Wendy Allen Designs
Garden Design Process
Working with a qualified garden designer brings many benefits, including a cohesive and strong design that is suitable for the aspect and location, specialist knowledge of plants and materials, and a thorough approach to ensure the best possible use of the space. We take a flexible approach to each project, and the following stages can be adopted as necessary.
Stage 1: Initial Consultation
A consultation with Wendy at the site to discuss ideas and establish your requirements. Following this, we provide you with a proposal of work and design quotation.
Stage 2: Site Survey A full site survey to establish the exact dimensions of the site, including changes in level. An analysis of existing vegetation and soil also takes place if required.
Stage 3: Outline Designs We will prepare design options for you in the form of plans, sketches and/or mood boards based on the project brief. A final design is then agreed.
Stage 4: Presentation Plan The agreed design is developed and drawn up into a presentation plan and 3D views.
Stage 5: Final Development All required construction drawings, planting plans and setting out plans are then undertaken – including specification documentation if the build is to be put out to tender.
Stage 6: Build The build can be undertaken by one of our recommended contractors or put out to tender for a range of quotes. Once the build begins, Wendy is happy to monitor the project if required to ensure that the design is realised as intended and constructed to the highest possible quality.
Stage 7: Planting There are many options here – Wendy prefers to set out the plants in their correct positions but the actual planting can be done by us, the contractor or yourself.
Ongoing Maintenance We can recommend skilled gardeners in your area to help maintain the garden if required and Wendy will provide a free 2-hour garden ‘check’ after 6 months if she monitored the project build.
Design Fees Fees are calculated on a per project basis after the initial consultation and they are clearly stated in the proposal of work letter. On larger projects, design fees may be calculated as a percentage of the build cost as per the Society of Garden Designers guidelines. Initial consultations last approximately 2 hours and are free within 10 miles of our office, beyond which mileage is charged. Extra work arising outside the scope of the agreed service is charged at £40 per hour.