The Design Process

How the Garden Design Process works.
Initial Consultation:
This is a meeting between your-selves and one or two of our designers. It gives us a chance to get a feel for your garden and to talk through and understand your requirements, likes, dislikes, desires, dreams, ideas and budget, and of course for you to get to know us. We feel it is important to develop a good relationship in order that your garden reflects your character and realises your dream.

Or if commercial, that the grounds reflect the image that the company wishes to portray whilst still meeting the needs of the users.

Time:
Usually 1-2 hours, sometimes more depending upon the size and complexity of the project. It is important that all decision making parties be involved as people are often surprised by their differing opinions on the project
During this visit we walk with you round the site and then look through some of our previous projects and other sources of inspirational material that you may have and the designer will bring with them to stimulate further ideas and discussion for the garden.
This meeting will give the out-line for the design brief .
From this meeting a written design brief is available with a fixed quotation for the design works involved or you may wish to agree on site and go straight to the design stage.

Consultation Fees
There is a fee for the consultation which may be offset in part or whole against the design or the construction of the project.
Site visits are charged from the time of leaving the office in Henley until the time of return. Travel time is naturally charged as we are sure you will understand that time on the road is unproductive.
Overseas travel or flying will be by business class. Taxis, rail and hotel fees where necessary are chargeable as extras. With your understanding Airfares and 25% of the estimated site visit and consultation fee are payable in advance

Site Survey
If the garden is relatively small and uncomplicated measurements could be taken on the spot at the time of the initial consultation along with a photographic survey.
If the site is large and complicated we recommend an independent professional survey be carried out to ensure an accurate drawing and costing of the project. A professional survey will show in detail and to scale the house and any other buildings, the contours of the land and the size and placement of trees and plantings. We can usually recommend a good surveyor. The fee of the surveyor would be invoiced directly to yourselves. Alternatively you may already have a survey or house plans. These are very useful and would of course be returned.

The Design
The layout plan.
Our plans are scale plan drawings of the proposed garden layout including suggested materials and planting styles.

Sometimes, this is all that is required, as from this our own team of technicians can quote for and construct your garden. More detailed constructional plans and drawings may be required if you wish to use outside contractors.
Project management is available as an individual service when using outside construction companies.

Planting plans:
These give detailed information on the soft landscaping of your garden. Lists of plant subjects suitable for the different situations in the garden and to harmonise with the surroundings. Consideration will be made to shape, form, scent, colour, seasonal interest etc..
A balance needs to be struck between allowing for mature growth and an instantaneous effect. There are compromises and your preference will be sought.

After Care and Maintenance
Once your garden is built and planted you will want it to continue to look fabulous.
Maintenance schedules can be drawn up or you may wish to take advantage of the services of our maintenance teams who will be happy to advise on minor adjustments and additions to plantings as well as taking care of the chores such as pruning, mowing, hedge cutting, weeding, leaf clearance, pressure washing, painting etc. Our aim is to ensure that your garden continues to improve as it matures giving you years of continuing pleasure.