The Design Process

Designing a garden is an exciting process which will add value to your life and home.

A good design will be a source of inspiration throughout the year from both inside and outside your home. Carefully chosen materials will balance with beautiful planting and the design will work hard practically with the space you have be it flat, sloped, overlooked or shady.

You may want to blend your garden with the surrounding landscape or create enclosed, intimate spaces to relax or entertain in. Perhaps there is a view you would like to highlight or a space that you are not using to its full potential.

Working with a garden designer helps you to navigate all the decisions to be made for a garden to not only work practically but bring you year-round delight.

See below for The Design Stages and read client Testimonials.

The Design Stages

INITIAL CONSULTATIOn:

After an initial call, a site visit is arranged to discuss your outdoor space and ideas. We will then put together a detailed brief and fee proposal. Fees are agreed in advance of the design process and there are no hidden costs in my design work.

SITE SURVEY AND ANALYSIS:

To assess the aspect, views, soil conditions, drainage, existing features and any other issues that may affect the design. We will cross reference from architect files, existing drainage plans and topographical land surveys.

For very small urban gardens Anna can carry out a basic survey but for larger or more complex sites, this will need to be carried out by an external Land Surveyor.

CONCEPT PLANS, MOOD BOARDS AND DETAILED PLAN:

A hand drawn concept develops into detailed, to-scale plans which specify materials, lighting, garden products and levels. Ideas are presented through 3D model images, moodboards and mock ups to help you visualise the design.

PLANTING PLANS:

Planting to bring year round interest from spring bulbs through to summer displays and architectural winter interest. With an emphasis on biodiversity, climate resilience and attractiveness to pollinators, plant selection is based on size, texture, form and colour. Planting plans also factor in maintenance level and your soil conditions. This is a collaborative stage which considers a client’s personal preference and is accompanied by mood boards and 3D visuals.

construction detailing:

A tender package referred to by landscapers during the tender process and construction phase. This includes construction drawings built on Sketch Up, setting out drawings and a full written specification.

MAINTENANCE PLANS:

To protect your investment and ensure your garden establishes well and evolves beautifully. This can involve spending time with clients and their gardening teams to discuss sustainable gardening techniques.

If you'd like to discuss your project in more detail or have any questions, I'd be delighted to hear from you. Please visit my contact page to get in touch.