Whether you want to install a new garden, or renovate and existing one, I provide a comprehensive design service which includes:

 

An initial meeting and garden design quote

 

The purpose of this first meeting is to initiate discussion on the changes you may have in mind, and to allow me to get a clear picture of the existing garden, and what you hope to achieve from a newly designed garden.

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I will explain my design process and take photographs of the garden for reference. Some clients may already have some ideas about how they see their new garden space, ideas collected from magazines or books. Please share any of these references with me so that I can get a clear understanding of your expectations. On the other hand, if you don't have any clear idea of what exactly you are looking for in your garden space, and don't know what types of plants you would like to add to your garden, have no fear, helping you define this is part of my service.

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After this first meeting I will spend some time on-site collecting specific site information, measurements and taking photos for reference. I may need to return to the property several times until I have all the information I need to proceed.  From this information, I will prepare a Design Objectives and Written Site Analysis report that will include the discussed design elements and outline my approach to the project. Also included with this document will be a preliminary concept design drawing and an informal site analysis drawing. I will contact you to arrange a time to deliver this written report at which time we will discus my design fee, and terms of engagement. The design fee will be dependent on a range of factors including the size, location and complexity of the site.

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Once you have approved the fee, a formal site survey of the garden may or may not be required.  This will depend again on the scope and/or size of the project and the logistics of the site. A site survey involves taking accurate measurements and readings, noting changes in levels, and also identifying problem areas or any existing features and views that may need to be enhanced or hidden. This is invaluable in making sure the final plan is workable.

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Full Design Plan Package

 

After we have met to discuss the design objectives and have agreed on a fee, I will get started on the  Full Design Plan Package which will be a more comprehensive document of several hand sketched and/or computer generated drawings that will show the proposed landscape/garden design and layout in detail.  The Outline/Concept drawing(s) will showcase the new features as well as indicating specific materials to be used in the design. This will include elevations/perspectives to help you visualise the finished design. Also included will be the Planting Plan, Planting Schedule and Landscape Maintenance Plan. I will present this document at a subsequent meeting giving the client an opportunity to review specifics of the overall design plan and to make any required final alterations before the actual work begins.  Once the plan for the overall project is finalized we can proceed to the next step: the building and planting of the garden!

 

Contract Management and Planting Services 

 -the building and planting of the garden- 

 

There are several approaches to this and I can work in whichever way suits you.

 

Some clients already have a contractor in mind or intend to do the work themselves, while others will need to find someone to build their landscape elements and/or garden for them.  I can recommend some local contractors that you may request quotes from directly.

 

I can plant small to medium size gardens myself or be available to supervise the placement of the plants by your contractor. You may want to leave this completely up to the contractor or plant them yourself - its really up to you. We can work together to agree on a method that best suits your needs.

 

What is a Planting Plan and Schedule? 

 

Although the final Outline/Concept drawing(s) will indicate the general style of planting envisioned, it is vital to have a detailed plan showing exact locations, sizes and quantities of all plants. The Planting Plan will be accompanied by a detailed Planting Schedule which lists all plants by name, type, variety, quantities and pot size so that you have the correct information for nurseries and or contractors.

 

What is a Landscape Management Plan?

 

A written document to accompany your design project to help provide ongoing support on how to manage and maintain your new garden design. This may include written reports on general care of trees and shrubs such as pruning, winter and spring care. It may also include sections on amendments to soil, mulches, fertilizers, watering schedules, pests, deadheading and cutting back of perennials, grasses etc., as well as general and seasonal maintenance in order to extend the beauty of your new landscape/garden design.

 

Ongoing support

 

Gardens change over time with the growth of trees causing once sunny locations to turn into shady areas or to the extension of a neighbouring house requiring more privacy in your garden, I can help out with ideas for the continued development of your garden.

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Let's get started today on your new landscape and/or design project.