Design Service

Initial Consultation

The first step is to arrange a site visit to meet the clients, see the garden and discuss requirements, as well as to explore time scale and budget. This information forms the basis of and influences the design brief, as well as the overall concept of the garden. A detailed proposal follows, outlining our potential involvement and design fee.

Site Survey and Analysis

The next step would be to arrange for a full site survey. Depending on the scale and complexity of the site, this will either be undertaken by a specialist landscape surveyor or by SH Garden Design. This process includes taking full site measurements, recording changes in levels, taking soil samples, photographs and observations of the site.

Presentation Drawings

We will develop an initial outline design which is presented to the client along with further 3D drawings, images and mood boards to help the client envisage the proposed design.

Detailed Construction Details

When the client is happy with the proposals, an accurate and detailed masterplan is drawn up. We also produce any detailed drawings required and a full specification. These give all the key information for contractors to provide quotations and for implementing the design. They include drawings showing all key elements, dimensions and setting out information and specific construction details. This stage of the process is crucial for the contract to go out to tender and helps ensure the smooth running of the project down the line.

Planting Plans

Planting plans are worked up, providing detailed information showing the variety, quantity and position of each plant, shrub or tree within the design. We are able to source the plants from our network of specialist nurseries. We are happy to either oversee the planting, or in some cases help plant up the garden once the hard landscaping is finished. We can also produce a maintenance schedule with notes on the future care and maintenance of all the plants.

Overseeing the Implementation of the Design

We can help you find and select a suitable contractor and help with obtaining quotations.

Once construction is underway, we can visit the site regularly to ensure the project is running smoothly and liaise between the client and the contractor.

Partial Redesign or Planting Redesign

Sometimes a full design isn’t required and so we are very happy to look at renovating part of your garden or overhaul tired planting.

Gardens can often be rejuvenated by changing the existing planting and introducing more dynamic plant varieties and combinations.

We work with a network of quality, specialist nurseries who are able to supply all our needs.

Ongoing Services

Because gardens are living spaces and constantly evolve and change as the seasons and years go by, we offer ongoing advice on design, styling and planting. We can help you review your garden as often as required and arrange remedial or developmental work as required.

Sourcing or Bespoke Features and Styling

We can source the finishing touches for your garden, from pots and planters to sculpture, water features, garden buildings and furniture. We work with numerous suppliers or for that unique feature, we can liaise with artists or manufacturers on your behalf to oversee the creation of bespoke features.