Frequently Asked Questions
Q "How much does a garden design cost?”
This depends entirely on the overall size of the garden and how big the changes are that you want to make. As an guide prices for a small garden start from £600 for a site survey, sketch plan, presentation plan and planting plan. In some instances depending on the complexity of the project the design can represent 10-15% of the overall cost.
Q “What sort of gardens do you design?”
I have a very broad range of styles as you can see from my portfolio. However, all my designs are individually tailored to satisfy your own needs and tastes. My role as a trained professional and member of the Society of Garden Designers is to guide you through the process to make the right choices. Whatever your requirements I can make your garden work for you and your home.
Q “How much input will I have?”
I see the whole process as collaboration. Your input from the start is crucial in ensuring I can design the garden you want. Our client information brief provides a foundation from which I can start to develop your design.
Q “What if I don't like the design?”
I make sure right at the beginning of the design process that I am clear about your tastes and requirements. My main role as a designer is to problem-solve and produce a design that will personally work for you and your home. At key stages throughout the design process I will meet with you and discuss all aspects of the design so that you can make any alterations or changes where necessary. I can always be contacted by phone or email to address any concerns and therefore satisfaction is guaranteed.
Q “Do I need to sign a contract?”
Yes. Once I have met you, viewed your garden and discussed your requirements with you, I will write up a detailed brief of everything that will be included in your new design. Included with this brief will be a quotation for the design work. If you agree with everything outlined in the brief and the accompanying quotation you will then need to sign a contract of agreement and pay a 50% deposit. The balance is payable on my submission of your completed plans.
Q “Why are there so many processes involved in creating a design?”
These various processes, from the initial consultation to planting plans, ultimately ensure that you are happy with the finished result. Your new garden will be perfectly suited to you and your family, long lasting and maintainable and will add value to your house and home. It is the design process that makes all of this possible.
Q “Who will build my new garden?”
You have a range of options, but these will be influenced by the size, scope and complexity of the design as well as scheduling.
We can build personally build your garden. We can recommend and tender the project to a selection of local BALI registered landscaping companies, or you may have your preferred builder. If we can’t build your garden due to the size or scope of the project and you engage a local landscaping company then we can for a fee, project manage the build throughout to ensure satisfaction.
Q “What about the on-going maintenance of my garden?”
If you don’t have the time or resources to maintain your garden then we can provide an on-going maintenance service to suit your requirements. Our minimum booking is 3 hours and this can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly. We also provide a seasonal service and the cost of this will be quoted individually based on the needs of the garden.
Q “Do you work all year round?”
We can design gardens all-year. However, our maintenance service is generally provided from February-November. With regards landscaping, providing the weather is dry we can build from January-December providing there are no snows or on-going frosts.
Q “I’m not based in your area. Can you still design my garden?”
Yes. Following an initial discussion and on the completion of the client briefing document. I can give you an indication of the design cost. This will include travel costs and follow-up meetings.
Q "What about the legalities?"
Very few residential garden projects require planning permission. However, we can advise you on the appropriate actions during and on completion of a design prior to construction.
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