kind of feel you're wanting to create. Think about the hard landscaping as well as the plants and include images of furniture, pieces of sculpture, artwork, or simply colours or materials that you find appealing. One of the best ways to communicate this to a designer is to make a mood board of images.  These could include photos of gardens you’ve visited and liked; clippings taken from magazines and newspapers or photocopies of books; or sketches of your own. 

 

​Importantly, you should know how much money you have to spend as this will give the designer an idea of what they can include in the project.

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HOW LONG WILL THE GARDEN DESIGN TAKE TO ACHIEVE?

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From the initial consultation meeting we will present you with your masterplan 2-4 weeks after a site analysis has been completed.  

The duration of the whole project depends on a number of factors. Lead times for the surveyor (if needed), size/complexity of the design, and allowing thinking time before committing to each next stage. Also the availability of your preferred contractor. 

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DO YOU SOURCE THINGS LOCALLY IN YOUR GARDEN DESIGNS 

 

I aim to source locally where possible.

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I source plants from local growers and trade nurseries.  On occasion a client may want a specalist plant and we may source from a nursery further afield e.g fruit, specimen trees. When we specify materials to our contractors, we endeavour to use local suppliers where available. I use local fabricators for bespoke garden features.