The design and build process
Never had your garden designed before and not sure of the process? Our handy step-by-step guide explains each stage – from initial meeting to having your dream garden built:
Stage 1 - Initial consultation.
After you contact us about designing your garden, we'll set up a call to discuss what you want to achieve. It’s also a great opportunity for you to get to know us a bit more and how we work; you’ll be working closely with us over the project so having a good relationship will really help! After this meeting you’ll be presented with a fee proposal.
Stage 2 - Site survey & creative brief
Assuming you'd like us to take on the project we’ll visit you and take a full brief – covering everything from whether you want a built-in bbq or screen a nasty view, through to what style of garden you like (or don’t like!).
If it's a relatively small simple garden we’ll conduct a measured site survey, but on more complicated/larger schemes we will organise for a topographical survey to be carried out. We regularly work with developers and architects and can import their drawings so that we have an accurate plan of how any building works will affect the overall garden plan.
Stage 3 – Design development
We’ll use the brief and observations made on site to come up with a concept for the garden, which we’ll present to you in the form of sketches and a mood board. Once we’ve got your thoughts and feedback, we’ll refine the design and produce a 'masterplan’ – a fully scaled bird’s-eye-view drawing detailing all the key elements of your new garden.
Stage 4 – Construction drawings & planting plans
Once the design is approved, we will produce a detailed set of construction drawings and specifications - enabling the landscape contractors to provide a quote for the build and create the garden accurately with the chosen materials. Planting plans will also be created, detailing exactly what plants will go where.
Stage 5 – Landscaping/garden build
We will normally be able to suggest a suitable landscape contractor who we think is best suited to your particular build, or you may your own contact. Alternatively we can manage a full tender process if required. During the build phase we can monitor the development of the landscaping works should you wish us to do so, to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Stage 6 – Maintenance plans & ongoing maintenance
We can produce a maintenance plan for your garden enabling you to know what to do and when – to keep your plants, lawn and hard landscape areas in tip-top condition.
We can also recommend local maintenance teams and gardeners who can do ensure your garden looks great all year round.