Bespoke Garden and Landscape Design

The starting point for creating a garden around your lifestyle can be a blank canvas. A new build house with nothing but lawn or a mud bath after house renovations.

Sometimes there are elements that you would like to keep, cherished plants that were a gift. Or trees that have preservation orders and need to be kept. Perhaps the house is in a conservation area , where planning considerations affect the garden. In which case the bespoke garden and landscape design service maybe ideal for you.

The bespoke garden and landscape design process is always tailored to each client’s individual needs. Whether starting from scratch or incorporating elements that are already there. However, to take a garden from paper to realisation the following stages are typically undertaken:

Initial visit

At the first visit we’ll walk around the garden talking through which areas you love. And which areas you would like to make work for you.

 I’ll sit down with you and go through a questionnaire to understand more about

• your lifestyle, what time of day you are most likely to enjoy spending time outside. Who will be spending time outside, family, friends and any pets.
• what you’re hoping to achieve from having the garden designed (more time to enjoy a glass of wine, less maintenance, a play area …)
• the site itself, which aspect does it face, what the soil is like, any shaded areas
• any likes and dislikes, perhaps a particular colour or a landscaping material to be avoided.

I’ll also explain the bespoke garden and landscape design service and answer any questions you may have.  If you would like to arrange an initial chat or visit please contact me.

Client brief

The next step is to reach agreement on going ahead with designing the garden. I will then draw up a short document noting all the points that were discussed.  Including

• outlining the site including size, any changes in levels, any views to hide or maximise
• describing requirements, for example most likely to use the space in the evening for entertaining. Or needs to take into account an area for the dog
• and any particular wishes, including favourite colours, styles and materials

You will then have the chance to review the notes, confirming I have captured all your wishes.  Along with a chance to add any further thoughts you may have had.

Surveying

As part of the design process I will survey small and/or simple areas. It is strongly recommended that a professional survey is sought, for larger and more challenging sites. I can help arrange this for you. This will allow me to understand

• the dimensions of the garden
• the height and condition of the boundaries
• more about the soil, what type it is (clay, loam or sand) and the nutrient levels. Any areas where water may pool
• determine whether the garden is sheltered or exposed to the elements
• whether it is filled with sun or shaded out by trees
• window heights and doorways, to line up focal points and views
• any downpipes and drain covers to be avoided, during construction.

Draft sketches and design

Concept board

I will put together a concept board capturing your wishes and proposing planting styles. This will include example plants, to show types and colours of foliage and plants. Along with ideas for hard landscaping materials, furniture, lighting and garden features.

Draft plan/sketches

The initial set of drawings includes a draft plan along with a 3D (sketch) view of the garden. The aim is to give an idea of how your garden could look once work is completed.  The plans will be discussed with you during a visit. We can talk through any tweaks you would like. Perhaps more lawn for the dog to run around. An additional bench to sit under a shady tree on a hot summer’s day.

Master Plan

Once the design has been agreed the initial sketch(s) are refined into a Master plan. This shows all the key elements of the design along with notes.

• the overall layout of the garden for example, any paths, borders, terrace and lawn
• any particular materials to be used for construction and key features, for example the type and colour of the paving.
• where existing trees and plants are in the garden and where new trees and feature shrubs will be planted
• the overall feel of the garden, a relaxed space to exhale at the end of the day. Perhaps a vibrant, party feel or a productive garden to grow and pick your own vegetables.

The plan will form part of the pack, along with construction drawings for contractors.

Planting plans and lists

For courtyard gardens a plant list specifying details including,

• eventual height and spread
• photograph of the plant, showing what it looks like in flower or during peak season
• the number of each variety of plant required
• any special notes such as particular planting guidelines

Larger gardens will include a planting plan to show where the plants will be placed. The page on the bespoke planting designer service describes this in more detail.

Plant supply and planting

I’m always happy to discuss sourcing the plants,

• whether you would like a list to take shopping
• you would like me to source them for you
• plants can be sourced and planted as part of the build phase of the project

 The bespoke planting designer describes the options in more detail.  To help you decide which option would be ideal for you.

Aftercare

At the end of the bespoke garden and landscape design process, I will schedule a follow up visit with you.

A chance to talk through how the garden is progressing and discuss any questions. Perhaps you have thought about something that you may like to add to the garden. A new plant seen on a visit to public gardens or furniture glimpsed on television.

If you would like help with caring for your garden, I offer a number of options.

From a few tips, or a monthly guide on what to prune. To an in-person visit to wander around your garden with you. Pruning, dead heading and dividing up large clumps of plants. Or helping you find a gardener, to keep the garden looking at its peak.

There is more detail on each of the options on the garden aftercare page.