Design process

Consultation

The time to discuss all those wonderful ideas which you have had, but don’t quite know how to translate into reality.

An informal chat on site where we discuss how you would like to use your garden, and the style or mood you would like created. It’s an opportunity to flick through my portfolio, and for me to fully explain how the design process works.

A look around the site will enable me to explore the potential, and possibly the limitations, of any design. After this meeting, a full brief will be drawn up, along with a quotation for my design services.

Survey

A full topographical survey is usually commissioned from surveyors for each project. It forms the basis for all design work. Photographic surveys are also taken in conjunction with a detailed site analysis survey on larger projects, including specialised tree and ecological surveys.

Sketch proposals

Concept designs, which evolve from the information gained from the initial meeting with the client. Combined with the survey and site analysis, these hand-drawn proposals are used to promote discussion and further development.

Detailed proposals

Once the initial design has been developed following in depth discussion, detailed drawings are prepared to enable the garden to be built and planted. These form the basis of the landscape construction contract and allow a budget to be fixed.

Construction

Having worked in the industry for more years than I care to remember, I have a team of reliable, professional landscapers and crafts people whom I can call on to provide for the construction of your garden.

Setting out and construction drawings

To ensure that the design will be built to my plans, preparing setting out details and construction drawings will enable the contractors to both quote for the job and complete the build to my exacting standards.

Planting

What I consider to be one of the most important elements of the design process. My wealth of plant knowledge, gained from hands-on experience at Cambridge Botanic Gardens and working as a gardener for many years, means that I will choose, to quote Beth Chatto ‘The right plant for the right place’.

Sourcing

Bespoke furniture, metal or woodwork, pots, planters or water features.

I can design or source the perfect pieces for your garden.

Project management

Construction and planting may be phased over months or years on larger projects. After this time, we hope that the owners will take ownership of the newly created spaces; we will of course be available to advise, and hand - hold when needed.