First Contact: You can ring or email Stephen to arrange a meeting. If
you live within 50 miles of St. Neots the first meeting will be free. If you live further away we will agree travelling expenses.
Consultation:
At the first meeting we'll talk about what you want from me, we'll talk about what you like and dislike in gardens and what
you want your garden for. We'll have a look at your garden too. If you want to proceed I'll make sure that I have a clear
design brief from you.
I'll explain the
design process and what happens next.
It's helpful if you can think before we
meet about what you want - and don't want - but don't worry if you're not sure: part of my job is to work with you so that
we produce a garden that meets your needs and budget. It's also helpful if you've thought about what your budget is.
I will write to you after the meeting
to make sure that we are agreed about the brief. I'll give you an estimate of the design fees.
Survey and
Concept Plan: I will survey your garden and produce a concept plan. The concept plan will show the key elements of
the garden; where they are and the materials they are made of. There may be some extra drawings to help you get a feel for
the garden.
Presentation: We'll
meet a second time to look in detail at the concept plan. This is the time to ask questions and ask for minor changes to the
plan. If anything occurs to you in the days after the presentation we can talk on the 'phone.
If there are any major changes or something
crops up that we couldn't have planned for redesigns will be charged at the standard hourly rate.
Detailed
Plans: The final plans will be sent to you. They will include all the changes discussed at the second meeting. They
will be ready to send to contractors.
If you have commissioned a planting plan
this will also be sent to you at this stage. The planting plan will show you where plants will be planted and will include notes
and photographs for all the plants being used. The design phase is now complete.
Building the garden: If you want, you can supervise the building of your garden from now on. Alternatively,
I can supervise the tendering process on your behalf. We will agree which contractors will be invited to tender. I will meet
and brief them on site and handle the paperwork. I can also monitor the contractor's work on your behalf. My fee for these
services will not be related to the contractor's fee. So that I remain completely independent I will charge my standard hourly
rate for this service.
If you want to build the garden in stages we can talk about how best to plan each stage. We'll make sure that the garden
looks good between each stage.
I can also help you plan building the garden yourself if you have the time, the skills and the energy!
Supplying
Plants: I am able to source high quality plants at very good prices because I am to buy from reputable trade nurseries.
The plants can be planted by the contractor or, if you prefer, by you. Sometimes I will be able to arrange and supervise planting
by a gardener.
Checking
the garden's progress: If you plan to maintain the garden yourself I can supply a maintenance schedule so that you
know what to do when.
A garden is a living, evolving space and
I offer a consultation once or twice a year so that we can make sure that the garden is as good as it can be year after year.
