The process of design

Every garden is individually designed.  The most satisfying results are achieved when the client employs an experienced landscaper to carry out the work and the designer remains involved throughout the whole process, ensuring that you realise your vision for the garden.

• The starting point is a consultation meeting to find out what you hope to achieve and what your garden is like now.  This lasts for two hours and a charge of £75.00 is made.  If you decide to proceed with a design, this cost will be deducted from your first invoice.
• A written brief is compiled for your approval and a detailed estimate of the design costs is produced.  
• A survey and assessment of the existing garden ensures an accurate basis for the design work. 
• Then Melanie can begin to create design proposals for your new garden. Once we have agreed a design, construction layout plans and written information are produced to enable the contractor of your choice to build the garden.  A detailed planting plan is also prepared, together with a full list of plants to be obtained.
• In addition to the design work, Melanie can assist in obtaining quotes for the landscaping work. advise on setting out and visit whilst the contractors are on site to monitor the construction work.  She can also arrange delivery of plants, set them into position and supervise the planting work.

Design fees start at around £1,100 for a small garden.  Your estimate will include the cost of the outline design, detailed construction and planting plans and accompanying notes.  Fees are charged based on the size and complexity of the garden, and are invoiced at agreed stages throughout the work.  Other minor costs include disbursements such as copying of plans.  

Subsequent or additional work such as meeting contractors, making site visits or dealing with plant deliveries is not included in the original estimate and is charged at an hourly rate, invoiced monthly.

The cost of landscaping and planting a garden by a qualified and experienced landscaper is likely to start at around £10,000 for a small, level garden using readily available materials and plants. Reclaimed landscaping materials, changes of level, poor access, specially designed features or the purchase of large specimen plants will all increase the cost.