The Process

As a small practice, we can dedicate ourselves to working closely with each client. The gardens we create are collaborative, interpersonal enterprises, and we are known for forging long-lasting working relationships with our clients.

A successful designer carefully crafts a garden from the combined characteristics of client, place and property. An awareness of each element ensures that upon completion, our clients can take full and engaged ownership of their uniquely crafted outdoor space.

We provide a range of services, from full garden and landscape design to one-off consultations, interdisciplinary collaborations and planting design.  Though our process is alway tailored to the specific requirements of each brief, our commissions develop around the stages outlined below.

Initial Meeting

Our initial visit gives us a sense of you and your requirements.  It helps us to identify what is important for you and how you would like your garden to look.  It also gives us insight into the existing garden's attributes and context. From the outset, each element plays a significant role in the design process. This meeting allows us to create a client brief. We then present a proposal, which outlines an appropriate design process and schedule of initial fees.

Site Survey and Appraisal

Upon acceptance of our proposal, we recommend a topographical survey. The site appraisal is one of the most important aspects of the design process. As part of this, we spend more time with you outside, developing our awareness of your aspirations and practical requirements.

We spend time alone outside, engaging with the garden's character and context; gathering impressions of and feelings for the site and its surroundings. On a more prosaic plane, the appraisal notes soil conditions, aspect, existing elements and factors external to the space itself.

Concept Design

Concept work is a fluid, flexible process. Working with your brief and our detailed appraisal, we explore the design direction of the project. With mood boards and sketches, we work with you to establish the aesthetic and feel of the overall design. We also move towards establishing the position of elements such as terraces and garden buildings.

At this stage, we often discuss any tree or restoration work required. Permits and planning consents are also considered.

The Concept Presentation consists of an annotated, to scale Concept Plan and a detailed Concept Book. The latter includes images, sketches, mood boards and written descriptions.

We also begin discussing the choice of materials and garden features at this stage.

Design Development

Once the Concept Plan has been approved and any amendments made, we produce a to scale Master Plan. This provides dimensions and details. Any detailed construction drawings are also executed. When materials have been selected, an outline schedule of works is written.

At this stage, the project goes out to tender. We have a well-established network of skilled landscape professionals that we can recommend. At this point, bespoke elements will be commissioned.

Planting Design

Planting brings gardens to life. Before drawing up planting plans, we use mood boards to explore colour, texture, planting style and atmosphere. A planting plan for each sector of the garden is then drawn up. Planting schedules are sent out to our trusted specialist suppliers for the generation of quotes.

At the appropriate time, we supervise the positioning of specimen trees, shrubs and topiary and the setting out of beds and borders.

Construction

We attend site at regular intervals to liaise with both you and our appointed contractors. Small changes are often made during the garden build and you are kept fully up to date. Progress meetings are organised when required or requested.

Aftercare

Once the garden has been completed, we provide a maintenance package tailored to your requirements.  We monitor the growth of specimen and feature plants to their envisaged dimensions. We also provide ongoing creative and practical advice. We can help with the appointment of qualified gardeners.

Fees

When working out our fees, we consider the size, detail and complexity of each project. The scale of our involvement also changes according to clients’ requirements. Once we establish the scope of the brief, we structure a schedule of design and consultancy fees. Following our initial visit, we present a proposal with a fixed fee for Concept Presentation, Masterplan and Planting Design.

Detailing work, admin, and site visits are charged at an hourly rate.

Consultancy fees are presented on an estimate of hours required.  

‍For further information, please complete the contact form.