Services

All projects start with an initial visit and the creation of a design mood board. This helps us shape the overall feel of the garden and agree a clear direction early on, helping to establish a clear brief and avoid costly changes later on.

It is a chance to explore what you like and what you do not, looking at materials, textures and the overall feel of the space. By the end of this stage, we have a shared understanding of the direction, making the next steps more straightforward and giving you confidence before moving forward.

Once we have a clearer idea of the atmosphere of the garden, I can then create loose hand-drawn sketches to help zone the space, understand the journey through the garden and how it sits in relation with the house.

The Concept Plan provides a simplified version of the final garden design, so the overall direction can be agreed with confidence before moving into detailed outline plan.

The Outline Plans are scaled 2D drawings, developed from the site survey and concept design. They show the garden from above, setting out the layout of all key elements, including level changes and hard landscaping, giving you a clear and complete view of the design before moving into construction.

Additional sketches may be included where helpful, such as elevations or sections, to support visualisation and ensure all aspects of the design are fully understood.

Once the Outline Plan is agreed, detailed drawings and a specification document are produced to show dimensions, levels, materials and key construction details. This ensures the design can be accurately implemented on site, helping contractors provide accurate quotes and reducing the risk of issues during installation.

If planning permission is required, an application can be submitted at this stage.

A detailed planting plan includes a scaled drawing showing each plant’s exact position, size and quantity, providing clarity on how the scheme will be implemented on the ground. A comprehensive planting schedule is also produced, enabling accurate costing and sourcing of plants.

Seasonal interest charts are included to illustrate how the planting will evolve throughout the seasons, ensuring year-round structure, colour and interest.

Where required, plants can be sourced by Gemma to ensure the best quality specimens are selected.

I prepare a Scope of Works document for each trade, outlining tasks, deliverables, milestones and health and safety requirements. This ensures contractors are pricing the same information, helping you compare quotes clearly and choose the right contractor with confidence, while reducing the risk of misunderstandings on site.

A shortlist of suitable contractors can be drawn up based on the project’s requirements. Competitive tendering usually provides the best value, and I remain independent of all contractors.

Once the contractors are on site I can be in close contact to monitor progress. If helpful, I can also schedule regular visits at key milestones to ensure every element of the build is delivered as specified in the concept plan and scope of work.

When the hard landscaping is completed I can arrange delivery of the plants and trees to site. I am also able to offer an additional planting service, which ensures the finishing touches are in place as outlined in the planting plan.

I also offer additional services to help enhance your new garden. This can include a lighting plan to subtly enhance the planting and creating an atmospheric space. Irrigation plans to help ensure your new plants get established and flourish throughout the year. Or selecting furniture and garden accessories to add the finishing touches to your new garden.

As a self-employed gardener, I am available to provide ongoing garden maintenance, so that your garden continues to look at its best.