THE FIRST CONSULTATION VISIT:
I come to the site and discuss your project. We view what is there, and we discuss a design brief, with what function and form you might like. We talk about the budget, and how much help you might have to maintain the garden. We also talk about problems – with neighbours, trees, wind, soil, deer or all of those. We discuss which parts of the garden you enjoy and which parts you would prefer to block out. I will ask if you have animals or children. I usually bounce ideas off the client. If you are happy, we move on to the next stage.
THE SITE SURVEY:
I will measure out the garden, and take in the levels, prevailing wind, direction of sun and take a soil sample for analysis. I will ask about TPO’s and if there any restrictions. I will find out where the drains go, plus underground cables, manholes and sceptic tanks.
THE CONCEPT DRAWING or OUTLINE PLAN:
Having put on paper what exists, I will then design a garden which is based on the brief we discussed. I will then put forward an outline plan to the client. This will contain suggestions for the type of hard landscaping materials plus a few ideas of the kind of plants we might use.
THE DETAILED PLAN FOR HARD LANDSCAPING:
Having agreed what the client would like I will draw a detailed plan with any necessary construction details showing how it will be built. This is drawn to scale.
A PLANTING PLAN:
This is a plan of all the plants in the area in question drawn to scale.
GOING OUT TO TENDER:
I will usually invite 3 contractors to quote. I have worked with some, and have a good relationship with them.
SITE MANAGEMENT
It is important to me that your project is achieved to a high quality, and I usually provide a site management service. This can be discussed.
I like to work closely with a client to help them achieve how they would like their garden to be. My commissions usually occur by word of mouth.
My services also include: garden design, consultancy, tree advice, follow up and maintenance.