Process – A walk through of the service we offer

Consultation

The consultation meeting is the time to discuss exciting ideas which will form the basis of the design brief and to discuss your budget. During the meeting I will listen carefully to your ideas and together we will explore how you would like to use your garden and the particular style or feel you would like to create. If you have any images of gardens, textures or planting styles that you would like considered in the design, now is the perfect time to show me. We can also discuss the garden design process, so you have a full understanding of the different stages involved. I will walk around your garden and assess it from a design perspective looking at the possibilities and limitations of the site, considering the views, aspect, levels, soil structure and access. Following the meeting I will draw up a brief for the design of the garden based on our discussions along with a fee proposal for the design services required. There is a charge for the initial consultation.

Survey

A site survey is necessary to produce a scaled plan of your garden to work from. During the survey we will analyze and record all of the relevant information to consider in the design.
The survey and site analysis consists of:
• Measuring the site, building(s), access points, windows and ground levels.

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Noting the particular characteristics of the garden: the setting, the soil type, drainage, aspect, views, existing plants, drains and manhole covers, local building materials and styles.
  • Assessing whether any views could be enhanced or obscured.
  • Photographing the site.
  • If the site is complex I would recommend that a firm of surveyors undertake this aspect of the work.

Ideas, Sketches and Plans

The Presentation Plan is a coloured 2D scaled drawing of the proposed layout for your garden, showing areas of hard landscaping, planting and features. The design will combine the aesthetic and practical considerations outlined in the brief and discussion during our consultation.

Details and Construction Drawings

The quality of workmanship is key when translating the garden design into living reality. If necessary, to ensure that the design is set out and built exactly as planned, I can prepare accurate setting out drawings and detailed construction drawings for the contractors to follow.

Tendering / Monitoring

TENDER DOCUMENTS – If you would like to obtain comparable quotes from three reputable landscape companies to carry out the construction of the garden, I can prepare a specification document outlining the precise work to be undertaken such as the construction methods and materials to be used. This will be sent to the contractors along with the design, contract documentation and any other relevant drawings so they can quote for the work on an equal basis.

PROJECT MONITORING – Once you have chosen your contractor and the build gets underway I can make regular site visits to ensure the landscapers and other professionals deliver your garden exactly as planned.

Planting Plans

I have an excellent plant knowledge. I pride myself on arranging simple, striking planting designs. Each plant is selected to suit the soil and situation, combining to create all year interest and a maintenance level to suit each client’s requirements. Each planting design drawing will show the position of each plant, its species and cultivar name as well as the quantity required. Each drawing will also feature a plant schedule outlining the name, total number of plants and recommended size at planting. We are also happy to supply and set out plants for you, your contractor or our team to plant.

  • "Susanna was very much in tune with us"

  • "I had the great, good fortune to be recommended to discuss my options with Susanna"

  • "Susanna strived for perfection and looked outside ‘the box’ to create a timeless, beautiful garden design"

  • "Susanna has created a garden design that incorporates a number of wonderful spaces"

  • "She is passionate about her work"

  • "beautiful garden design which enabled us to clearly visualise the finished result"

  • "Susanna was readily available for queries from us"

  • "I must say that every time I took a ‘step of faith’ and went with her plan, it turned out to be spot on"

  • "Susanna has a real creative flare and had the skill to visualise and interpret our verbal brief"

  • "Susanna has integrity and a professional approach"

  • "I found Susanna to deliver excellent value for money and she was very conscious of my costs"

  • "Working in harmony and linking seamlessly which give me great joy and pleasure to be in"

  • "Susanna has a true ‘quality eye’ and clearly has great experience in her field"

  • "Susanna is the ultimate professional, knowledgeable and highly capable and has created a garden which gives us beautiful views"

  • "We cannot recommend Susanna highly enough"

  • "I must say that every time I took a “step of faith” and went with her plan, it turned out to be spot on"

  • "Professional and perfected management skills"

  • "She has listened carefully and developed a clear brief for the design to match my needs"

  • "Susanna has a true ‘quality eye’ and clearly has great experience in her field"

  • "A stunning landscaped design that exceeded our wildest expectations"

To find out more contact me

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