How to start your garden transformation
First step: At the initial meeting, I will talk you through our design approach and how it will be tailored to your needs and your site. We'll cover the nuts-and-bolts of your brief, how you would like to use your outdoors spaces, plus any practical requirements. Above all, it's essential to get a sense of your style and preferences so that they can be reflected in the design response.
After the meeting I will send you a summary brief with a fee proposal for you to approve. The proposal will be broken into steps, typically ranging from concept design to on-the-ground project inspection. In any event, you will not be obliged to commit to all the steps upfront.
DESIGN CONCEPT
This is where the chemistry happens. The typical garden design process starts in the form of an outline design with a Masterplan supported by mood boards to show the plants and hard landscaping materials being proposed.
Typically, a site survey is required to complete this stage.
DETAILED DESIGN SPECIFICATION
Translation of the design concept into a detailed Scope of Works which can include build-ready CAD drawings, construction & planting layout plans, precise material specifications, etc.
The Scope of Works document is thorough in order to get a true apples-for-apples comparison of proposals and to eliminate rough estimates. All of which is necessary to avoid nasty budget surprises once work starts.
CONTRACTOR SELECTION
Handling of the tender process. We have a roster of tried-and-trusted contractors of different sizes, and can work with others that meet quality criteria, generally trade members of the APL or BALI.
PROJECT INSPECTION
Oversight of landscaping work by contractors, involving regular site visits and a weekly project update for all parties involved.
This role involves assessing work done and issuance of Certificate of Valuation at agreed intervals. All with a view to assuring the quality of your final garden.
SOURCING SPECIAL PLANTS TO BRING IT ALL TO LIFE
We’ll start with a broad concept palette for each zone of the garden. And rapidly progress to specific planting plans, each with a detailed schedule of plants.
Liaison with specialist nurseries, in particular for selection of unusual specimen plants and trees.
Once we’re done, you can count on a wealth of jargon-free maintenance advice whenever you need it.
GARDEN REJUVENATION
Practical advice to re-shape an existing outdoors space.
This could involve new planting plans. Or sensitive extension of hard landscaping in tune with an existing building and its materials. Do ask about our experience of working closely with architects in this type of work.