LANDSCAPE SERVICES

STAGE 1: Initial consultation

An initial visit is necessary to familiarise ourselves with the site, discuss the garden requirements and show our portfolio of work. We advice on the potential and limitation of the site, including views, levels, aspects, access and garden style.

Following our visit, a report is sent to the client establishing the brief, a resume of the potential of the site. This is an opportunity to confirm these and make alteration as necessary. An estimate and a design programme are sent to you for stages 2, 3 and 4 for your approval.

STAGE 2: Survey and site analysis

Once we have received a written confirmation to proceed and the contract signed, a second visit is necessary to measure the garden, take the photographs, soil samples, measure the house, access points, windows and other buildings, etc.

On a small site where there are no levels, we usually do the site measurements. On a large and complex site a professional surveyor maybe required. The client can also have the option of supplying us with an accurate survey plan to reduce the amount of time on this visit. Following the site survey, we draw up the survey and site analysis as the basis for the master plan.

STAGE 3: The outline plan and sketches proposals

An interim visit can be arranged before the masterplan is finally drawn. This is an artistic view of the site, showing the lay out of the garden, the position of the hardlandscaping, planting and features. The client has the opportunity to do alterations and addition as necessary at this stage.

STAGE 4: The masterplan

Once the client approves the new lay out of the garden, an accurate version of this lay out plan is drawn to scale. The masterplan is the starting point and the basis for invitation to tender for landscape contractors whose work we recommend to the client to contact or we can do this and monitor the work. Major alteration to this plan is charged on our hourly basis. This does not include planting or construction plans.

STAGE 5: Detail Design

The planting plan: A planting plan can be prepared on approval of the masterplan. This presents the planting, giving names and numbers of plants, colour scheme and seasonal interest, key plants or alternatively a planting strategy. A separate plant list will help facilitate ordering. This planting plan is discussed and agreed with the client.

Construction Plans and landscape detailing: These may be needed for the contractor, giving detail of paving, walls, steps, water features, etc

STAGE 6: Production Information

Specification of hard and soft landscaping: A written specification of the materials, plants, work schedule and how the garden is going to be constructed and planted.

Invitation to tender: An invitation to landscape contractors to tender for the project. This maybe one of your own choice or one of a number suggested by us.

We work closely with carefully selected contractors whose professionalism, attention to detail and sensitive approach to the needs of clients is well proven. We consult with contractors during the design process both to refine the construction details and to gain an accurate view on the building and planting cost.

Tender report: This summarises all the tenders from the contractors that will be sent to the client for approval. We assist in the engagement of contractors, checking the contractor's quotation to ensure recognised techniques are employed that competitive prices are been charged and that there are no pitfalls or omissions.

STAGE 7: Site operation and contract administration

We organise and prepare the contract documents, if necessary submitting the drawings for planning permission and overseeing the project from start to finish

The contractor is employed directly by the client and will have his own terms and conditions and require stage payments. We check the quality of the work and suggest retention and penalties clauses if needed. At each stage we approve payment to the contractor and sign off the work at its conclusion. We make as many site visit as necessary.