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The Full Design Process
Initial Consultation
In our first meeting we will talk you through the processes which are involved in delivering the completed design. We will take your “brief”, a detailed description of your needs and how the garden will be used. We will walk around the garden together with you, discussing the requirements and then we will need to spend time on our own in the garden to make notes and take photographs.
A very important element of this first meeting is discussing the investment sum, as this determines what can be achieved and it is usually the basis on which the design fee is calculated.
We would follow up this meeting by sending you a proposal letter containing the detailed brief and contract.
A nominal fee is charged for this initial visit which is set off against any future work, should we be instructed.
Site Survey & Analysis
Once we have been instructed, the first process on the way to designing your garden is the survey and analysis of the site. Depending on the size and complexity of the site a professional topographical land survey may be required. A plan of the site is then drawn to scale, to include all boundary walls, existing buildings and features, trees, services and existing ground levels. We can arrange this survey for you.
This information is then interpreted on a local scale and incorporated into the surrounding landscape to put it into context.
Design
Concept Master Plan
Taking the information from the survey and analysis plans we can begin the creative design process. We will take you through the concept stages to the final design, rendered perspectives and if the site requires them, elevations to show changes in levels.
The drawings will show hard and soft landscaping, planting areas and lighting suggestions.
Planting Plans and Plants
We can prepare fully detailed planting plans for all the beds to include a bill of quantities. We source the plants from our carefully chosen wholesale suppliers and if required, we can also produce full maintenance schedules for you. As an added service we would also set out all the plants in their correct positions prior to planting
Tendering
We can prepare full tendering documents complete with construction concept drawings for any bespoke features, hard landscaping, drainage plans, setting out and ground levels. These documents would ensure competitive legal tendering can take place.
Site Inspections and Project Administration
During the building process we would hold regular on-site inspection meetings with the landscapers and any other contractors to keep the project on track and ensure the quality of the build is maintained.
Maintenance and Aftercare Team
Having chosen to invest in a beautiful garden it is vitally important that a maintenance plan is put in place, preferably even before a single plant has been placed. If you already have a gardener, then our horticulturists are happy to meet with them and advise on all aspects of the plan. If not, then our team can help maintain your garden or if you wish to be more ‘hands on’, but don’t know how, I can mentor you along your journey as you learn.
A garden is a living thing. After it has been created, we can arrange to make regular visits to monitor progress while it is establishing so ensure that it not only survives, but thrives.
