THE DESIGN PROCESS
What do you want your garden to be? Somewhere to eat? Somewhere to play? Somewhere to entertain? To recharge or powerdown? Understanding what you want to use your garden for is the first step in setting about creating a space that will not only enhance the value of your property but also the time you spend in it.
The use of a trained and experienced landscape designer will help you to optimise the space you have for your budget, but more importantly make sure you make the most of the area you have, no matter how big or small.
1. Initial consultation
The first step is to arrange a visit to discuss your garden and the design process – the key thing here is to get an understanding of your aspirations and needs for your garden and to get a feel for the space. Ideally you will have had a chance to complete and return to us the consultation questionnaire ahead of this so we already have an idea of your thoughts. This initial consultation is for an hour and is free of charge*. After this we will be able to provide you with a fee proposal for the next stages of any design work – usually a Garden Masterplan.
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
*For distances over 50 miles/1 hours travel there may be a fee payable.
2. Outline plan
Concept plan sketches which outline the ideas discussed in phase 1 are produced. These are usually in the form of rough sketches. There will usually be one or two versions of the plan at this stage to allow us to discuss options.
3. Masterplan
Once the outline of the masterplan is approved a final drawing will be produced showing the full design details. This will consist of a drawing in hard copy, plus an emailed pdf of the final visual. There will be a powerpoint pack with visuals and supporting material.
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
4. Layout plan and specification
This is a final technical set of drawings that will detail plans to allow a contractor to cost, set out, and build the garden.
5. Planting plan (if required)
The planting plan shows the location and spacing of the suggested plants should this be required as part of the package and costings. This will include a planting schedule, listing the plant names, sizes and quantities for use, to cost and set out the plants in the design.
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
1. Initial consultation
The first step is to arrange a visit to discuss your garden and the design process – the key thing here is to get an understanding of your aspirations and needs for your garden and to get a feel for the space. Ideally you will have had a chance to complete and return to us the consultation questionnaire ahead of this so we already have an idea of your thoughts. This initial consultation is for an hour and is free of charge*. After this we will be able to provide you with a fee proposal for the next stages of any design work – usually a Garden Masterplan.
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
*For distances over 50 miles/1 hours travel there may be a fee payable.
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
2. Outline plan
Concept plan sketches which outline the ideas discussed in phase 1 are produced. These are usually in the form of rough sketches. There will usually be one or two versions of the plan at this stage to allow us to discuss options.
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
*For distances over 50 miles/1 hours travel there may be a fee payable.
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
3. Masterplan
Once the outline of the masterplan is approved a final drawing will be produced showing the full design details. This will consist of a drawing in hard copy, plus an emailed pdf of the final visual. There will be a powerpoint pack with visuals and supporting material.
4. Layout plan and specification
This is a final technical set of drawings that will detail plans to allow a contractor to cost, set out, and build the garden.
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
*For distances over 50 miles/1 hours travel there may be a fee payable.
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
5. Planting plan (if required)
The planting plan shows the location and spacing of the suggested plants should this be required as part of the package and costings. This will include a planting schedule, listing the plant names, sizes and quantities for use, to cost and set out the plants in the design.
Christopher is a garden designer and constructor, based in Wigginton Hertfordshire.
ABOUT CHRIStopher
Combining an understanding of landscape design with his many years of experience with garden construction, Chris has the skills to work with any garden space, using his vast knowledge of the materials, techniques, and the understanding of the topography of the surrounding area, to transform your garden into.....
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Frequently asked questions
I have a small garden – isn’t garden design for large gardens?
Absolutely not – quite the opposite in fact. My biggest impact designs have been in mid and small size gardens where thoughtful layout can mean you get more out of the space you have.
How much does a designed garden cost?
Like anything, so much of the cost is down to the type of materials used, but also in the complexity of the site. We can advise on all aspects of the garden creation, from labour to materials and planting - to give you a good idea of the investment required.
Can I speak to previous customers and see your work?
Yes, this is definitely something I can offer. I have a number of customers that are generous in accommodating such requests. Some of these are from a number of years ago so you can see how my work ages too. I want to build gardens that improve over time.
Does a garden designer build gardens?
Garden designers generally specialise in creating plans for a landscaper to follow. However, with over 20 years of experience in garden construction, we have an in-depth knowledge of materials, processes, costs, and recommended landscapers.
