The design process will start with a site visit to see the garden in person and meet with you to discuss practical issues, initial design ideas, and budget considerations.  This meeting will help me understand how you want to use your garden and create a detailed design brief that captures your objectives and requirements.  After our discussion, I will send you a written brief via email that summarises your goals for the garden, outlines the next steps, and includes a fee proposal for the project. 

Once the quotation is approved, the next step is to revisit the garden and conduct a topographical survey of the plot. This survey will allow me to document the layout of the existing garden and house, identify the locations of large trees and shrubs, note spot levels, and locate any important utilities. A thorough site analysis will enhance my understanding of the overall feel of the garden by observing its aspects and identifying any overlooked areas.  

I will also take note of drainage points, soil conditions, existing features, and any other factors that may impact the design. For larger or more complex sites, a land surveyor may be engaged to assess key boundaries, existing trees, shrubs, plants, and other significant features, along with level changes. This step is crucial for creating accurate design plans. 

This exciting phase starts with the creation of 2D and 3D presentation plans, offering a detailed breakdown of every element within the design.  During this stage, we will also begin exploring planting options, presenting you with a comprehensive mood board that features site-appropriate plants and hard landscaping materials for the garden.  The primary focus here is to provide you with a clear layout of how the finished garden will look.  After I present the designs, we will have a discussion to refine and evolve the design into a final agreed master plan. 

Once the garden master plan is approved, the next step is to create the necessary technical drawings.  This package of drawings may include setting out drawings, lighting plans, drainage plans, garden levels, and cross-sections, along with detailed drawings of steps, walls, and any other relevant hard landscaping features.  These drawings enable the appointed landscape contractor to accurately estimate the costs for the garden construction and to build the garden according to the exact specifications of the approved master plan.

The next step involves examining the individual plants and creating detailed planting plans for the garden.  This phase specifies the exact locations and proposed spaces for all the intended trees and plants, which have been carefully selected based on the site's characteristics, aspect, and soil conditions.  From this plan, a schedule will be generated that includes botanical names, sizes, and quantities of the plants for sourcing, cost estimation, and arrangement. 

Mood boards featuring all the selected plants will also be provided to give you a realistic insight into how the garden will look.  Additionally, a maintenance schedule can be developed to ensure that you or your gardening professional can effectively care for and maintain the garden in the future.  I will manage the delivery of the trees and plants, and I will be responsible for the planting on-site.

I collaborate with a range of trusted landscape contractors throughout the South East who can bring your design to life. If you prefer to work with your own contractor, that’s perfectly fine as well.  I maintain close communication with the appointed contractor to ensure the project is executed according to the design, conducting regular site visits and addressing any issues that may arise on-site.  Additionally, if there are specific requirements within the planning process of a project, I can assist with any necessary drawings.