Garden Design
The Garden Design Process involves the following key stages:- Initial Consultation
This first meeting on site between client and designer allows the designer to see the garden space for the first time and to take a brief detailing the clients aims and objectives for the project as well as any essential requirements and budget limitations. Following this the designer will draw up a design fee estimate, for approval by the client, after which the design process can begin.
- Site Survey & Analysis
A Site Survey will be carried out to take measurements and establish details such as existing levels, garden features, aspect, views, boundaries, any screening requirements, soil type and site access. For larger or more complicated sites it might be necessary to engage a Land Surveyor to create a topographical survey drawing from which the design can be drawn up.
- Concept Plan
The Concept Plan denotes the functionality of the proposed design layout including the proposed location of any notable features, trees, lawns, terraces and planting areas. It can include mood boards, sketch schemes and samples of proposed materials to more clearly convey ideas and overall feel of the proposed garden. At this stage the design remains fluid and any changes can and should be agreed upon and signed off by client and designer.
- Master Plan
The final Master Plan incorporates the aforementioned agreed changes and denotes the overall design layout including paths, terraces, structures, lawns, trees and planting beds (but does not detail the plants themselves). For more complex structures, technical construction detailing will be necessary and the services of an independent Structural Engineer or Landscape Architect will require engaging accordingly. To aid the clear visualisation of such structures, computer generated 3D models are also an invaluable additional step.
- Planting Plan / Plant Schedule
The Planting Plan will detail plant types, sizes, quantities and locations. Planting design and selection will be based on form, texture, seasons of interest and colour as well as horticultural considerations such as aspect, soil type and long term maintenance requirements.
- Tender Process and Construction
Industry approved landscape contractors will be invited to tender for the build of your garden, based on the drawings and specifications supplied to them by us. We can ourselves be engaged on an interim basis to oversee that construction is executed to the highest standards.
- Plant Supply and Planting Installation
Trees and plants for the project are usually sourced and supplied by the designer from trusted nurseries. Upon completion of the hard landscaping (construction work) and depending on factors such as the size of the project and whether or not there is an existing garden team at the property, we can offer a service to carry out soil preparation and planting.
- Garden Maintenance / Aftercare
Ongoing professional and regular garden care is vital to the success of any garden (particularly a brand new one) in order not only to keep on top of weeds (which may inhibit successful plant growth), but also in order to respond to water requirements, to carry out correct and timely pruning and to spot potential problems, such as pests and diseases. We can provide aftercare at regular intervals. The frequency of visits might depend on whether or not there is an existing gardening team in place or not.
Garden Maintenance
GARDEN MAINTENANCE AND OTHER SERVICES :Garden Consultation
A Consultation can be arranged to discuss your garden generally. This may be to discuss the health of plants and trees, the design of the borders or your hopes and objectives for the future of the garden. A consultation may be booked as a stand alone service or it may lead on to garden design or maintenance.
Incremental Design Projects
Instead of designing and implementing the garden as a whole, this service caters for the development of focussed areas of the garden such as specific plant borders, courtyards or a new kitchen garden, for example. This approach spreads not only the initial financial investment in the garden but, by developing it in stages with perhaps a new garden development project every two or three years, it also allows you to more gradually get to grips with how much extra time will need to be allotted to the maintenance of each newly developed garden area.
Specialist Pruning
We provide qualified gardeners to carry out correct, detailed pruning of all types of roses, wisteria, climbing plants and wall shrubs, fruit trees, laburnum arches etc. Visits can be arranged on a season by season basis.
Border Maintenance
Typically this encompasses seasonal pruning and mulching, dead-heading, bulb planting, weed removal, pest and disease awareness/prevention/control and a timely response to watering requirements. Regular visits can be arranged.
