SPecial Gardens

Garden design - what it is, what I can offer, the choices, the process ....

The first step is a conversation, either face to face or over the phone, to get a feel for working with each other and to explore what you are looking to achieve. You may have a list of questions, lots of ideas or none at all.....we just take it from there.

Once I have seen your garden I will give you a quote for my work and be clear about what is included in the price, either there and then or by email soon after. If you decide to go ahead with my services I will get started as soon as possible, depending on my existing work schedule.

This is an in depth conversation with all parties who will have an input into the garden design, when I can question you about your ideas, vision, needs and desires.

I will listen to everyone and interpret your thoughts into an outline plan which I will discuss with you before the real design work takes place. This allows us to establish early on if I am on the right track and if you are happy with my initial plans for your garden.

I will set you up a mood board with pictures of the 'look' I think you want and you can post pictures of things you like to it.

We will discuss your budget and any concerns you may have and we can look at timescales for planning and achieving your new garden.

Before any design work can be done your garden needs to be surveyed, to be able to draw accurate scaled plans.

A variety of things must be established, including the boundaries,  house, windows and doorway measurements, any level changes, the aspect, the soil type, the views, existing services, drains and man hole covers and to establish any issues or problems.

In smaller fairly level gardens I can often do the surveying myself, but in larger gardens or if there are complex level changes, a professional survey may need to be commisioned.

A masterplan is a 2D plan, drawn to scale. It identifies and illustrates all the areas in the new garden design, including hard landscaping and planting areas and any specific features.

During the process of creating your masterplan I will have consulted with you to ensure that you are happy with the final design.

I use a computer assisted design program to produce my masterplans.  By doing this I can give you 3D views of specific areas and design features to help you visualise your new garden, I can even take you on a 3D tour of your ‘virtual’ garden.

I can produce a hand coloured master plan for you if you prefer.

You can see examples of my Masterplans on the Plans page.

I will present the masterplan to you in person and also send you a report with details of the plans and can provide an outline indication of some of the costs for specific features.

The standard of build of your new garden is vital and it is important that your landscapers understand exactly what they are building.

I can provide detailed accurate construction and setting out plans which will ensure the garden is completed as planned and not just left to their own interpretation.

Having detailed plans also helps in the tendering process, so that any contractors are quoting for the work on an equal basis.

You can see an example of a technical plan on the plans page.

If needed I can source or commission some or all of the items required to create your new garden, such as plants, hard landscaping materials, specialist features, furniture etc.