THE DESIGN PROCESS
I work collaboratively with my clients to create gardens that fulfil their needs and exceed their expectations. Since every garden is unique with its own requirements, I tailor my services to suit each individual project.
Initial Consultation
To look at the garden, get a sense of the place and find out more about how my clients use their garden. I encourage clients to share their ideas to help formulate the brief and enable me put together the formal design proposal. Subsequently I will be able to provide a Fee Proposal for at least the first stage of any design work, usually a Garden Masterplan.
Site Survey and Analysis
An accurate survey of the existing garden is required before any design work can begin. I will either measure the garden myself, or, for larger more complex sites,I will recommend ou use a land surveyor. Boundaries, existing vegetation, features and levels will all be noted.
Concept Plan
A 2D scaled plan will show you how the garden will look. This is presented with elevations, plus supporting material such as sketches of details, mood boards and suggestions for hard landscaping materials. It acts as a starting point for a discussion allowing me to present my ideas and talk it through.
Detail Design
When the design is approved, detailed plans are produced for more complex construction such as steps, walls and features. These drawings are essential to the landscape contractor who will use them to set out and build the garden. The detail package may include a scope of works which provides all the information required for a contractor to produce an accurate cost estimate and to ultimately interpret the design correctly during the building phase.
Construction
I can help you select the most suitable landscape contractor for your garden build. I can meet with potential contractors on site to talk through the project, go over the plans, scope of works and particular details to ensure they have a full understanding of the job prior to them submitting a quote.
Project Monitoring
To ensure a satisfactory outcome I am available to monitor the progress of the garden as it is bieng implemented and make site inspection visits as required.
Planting Design
I can specify all plants and trees either as part of the full garden design package or, as a seperate service where clients wish to revitalise existing beds and create new planting schemes. If necessary I can source plants of appropriate size for the impact required.
Taking into account site conditions, soil, aspect and clients wishes, detailed planting plans are drawn up including botanical names, positions and quantities for each planting area. The design of the planting plan considers the opportunities and limitations of the site in detail and aims to provides year round interest and enjoyment.
Planting and Maintenance
Once the garden has been constructed I can source, supply and set out all the plants in your gardening organise the planting if required.
I can also supply maintainance guides to ensure the garden looks good for years to come.
Consultation
I offer a consultation service for situations where clients are looking for advice, ideas or suggestions for both design and planting, refreshing parts of a garden or borders. Consultations can be tailored to suit individual clients and projects and are usually based on either a half or full day.
'Drawing a plan by hand evokes every aspect of the developing garden in your minds eye. The pace and rhythm of the garden spaces , the views, the practicalities all settle into their rightful place. In shaping a plan all the real and invented intentions emerge. This is how the beauty of a place is uncovered and made real'
Jinny Blom
