design
1. BRIEF
All projects begin with a consultation visit, this usually takes approximately one to two hours during which time we listen to your requirements for the garden to establish a brief for the design. The site will be viewed and studied with comprehensive notes taken and sketches made, spending time on site with the client enables us to get a sense of the place. After this meeting a unique proposal letter will be written which includes the design brief based upon the details of our meeting with a full breakdown and explanation of the design process and what the costs will be. Upon acceptance of this letter the design process will begin.
2. SITE SURVEY
For each project a site survey is essential to record accurate measurements of the property and its boundaries and dimensions of existing level changes. The site survey will accurately locate positions of existing trees, shrubs and the position of utilities to enable a scale drawing to be produced. Also a site analysis will record the soil type and condition and the aspect of the garden for a report outlining specific problems and possible solutions will be written. A thorough detailed photographic record is also taken of the existing garden and surroundings. For complex and large gardens a professional surveyor maybe be required for a more comprehensive survey, the fees do not include the cost of the survey but we can arrange this service on your behalf.
3. CONCEPT PLAN
Our team of designers then make a presentation of the proposed design, this is the Concept Plan drawn up to outline the proposal of the new design. The conceptual proposal is informed by your brief and technical information about the space, from the site survey and analysis, presented in the form of 2D plans, 3D sketches and mood boards, colour schemes depending on the scale of your project. This is the first tangible visualisation of your garden and at this stage the plan is flexible and as the layout is discussed we may make several changes. We refer to these as revisions on all drawings.
4. DETAILED DESIGN
A Detailed Layout Plan is then produced, making changes and revisions from our discussion of the concept plan, drawn to scale with a detailed layout complete with levels. These drawings will include sufficient detail to build and plant the landscape. Our design process draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape of the garden looking at the context of the setting to inform our design, playing on the sensory experience with natural forms and textures of plants. Whilst eloquently exploring the possibilities of stone, wood and metal to anchor the design with bold contemporary structure.
5. LANDSCAPING
Professional Landscaping service conducting site inventory and analysis including a hand drawings of the initial concept to final design plan. Determining your needs and creating functional diagrams and developing conceptual design plans
6. PLANTING DESIGN
We design detailed planting plans and specifications. The Planting Plan forms a fundamental part of the Detailed Design package, however we realise you may wish to be closely involved in the planting design. So whether you know a little or a lot about plants we will work with you to establish a brief, colour scheme, seasonal interest and planting style. We will produce a mood board to begin the design process and from this the design layout plan, each plant is given its Botanical name. The planting plan shows each plant and tree at its ultimate spread, as the garden will be when it matures. The planting scheme will be meticulously designed to suit the conditions of your garden that the site survey and analysis will present. We endeavour to select plants that are fitted to their environment, looking at your existing soil conditions, aspect and environmental factors.
7. TENDER AND CONSTRUCTION
At the tender stage if requested, we are able to provide a set of detailed construction drawings to contractors tendering to do the work. This will enable landscape contractors to prepare the cost estimate. Each scheme will go out to two or three reputable landscape contractors with whom I have worked previously. Following a site visit they provide an itemised quotation which we will analyse and then produce a written tender report. We are able to work with your chosen contractor to realise the design proposal. We can be there at every step of the process if you so wish from construction phase, liaising with the contractors and monitoring the progress of the project.
8. COMPLETION AND AFTERCARE
Once the project is complete and snagging details are reviewed and signed off, initial and after care advice is available for an agreed period of time. If requested we can produce a care plan for your garden advising on how to look after your plants and a yearly maintenance schedule. Our gardeners are trained by Ben and have attained the RHS Level 2 Principles in Horticulture and have a combined wealth of 20 years experience. While our clients are in the Cotswolds we can consult further a field to London and Internationally.
9. GARDEN CONSULTANCY
Not everyone needs a complete re-design of their garden. It may be that you just need a fresh pair of eyes to help you find ways to revitalise, improve or radically overhaul your outdoor space. A one-off consultation is a really popular service and a good starting point for getting advice.