How our garden design services work

Our garden design services tend to encompass hard landscaping elements, alongside planting. 

It is primarily designed to create a whole new look for either the entire garden, or a section of it. 

Once you contact us, we will arrange a time for David to visit your home and discuss your requirements. The purpose of this visit, is for him to see the garden and meet you, so that he can start to build up a more detailed understanding of what is required. It's a great opportunity for him to learn more about you, and your circumstances.

After this, we will supply some outline estimates for the work required. Usually these figures are for design costs, but we can often give you likely costs for the works, if these have been discussed during the initial meeting. You can then decide how / if you would like to proceed. 

The site survey is designed to map out the garden space, and we measure the existing areas, and position all of the existing features. These measurements provide the framework for the eventual design. This survey includes a soil analysis, in order to establish the current soil type and conditions. This is essential for any planting that is proposed. The cost of the survey is included within the design costs. 

This is the creative and fun part of the process! David will actively engage with you, and discuss ideas etc. It usually involves quite a few meetings, where he will bring several books over from his library to go through with you. This part can be done remotely if required, but he tends to favour face to face discussions wherever possible. 

This stage is where the ideas come to life. The site survey provided David with a framework. This will then have the new design applied to it. Usually by this stage, the design 'creates itself', as David will have already discussed everything in great detail with you. An outline plan drawing is provided, and planting schemes will be added also. The design is all computer based now, so this can be emailed to you, for your approval.

Once you have had the opportunity to study the design, David can do any small amendments that might be desirable. 

The final stage involves a hand over of the final design and planting schemes. The documents will contain material specifications (hard landscaping), and sources of supply of such. 

Once the design is completed, you can then appoint contractors to undertake the work. Whilst a lot of customers accept our recommendations, you are under no obligation to do so. 

If you wish to appoint your own, then we can offer Project Management services to ensure that the design is implemented. There are additional fees for this service, and these would be discussed. Alternatively, you can opt to oversee the project yourselves, or appoint your own Project Manager to act on your behalf. 

Each garden is different, and the work involved differs significantly. As a general rule, design costs usually account for approximately 10% of the overall project (design and construction) costs. 

Design costs are always chargeable, but it is a very important and necessary stage.

Further details regarding costs, and staged payments are made available.