The 7 Steps to Garden Design
Step 1 - The Garden Consultation
So, you are considering a garden overhaul. You have some basic ideas and you know the things you want to include in the garden, but you are confused about what to do first and where to begin. This is completely understandable, setting out to transform your garden and make the most of your outdoor space can be difficult and daunting. If you are considering hiring a professional, booking an initial garden consultation is the best place to start.
This also doesn’t only apply to complete garden overhauls, maybe you are looking to improve on a certain area of the garden or re-design the driveway or even update an old planting scheme. In all these scenarios, a garden consultation is a great way to get some answers.
What is a garden consultation?
A garden consultation is an opportunity to meet with me as a garden designer and get a completely fresh perspective on your garden. Consultations last for about an hour and a half and take place on site in your garden. The aim of the consultation is for me to understand your aspirations and needs for the garden, coupled with getting a feel for the layout and flow of the existing space and how to make the best of it. The meetings are very informal and a great way to get excited about your garden and to begin to see it's full potential. It is also a good opportunity to see if you get on with the designer as a person and if you feel you can work together to achieve the garden you are hoping for. A garden project can be a long process so it’s important that you have a good rapport with the designer and that you are able to communicate effectively and easily.
During the consultation I give practical advice and guidance on what is worth keeping in the garden and we discuss the design and build process from the initial concept through to the completion.
After the consultation I follow up with a basic written summary of what we discussed and some guidance on the next steps to take. I will also give you a figure for the full garden design package based on the size of your garden and what has been discussed. You are then welcome to take me on to provide garden design drawings or whatever else is required for the project. Otherwise you can choose to make work of the things we've discussed at your own speed. There are no obligations and I can do as much or as little as you need.
Full garden design packages start from £1,980.00 for the average medium sized gardens up to 250-300 square metres (a tennis court is 265 square metres). Larger gardens will be costed out based on their complexity, size and location.
Do you charge for consultations and why?
Yes, I do charge. The current rate as of March 2026 is £120.00 for up to 90 minutes. If you live further afield (more than 20-30 minutes from Lymington) there will also be a travelling time surcharge. By charging for my time I ensure that consultations are part of my working day and not just an add-on in the evening or weekend when I might feel rushed or stressed. I can ensure I am completely present and invested in the time we spend together. Clients do not feel like they are ‘wasting my time’ as they are paying for it and they tend to get so much out of the consultation that they agree it is time and money well spent.
Step 2 - The Survey
The next step after the consultation is to undertake a comprehensive survey of the site, which includes the layout and also any level changes and utilities etc. If your garden is vast and several hours will be needed to carry out the survey there will be an additional charge but most of the time the cost of the survey is included in the full design package. Depending on the size and complexity, measurements are also taken of the house so that it can be included in the design. This enables the provision of viewpoints of the garden from the house and through windows etc.
Step 3 - Concept images
The measurements are then used to create a 3D computerised model of the garden. I then begin to play around with the layout to see what feels right and works best and create a series of concept images of the proposed garden in both 2D and 3D. Mood boards are also created to support the concepts and to help you visualise the space. The focus at this stage in the process is primarily on the layout, rather than all of the specific details and planting scope. These concept images are shared with you during an in person meeting with plenty of scope for changes and discussion about the various materials and options.
Step 4 - Masterplan
After the general concept and layout of the garden has been agreed the design is developed into an overall masterplan. Details of the proposed hard landscaping materials are specified along with a planting palette and details of any components such as water features, pergolas etc. A basic lighting plan is also included in the package with details of the fixtures and fittings, all selected to withstand our wonderful climate and provide years of use. Further 3D imagery will be provided to give a real feel for the garden together with an expanded mood board displaying the various elements of the garden. Once the masterplan has been approved, technical drawings are developed such as construction drawings of raised beds or pergolas etc.
Step 5 - Tendering
The full garden design is then finalised and put together as a package providing all of the relevant information for contractors to quote from. This package includes a written Schedule of Works detailing exactly how we expect the various elements to be built and installed. We work with a number of experienced contractors who we trust to bring our designs to life as per our high standards, or you are welcome to use a contractor of your choosing. We will help with the tendering process and be on hand to answer any questions or to review the quotes once you receive them.
Step 6 - The Build
Once the build is underway, we provide 3 hours of on-site meetings as part of the full garden design package. This is invaluable as there are always a number of questions and queries at the start and during the build. We can respond to changes and ensure the garden is built as per the master plan. We can allow for extra time once the 3 hours has been used up and can even be there to fully manage the project - our hourly rate on site for design related work is £65.00 an hour no VAT (as of March 2026).
Step 7 - The Greenery
The hard landscaping has been completed and now it’s time to turn the garden green. When it comes to the planting I provide all the planting plans plus source and supply all of the plants. The planting plan shows the locations of all the proposed plants, together with a list of the names, sizes and quantities used for the purpose of costing, ordering and setting out. A mood board of the planting scheme is included so that you get a feel for the look we are looking to achieve, and a maintenance schedule can be supplied at an extra cost.
I also come to site when the plants are delivered and set them out as per the plans ready for the contractor to plant. On smaller projects I also like to undertake the planting myself, ensuring all of the plants are perfectly placed and properly planted and will provide you with a quote for this element of the project. For the planting stage I charge a 25% commission on top of the gross cost of the plants (on larger projects a sliding scale is applied). I use quality wholesale trade only plant growers and the costs are much lower than garden centres (generally around 40-50%) so this works out as a favourable rate. I will give you a estimate of the cost of the plants based on the size of the planting beds once we have agreed the design.
Any purchases that I make on your behalf to benefit from trade discounts etc will incur a 25% commission to cover my time with orders and emails etc.
So, that the general process! A lot of information but hopefully it is helpful to you and helps to lift the veil on the garden design process.
Of course gardens evolve and grow over time, and so continued maintenance is very important especially in the first few years as the plants are establishing. Should you wish to take someone on to maintain the garden, we have contacts with several well regarded landscape gardeners and I myself am often available for smaller more technical garden related work. For a fee, I can also put together a comprehensive garden maintenance schedule tailor made for your garden with all the details of how and when to undertake the various garden tasks. I can also carry out garden maintenance sessions together with yourself and teach you what needs to be done.