our design process
Typical "full garden design" journey
Full garden design projects typically move through the following stages:
Understanding your needs
We begin with an on-site meeting to understand your space, aspirations and how you would like to live within the garden. We also assess the character of the land, soil, aspect, drainage, existing planting, alongside practical considerations and budget guidance. Following the visit, a written brief and fee proposal are prepared, outlining the recommended scope of work.
Surveying (& tree report if required)
A topographic survey of your garden usually follows to map out boundaries, existing features and identify the levels throughout the garden. We also determine the soil type, any protected trees and their root protection areas.
Space planning
The concept stage establishes the overarching structure, spatial planning and creative direction for the garden including atmosphere, key features, type of materials and planting style for each areas. At this stage you are presented with drawings and supporting visuals that communicate the design vision. Drawings include 2D views and 3D rendered images for discussion and refinement.
Build Ready Specifications
Once the concept is approved, the design is developed into detailed plans to share with contractors. These include more detailed drawings and material specifications for contractors to quote from. We can run or remain involved as advisors during key stages of tendering and build to safeguard design integrity and help deal with unforeseen.
Planting design
Detailed planting plans are developed for each area, reflecting the chosen creative and horticultural direction, crafted with seasonal interest, biodiversity and long-term resilience in mind, as well as planting density, style, and layering.
Typical "planting design" journey
Planting Design only projects typically move through similar phases and the level of space planning depends on your garden and your objectives:
Understanding your needs
We begin with an on-site meeting to understand your aspirations, assess the space and explore role and possibilities for planting within the existing hard landscaping features in your garden. We assess the character of the land, alongside practical considerations and budget guidance. Following the visit, a written brief and fee proposal are prepared, outlining the recommended scope of work.
Surveying (survey & tree report if required)
A more detailed site analysis of your garden usually follows to map out the planting areas and the existing planting and trees. We also determine the soil type, light aspects, water flows, any major level changes, any protected trees and their root protection areas, and any drainage and soil improvement requirement.
Concept Design
The concept stage establishes the overall creative direction for the planting including atmosphere, planting style and plant palettes for each areas. At this stage you are presented with drawings and supporting visuals that communicate the design vision. Drawings include 2D plan views, mood boards, plant and tree palettes and main foliage lines.
Detailed planting plans
Detailed planting plans are developed for each area, reflecting the chosen creative, horticultural and ecological direction. They are crafted with seasonal interest, biodiversity and long-term resilience in mind, as well as the desired planting density, planting style, and layering. Our plans also come with after care recommendations to guide you through the first two years of your planting establishment.
investment guide
Guide prices
The scope of design work is shaped by the size of the site, the complexity of the design and the level of visualisation. A full garden design can be deceptively time consuming, often taking up to 80 to 100 hours of design and planning time.
Design costs as a general guide*:
• Garden design service costs typically start from £1,800
• Planting design service costs typically start from £900
• Tender & build consultation costs typically start from £900
*These are guide costs only and will vary up or down depending on garden size and individual project requirements. Following our first meeting, you will receive a clear, written proposal outlining the design stages, deliverables and associated fees for each stages so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.
When it comes to building your garden, build costs vary depending on size, complexity, materials, level of clearance and drainage required prior to building:
Build costs as a general guide**:
• Hard landscaping typically costs on average £250 / m2 of areas landscaped
• Allow a separate budget for garden rooms, outdoor kitchens and play areas
• Electrics and lighting are usually costed separately too
• Soft landscaping typically costs on average £200 / m2 of areas landscaped for soil preparation, plants and planting of a densely furnished planting scheme. Less for areas less furnished or lawns for example.
• Allow a separate budget for mature trees.
**These are guide costs only and will vary depending on projects, existing site conditions, access and contractors. We work with highly experienced and fairly priced contractors and we are also happy to work with contractors of your choosing.
