A client’s guide to the Green & Pleasant Garden Design process
Garden Design follows six key stages:
1: Initial Visit
2: Client Brief
3: Site Survey, Soil/Aspect Analysis
4: Garden Design
5: Planting Plan
6: Aftercare Service
Implementation and build follows two stages:
i Construction of the Hard Landscaping
ii Installation of the Planting
How does the process work?
1: The Initial V
isit
This will last up to one hour and is free of charge. The visit is to gain a general understanding of the client’s design and horticultural needs, both practical and aesthetic. I will then email you a quote with my garden design fees which are estimated according to the complexity and size of the project. Should you be happy with the quote following my Initial Visit, a second meeting is then arranged for
2: The Client Brief
This involves a number of detailed questions for you and ideas will then be exchanged, such as your preferred style of garden, e.g. formal or informal; your intended leisure or functional use of the space; any particular garden features you would like included or removed, specific plant and tree requirements etc. At this stage it is very important to consider your whole budget, not just for the new design and the new planting plan, but also for the construction material costs, as this will have to be taken into account when creating the new design.
3: The Site Survey and Soil & Aspect Analysis
This involves taking measurements of the entire area, including any level changes. I will also be taking photographs of the garden, carrying out soil-testing, light aspect and plot position.
4: The Garden Design
This is produced in rough and presented as an initial sketch. We will then meet again to finalise the design together at which point any alterations and changes are made before the final design is agreed. The finalised design will include all this feedback as well as an attached set of construction notes and materials specification to enable the Hard Landscapers to price up and carry out the building work professionally and to programme. Green & Pleasant does not carry out Hard Landscaping works directly, but works closely with known, professional builders who carry out the paving, soil preparation, feature builds, water features, lighting, trellised-fences, arbours and lawn installation. Alternatively, clients may choose to use their own contractors sourced independently. I am also happy to offer my Project Managing Services alongside them. After the Garden Design has been implemented the areas for the plants are known and the next stage is the planting plan.
5: The Planting Plan
This can be provided with a rough guide to the cost of supply and installation. Again, the Planting Plan process is consultative with the client to ensure the general style, effect, colour palette and maintenance level meet your choices. The Planting Plan is usually carried out during the Hard Landscaping construction process so the plants are sourced and ordered in sufficient time to complete the planting installation once the building work has ended. Green & Pleasant check stock, oversee and install all the planting on site. In practice this provides a seamless process from the Initial Design meeting to the completion of your new garden. Green & Pleasant are happy to just offer horticultural Planting Plans separately to clients who only wish for this part of our service.
6: The Aftercare Maintenance Service
We also provide an After Care Service of garden maintenance following the completion of the garden design project should you require this to tend to and manage your new garden.
