Our design process
Every garden we create begins with a conversation. We take a collaborative and tailored approach, taking the time to listen carefully to your ideas, understand how you want to use your space, and work with you to shape a garden that feels truly personal. Our design process is structured into clear stages, offering a framework to help guide your project from concept to completion. Each garden is unique, and we adapt our process to suit the scale, budget, and level of involvement that’s right for you.
Consultation
We begin with a Discovery Call, giving us the opportunity to learn more about your ambitions for your garden and what you’re hoping to achieve. We then meet you in person to walk the garden together, understand your needs and aspirations, explore any challenges, and discuss how you’d like to use the space. Following the visit, we prepare a tailored action plan outlining the design brief, an inspiration mood board, timeline and fees, giving you a clear understanding of the project and what to expect.
Concept
Before we begin the design, we need an accurate understanding of the site. A topographical survey records the garden’s existing layout, levels and key features, as well as the location of known utilities. This gives us the information needed to develop a considered design that works with the existing site.
We then develop the initial concept for your garden, exploring how the space could look, feel and function. We create a scaled plan showing the proposed layout, including the main areas, paths, planting beds and features, alongside perspective drawings to help you visualise the garden. Mood boards explore the style, materials and planting, supported by initial suggestions for key plants and materials. We present the concept to you in person, explaining our thinking and inviting your feedback so we can refine the vision together.
Detailed design
Once the concept design is agreed, we develop the design in detail, resolving how each element of the garden will work and be constructed. This stage typically includes a master plan showing the final layout, construction drawings and detailing explaining how key elements are to be built, and setting-out plans showing precise dimensions and positions on site. We also prepare specifications for materials and finishes, so the design can be accurately priced and delivered as intended.
Planting Design
Once the garden layout is finalised, we develop a detailed planting design tailored to your site conditions, maintenance preferences and aesthetic style. This includes a planting plan showing where each plant will go, a visual plant list to help you imagine the overall look and colour palette, and a plant schedule listing quantities and plant names. We also create a seasonal care plan, outlining the key tasks throughout the year to help you keep your garden looking its best.
If you’re looking to refresh your planting without a full garden redesign, our planting design service is also available as a standalone service.
Site Inspections
During the build, our site inspection service helps ensure the garden is being delivered in line with the agreed design. We visit the site at key stages of the build to review progress, check that the design is being interpreted as intended, and respond to any design-related queries. Following each visit, we provide a written update summarising our observations and any points that need to be addressed. Site inspections provide ongoing design guidance while the garden is being built, but do not include project or contractor management.
Plant Sourcing
We source plants through trusted nurseries, ensuring healthy, high-quality plants. Once delivered to site, we will set out the plants, ensuring the best placement. This allows for final adjustments and helps the planting come to life as intended. We can also coordinate with professional gardeners to carry out the planting.
Additional Services
Ongoing care is essential to help a garden thrive. For local projects, we offer seasonal check-ups and planting reviews to support the garden as it matures. These visits allow us to make timely adjustments and assess plant performance, ensuring the garden is establishing well. For clients further afield, or for those planning to maintain the garden themselves, we can provide a tailored maintenance plan with clear guidance on seasonal tasks, pruning, and care.