The process starts with a meeting to
introduce myself and my work; to
understand the site and your requirements.
I will be able to advise on the potential
and limitations of the site. I follow this
meeting with a design brief and fee
quotation for at least the first stage of
any design work.
There is a fee chargeable for this initial
or any consultation visits. A consultation
visit may cover more specific ideas where
the client simply wants planting ideas or
advice on landscape material selection.
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The first stage of any design work is the
site survey. On smaller sites this is
usually done by myself while on other larger
or more complex sites a professional
surveyor will be required. Some sites may
already have a detailed site survey,
particularly if a new build. As long as it’s
accurate, its use will save time and money.
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The survey and design brief are brought
together in this drawing which is the
proposal for your garden. It will show the
garden layout, position and type of hard
landscaping, planting areas and features. It
will be accompanied by supporting visuals.
This is the stage when alterations and
additions are made. This document becomes
the master plan for subsequent design work.
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To enable the garden to be priced and
constructed by a contractor, it is necessary
to further detail the design by adding
information about construction of water
features, hard surfaces, timber structures
etc. Dimensions and indications of major
structural planting need to be added.
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An important part of the design detail is
the planting. On larger schemes an outline
presentation of planting proposals may be
necessary but generally, the planting is
detailed following a discussion on style,
maintenance and site environment. A schedule
lists all plants within the scheme, numbers
and planting size. This is used for sourcing
and costing purposes.
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I work with many experienced contractors,
from general landscapers to specialists in
irrigation, lighting, timber construction
and water features.
These contractors can then provide
competitive quotations
for the construction of the garden. This is
done through the preparation of contract
documents and all drawing details.
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In all projects I am able to source plants
at sizes as required and lay these out for
planting by the contractor. Plants for
larger projects are often sourced from many
different nurseries in this country and
abroad. Smaller gardens, where possible, are
supplied from local growers.
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To ensure a successful project I am able to
monitor all site works .The contractor is
employed directly by the client and will
have his own terms and conditions. These
usually entail stage payments and a
retention payment following completion. Fees
are based on an hourly rate as required.
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Designing a garden is more of a process than
a finished product. It is important to take
a long term view and to consider
maintenance. Maintenance reports can be
prepared, detailing a suggested month- by-
month programme of works. I often revisit
completed gardens on an annual/biannual
basis to advise on planting issues.
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