AILSA RICHARDS
Garden Design
The Design Process
overseeing the design and construction of your new garden from start to finish
Meeting you
The first step is meeting you, where you discuss your vision for the site, your needs, your likes and dislikes and your budget. To make the most of this meeting it is a good idea to have any mood boards ready at this early stage. This when Ailsa will create a brief with you for your project which will be your 'wish list' that she will work from throughout the design process. It will be signed off by you before any design work commences.
Gathering research
The site analysis visit deals with the practical considerations of aspect, potential drainage issues, soil conditions, existing planting etc and allows Ailsa an opportunity to get a "feel" for the site, and take all the photos she needs - all material which will inform Ailsa's design. She will also request a topographical survey before design work commences – this displays precise site measurements with boundaries and positions of individual trees, inspection covers, drains and all the services. Most importantly it maps out spot heights across the site so that level changes can be calculated.
Forming a design
Using the information gathered by meeting you and surveying the site, Ailsa will work on a design proposal for you. She will draw up scaled plans, and initial drawings with planting and hardscape palettes and a rough costing for the project. A meeting will be arranged to discuss the design and address any questions. Design revisions can be made and updated plan produced. This concept plan will be signed off before the next, more detailed stage.
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Once the concept plan is agreed Ailsa will work on the details of the design providing a package of information for landscape contractors to give accurate building quotes.
This will include a ‘setting out’ plan, planting plans, any construction diagrams, written specifications for soil health, planting, hardscape, outdoor lighting and irrigation plans (if required), and "Quantities" document for the tender process.
Making it happen
Once the hard landscaping starts Ailsa will be making site visits in this phase, to oversee the details of the design as it develops. She can source the plants and will also be there at planting time, ensuring that all shrubs, plants and trees are top quality, and planted with care to give them a great start in life.
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Let your garden flourish
The success of your garden relies on a steady hands to nuture it and help it flourish and if it is well maintained your garden will give pleasure year after year. Ailsa also offers regular visits from her team to ensure that your garden is evolving according to plan, and to check that it is being properly tended. She can also recommend a local company to care for your garden.