Our approach to designing your garden
Our garden design process is carefully structured to guide a project from initial consultation through to detailed design and construction.
Working with clients across Cheshire, the Wirral and North Wales, we develop thoughtful garden designs that respond to the architecture of the home, the character of the site and the client’s brief.
Whether you seek a tranquil retreat to unwind, a vibrant space for entertaining, or a family-friendly garden where children can play and explore, we tailor our designs to meet your specific needs.
We listen to your desires and ideas, transforming them into a reality that surpasses your expectations.
Process
All of our gardens are bespoke, we work with you to create a unique space which will enhance the lives of you and your family.
Our comprehensive design service covers everything from a full re-imagining of your garden to a planting scheme for an individual border – be it sprawling country gardens or small urban courtyards, we are passionate about creating enchanting spaces.
Although every project is different, a typical garden design package tends to follow the “Fundamental Project Stages”.
Some stages are defined as ‘milestones’. At these points we will assess progress to date, and by mutual agreement will decide to move to the next stage, that decision being enabled by more precise pricing at that time. “Enrichment Stages” are individual deliverables for which you can make separate decisions to proceed or not.
Fundamental Project Stages
1. Initial consultation
The initial consultation is about spending some time on site and discussing the project with you, the client. It’s important to get to know you and your requirements for the garden and to absorb the atmosphere of the space. From here we draw up a brief which is sent to you for your approval, along with a detailed breakdown of the process and our design fee proposal.
2. Surveys and Analysis
We arrange for a professional landscape surveyor to record pertinent information about your existing garden, including buildings, trees, and level changes. For smaller spaces we may carry out simplified version of this ourselves. We will take soils samples and site observations recording elements that will inform the design.
3. Outline Design
I work on design ideas and create an outline design with moodboards and 3D models. We go through the 3D model together to understand the layout and feel of the space. We focus on the space's character and layout. The detailed information for construction is done in the next phase, which we specify in the next phase once the outline is approved.
4. Design Detail
Once the concept design is approved we develop the detail of the design and technical drawings required by the landscaper.
From the package of drawings produced at this stage, a contractor can produce an accurate estimate for the construction of your garden. The drawings can be taken to tender or we can recommend our trusted contractors.
5. Hard landscaping materials and detail
6. Bespoke features, structures
Unique design elements, handcrafted by skilled craftsmen, artisans or specialists. These items are solid investments which pull a design together and enrich outdoor living.
7. statement elements
Whether your desire resort grade outdoor living - Pools, spa terraces, outdoor kitchens, covered pavilions and entertainment elements.
Signature pieces, sculptures, artisan creations, value enhancing assets.
Appointing a contractor
When hiring contractors, we usually choose one who we know to be skilled and experienced and able to build your design to the highest of standards. But we are sometimes asked to get quotes from 2-3 landscapers to compare costs. Should this be requested Jane will handle paperwork, provide detailed drawings, cost breakdowns, and review quotes to discuss the best way forward.
Planting design is either a stage in the design process or a stand alone service.
Whichever it is, we work closely with you to produce planting plans, planting schedules and planting specifications tailored to your tastes and to meet the time time, care and resources you feel comfortable allocating to ensure your garden flourishes as it was designed to do.
Plant Sourcing
We are able to offer you the opportunity to purchase plants at below Garden Centre costs, through the relationships that Jane has built up with wholesale commercial nurseries.
Plant Placement
We also offer the opportunity for Jane to use her expert Horticultural knowledge to check the quality of the plants delivered and to set out the plants in their correct planting position, ready to be planted.
Plant Aftercare
We offer annual reviews of the planting, to see how it is progressing, we also offer monthly care guidance emails to support you in caring for your new garden.
Project Monitoring
To our minds, this is a crucial part of the process if you have chosen to have your design built by someone other than one of our recommended contractors. We monitor progress through agreed site visits, and should any errors occur or unforeseen issues arise we deal them appropriately, ensuring design and detailing is built and the original vision is not lost.
Working with clients, landscapers, architects, developers and consulting on Show Garden planting design, I draw on my professional training, years of horticultural experience and lifelong love of plants. Watching the plants go in to a freshly built garden is a true joy, each newly designed garden brimming with potential and life.
Each design takes into account the style of your garden, the properties of your soil, the changes in the light, whether the border is sheltered or exposed and crucially designed so the time spent in your garden is enjoyable, maintenance fits your chosen level of commitment.
Across the UK, Cheshire and the wider North West region.