The Design Process

Initial Consultation - An initial one-hour consultation is provided free of charge. This is to discuss your requirements and to outline the services which may be applicable. I will usually take photographs of the site for reference

Quotation and scope of project - Following the initial consultation, I will send you a summary of the scope of the project and an estimate of costs.

Survey and Client Brief - If you wish to proceed with the work, I will then visit to survey the site as necessary and ask you to fill in a client brief which includes more detailed requirements including preferred colour schemes, planting styles, maintenance levels, deer resistance etc. I will also take a soil sample to test the pH of your soil.

Design development - The next stage is to develop mood boards showing visuals of various style and colour options which we will discuss (usually over the phone) to establish your preferences before proceeding to a final design and plant list which I will present in person. I will also provide a table showing times of flowering and seasonal interest for each plant so you can see how the scheme will work over the year. An illustration or 3D visualisation of the plan can also be provided at additional cost.

Final Planting Plan - Once you are completely happy, I will provide 2 copies of the finished planting plan, drawn to scale and comprehensively labelled with all plant names and quantities. A plant list is also provided so that nurseries can be asked to quote for plants.

Plant Sourcing - I am able to quote for providing the plants via selected trade nurseries if required and can coordinate the sourcing and delivery of your plants in line with your preferred planting date.

Site preparation - Site clearance and soil preparation are extremely important to the long-term success of the scheme. I am happy to advise on requirements for this based on the existing state of the site and specific site/soil requirements.

Laying out and Planting - I love to be involved in this important final stage of the process and will carry out or help carry out the planting at a rate of £15 per hour.

Ongoing maintenance - A full maintenance plan can be provided at additional cost (in line with the complexity of the project). I can also carry out maintenance visits on an ad hoc basis, either to tidy up between seasons or to help and advise you on how to maintain your plants.