'I had a very scruffy, bare garden with very dry poor soil. Nicola and Lisa made a design for me, together with plant suggestions and I have been delighted with the result. You listened carefully to my requirements and produced a charming drawing. The design was simple and perfectly suited to my gardening style. Highly recommended'
Mrs C, Woking. Surrey
Process
Meet and Greet
This provides an ideal opportunity to meet each other so that we can take a look at your garden, discuss the services that we offer, show you previous projects and give you a rough idea of costing for the design work. No charge is made for this initial visit, within a 10 mile radius of Cobham or Dorking.
Client Brief
This entails a full and detailed discussion about the site, your requirements and your likes and dislikes. We will make careful notes and the meeting will be followed with a written confirmation of your brief, a proposal and a quotation for your approval. There is a fee of £95 chargeable for this visit, offset against the commission fees if you go ahead. For visits within a 10 mile radius of Cobham or Dorking, travel costs are included.
Survey and Site Analysis
An accurate site survey is required, to evaluate the dimensions of the space in detail, including buildings, levels, existing features and vegetation, site conditions, surroundings etc. For small gardens we often carry out the survey ourselves. For large gardens with a lot of existing trees and shrubs and/or those with complex levels and shape, it makes sense to appoint a professional surveyor.
Concept Plan
The survey and design brief are brought together in the Concept Plan which is presented to you for discussion and modification where appropriate. This shows the outlines of the design and existing and proposed trees.
Master Plan
The concept plan, once detail is added, becomes the master plan for subsequent design work. This will show the garden layout, levels, position and type of hard landscaping, planting areas and additional features and will be accompanied by supporting visuals where required.
Planting plan and schedule
This details all plants within the scheme, where they will be placed, numbers and sizes.
Technical drawings
To enable the garden to be priced and constructed by a contractor, it is necessary to further specify the design by adding construction and setting out drawings, and where required, lighting and irrigation plans.
Tender documentation and appointment of a contractor
We work with many experienced contractors and can introduce you to those most appropriate for your individual project.
Having prepared the necessary specification documents and tender documentation, we would typically have onsite meetings with the contractors to enable them to provide you with competitive quotations for the construction of the garden, thereby achieving the best value for money. You, the Client, will then be in a position to appoint your chosen contractor.
Project monitoring
Many Clients ask us to monitor their project right through to completion. This involves liaising between you, the Client, and your contractors, to ensure that the project is completed accurately. The contractor is employed directly by you and will have his own terms and conditions. The level of monitoring depends on the nature and size of project, and fees are based on an hourly rate of £50, a percentage of the total contract value, or an agreed sum.
Planting supply and layout
In all projects we are able to source and supply plants as required and set these out ready for planting. Plants for larger projects are often sourced from many different nurseries. Where possible, plants are supplied from local growers.
Maintenance / ongoing development advice
Long-term maintenance advice can be provided, and a maintenance schedule can be prepared on request, detailing a month by month work schedule.
A design once completed, is still dynamic and evolving. Annual/ biannual visits give an opportunity to discuss any arising issues.
Other services
A bespoke, stand-alone planting plan can be provided. The process would be similar to the full design process – initial consultation, survey, planting plan, and tender process if required.
'Off the peg' planting schemes are available for particular themes and aspects. These can be sent by email or post from £95.
Where a Client simply wants planting ideas or styling advice, consultation is available at £50 per hour.
Sundry costs
Sundry costs such as specialist equipment hire and the printing of plans or other documents are charged at cost unless otherwise specified.