LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN SERVICES

 

 

Organisation, mutual respect, trust and competence are the main components at the beginning and throughout the design process, implementation and after-care services provided by our company.

We believe that good planning at the outset minimises costly and time-wasting mistakes. Therefore, our main aim is to ensure our gardens are well planned and executed to the highest standards, paying meticulous attention to detail.

As a small practice, we can be more focuses, flexible and cost-effective, offering the client a hands on approach and personal attention throughout the process.

According to the complexity and geographical location of the project, we can work and search partners as part of a consortium, joining us to other consultants and contractors for package deals. Therefore, maintaining our presence and high standard to the client.

We also offer a commercial service for other professionals such as architects, interior designers and landscapers in the development of both residential and commercial schemes.

Our portfolio range from small to large gardens in residential and public spaces.

 

 

 

THE DESIGN PROCESS

 

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.

 

 

 

OTHER SPECIALIST SERVICES

 

Occasionally we need to engage in other specialist services such as:

Surveys
Feasibility studies
Site investigations
Environmental assessments
Phasing development plans
Special drawings
models, artwork
Multidisciplinary meetings
Visits to nurseries
Cost planning
Quantity surveyor
Structural engineer
Detail negotiations with statutory authorities
Planning appeals
Planning and building regulation submissions
Landlord and tenants approval
Legal advice
CDM regulation
Party wall negotiations
Extended contract administration
Site visit
Project management
Suspension
Record drawing
Contract claims
Litigation and arbitration.

 

Additional Drawings And Services

1. Cross-section of parts of the garden: This presents an elevation of the garden, showing the height of all features included in your garden

2. Axonometric plan: A three-dimensional measures drawing projected up to scale plan, giving height and depth to help showing how the components of the garden relate to each other.

3. Plant supply and planting: It is important to ensure that the right plants are bought in good condition and that they are positioned and planted correctly. We work with a wide range of top nurseries in Britain and abroad and supply them at competitive prices.

4. Plant maintenance schedule: This can be provided to help you to look after your garden.

5. Follow up visits and consultation: These can be arranged for further advice and adjustments as the plants mature. Garden design is not a product but a process, an art form that needs constant refinement.