The garden design process

In today’s world, we all need simple, hassle-free solutions.

I am a keen believer in getting things right - down to the last detail, so I work to a 7 stage design process which I can project monitor through to implementation to ensure that all work is completed by the landscaper right first time.

I will work with them and you to make the whole process enjoyable, easy to understand and stress-free.

Stage 1: Consultation

In the first instance, I will visit you at the site, and find out what you want from your garden, now and in the future.

We will discuss, for examplem how you want to use the garden, who will use it, what style you prefer, what colours you like, how much time you have to maintain it. Have a look at the section Information/What to consider for guidance on things to think about.

After this visit, I will send you a draft design brief which details your aspirations for the garden and specific points we have discused. I will also send you a fee proposal for the design work so that you can decide if you would like me to design your garden.

Stage 2: Survey and site analysis

The design process starts with a survey and site analysis. The survey establishes the exact measurements of the garden, the level changes, and the soil conditions. The site analysis includes a photographic record and looks at the aspect of the garden, elements in the garden to retain, views to enhance or screen etc. From these details, I will then create an accurate scaled drawing of the site which is the base on which I create the design.

At this stage, I will also discuss your requirements and ideas in more detail.

Stage 3: Design plan

The design plan will be produced to scale, on the base of the site survey, taking into account the elements of the design brief. By understanding your needs and aspirations, I aim to get the design as close as possible to your ideal garden, however, on the initial presentation of the plan we can discuss any alterations you wish to make. If the garden is large or the design brief is complex, an initial concept plan may be required prior to this stage to establish the general layout of the elements within the garden.

Once you are satisfied with all the elements and their positions in the garden, any relevant drawings and notes for the landscaper can be produced.

Construction and setting out drawings can be supplied, if required, to assist the landscaper in building the garden.

Stage 4: Planting plan

The planting plan will show what plants will be used, quantities, and where they will be positioned and will take into account soil conditions, any preferences you have for colour, style of planting and the level of maintenance required. I will also produce a plant list for you to review, and which will be used to cost and order the plants.

Stage 5: Implementation

You can use a landscaper of your choice or I can recommend a landscaper who will build your garden to a good standard of workmanship.

I can brief the landscaper on the requirements for the garden construction on site at a time convenient to you.

You may also wish me to project monitor the construction; making site visits to inspect the work, ensuring that the garden is being built according to the plan.

Stage 6: Plant sourcing and planting

The plants are sourced from a reputable nursery and I can supply them at prices typically a third less than you would find similar sized plants at Garden Centres.

I would set out the plants in the completed garden to the required spacings and can also plant them out if required.

Stage 7: Follow up

A garden is a living entity, forever changing as time goes by. It is therefore important that you understand how you need to maintain the garden to keep it in tip-top condition.

I will prepare a written document on how to care for all the plants and maintain the garden in general, and if you require, I can visit the site at regular intervals over the subsequent few months or even years, to offer advice and recommendations.

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“We were really impressed with the design service offered by Jayne. Jayne was able to take our initial brief and translate this into a stunning contemporary design that really made the most of the small space we had and provided a great backdrop to our new kitchen extension. The combination of hard landscaping and planting have completely transformed the garden. Over several meetings she was able to communicate the concepts and hone the design and even sample materials. She then recommended and then liaised with the landscaper to ensure the implementation went to plan before completing the final planting.”

Mrs Fenner
Marston Moretaine

"I found Jayne to be very friendly and pleasant to work with. The design is lovely - very attractive. I was impressed with Jayne's willingness to adapt to and take account of our cost constraints and likes and dislikes regarding plants. All work was carried out efficiently and pleasantly. Jayne was always ready to discuss and advise about design and plants and has transformed a boring and rather difficult small garden into an interesting area which will only improve as the plants grow and mature."

Mr & Mrs Barwell
Welwyn Garden City

We love our garden now. Our two dogs had pretty much destroyed it and it had become an embarrassment. We never used it, not even just for ourselves. It now has structure and a proper patio area and is always good to look at even in this bleak weather!

This will be our second spring with it and I'm really looking forward to seeing everything grows again and how it will change this year.

Mr & Mrs Crooke
Flitton

Jayne was always totally reliable, whether coming out to look at the garden or providing plans and ideas, and is a very knowledgeable plantswoman.

She had a good understanding of what I wanted to do with the garden, and always listened to my ideas and then made suggestions that were appropriate to the location and aspect.

Mr & Mrs Townsend
Houghton Conquest

Jayne's ideas of how to transform a long straight garden into something more interesting were quite inspirational. By introducing shape and perspective the garden now has structure.

The planting plan she suggested has added interest and constant colour which changes with the season.

Needless to say we are delighted.

Mr & Mrs Collier
Pulloxhill

We were delighted with Jayne's approach to our garden and her understanding of what we were trying to achieve.

Her knowledge of plants and what will actually work is fantastic.

Three years on we are still delighted with our garden.

Mr & Mrs Bryant
Pulloxhill

Jayne has a real passion for gardening and her knowledge of plants is highly impressive. She seems to know exactly which plant will thrive in a particular part of the garden - sunny, shady, soil type and so on. She also thinks about the proportions and overall effect.

To work with, she is extremely flexible and happy to give you just the bits of advice or help you need.

Mel Henson
Welwyn Garden City