How it Works

For a total redesign the process works like this:

Stage 1: Initial Consultation

We look at your space and discuss your wants, needs, and preferences, as well as your overall budget. The resulting discussion forms a key part of the design brief, which is agreed before any design work commences.

Services provided and fees for the work will be confirmed in writing following this visit.

Stage 2: Site Survey

Once you wish to proceed the site will be measured in detail and analysed in terms of its existing features, levels, characteristics and inherent qualities. We will share our considered judgements with you in close consultation. This work will be done by ourselves for smaller gardens; for complicated sites and larger projects we will also use the services of professional surveyors.

The design brief will again be discussed and confirmed at this point.

Stage 3: Preliminary Ideas & Design Development

Before producing the final plan and visuals we will discuss ideas and produce outline sketches, concept plans, and material swatches, for discussion and approval.

Stage 4: Presentation of Master Plan & other Landscape Drawings

A full-scale master plan is the key outcome of the design process. This sets out the layout, main structural features, heights and levels, and the areas to be planted. Included here are supporting visuals and drawings to help show the proposal in 3-D, and give you an idea of how the garden might look.

At this stage estimated costs particular to the design will be specified – with your original budget in mind, of course.

Stage 5: Construction & Planting

Once the design concept has been approved, we provide construction drawings and detailed specifications.

If you wish we can suggest and source experienced contractors, and produce the necessary documents, including a full scope of works to enable landscape companies to quote for the work.

On smaller projects, where appropriate, work may be done in house, using reliable contractors and craftspeople we have worked with before.

For the planting we will produce detailed planting plans with sketches and photos to help you visualise the scheme.

We often carry out the planting ourselves, except with larger projects where we work closely with the contractor to ensure the scheme is implemented correctly. We can also help with sourcing top quality plants from trusted suppliers.

Stage 6: Monitoring & Project Management

Some clients prefer to project manage the build themselves, others ask that we monitor the work and liaise with the contractor on their behalf. We prefer the latter, and make regular site visits during the construction period. This will be discussed early on.