Wendy Allen Designs
Garden Design Process
Hiring a qualified garden designer brings many benefits, including specialist knowledge of plants and materials, stylish design that is effective and practial, new ideas you may not have thought of, good communication with the landscape contractor and a thorough approach to ensure the best possible use of the space given the aspect and location.
We take a flexible approach to each project and listen to your requirements to help create your perfect space.
Stage 1: Initial Consultation
A consultation with Wendy at the site to discuss ideas and establish your requirements. Following this, a summary of the design brief and a design quotation are provided. You can then let us know in your own time if you would like to go ahead.
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 a couple of design options for you in the form of plans, sketches and samples of hard landscaping materials based on the agreed brief.
Stage 4: Presentation Plan The design you choose 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 available 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 Wendy prefers to set out the plants in their correct positions but the actual planting can be done by us, the contractor or yourself. We can also organise a trip to a local trade plant nursery if you would like to choose your own plants.
Ongoing Maintenance We provide detailed notes so that you know exactly what each plants needs are. We can also recommend skilled gardeners in your area. A free 2-hour garden ‘check’ after 6 months will be offered if we monitor the project build.
Design Fees
Initial on-site consultations last approx 2 hours and are charged as a one-off fee of £70 within Greater London or 10 miles of our office. This is deducted from the final payment if you proceed with a garden design. If you live in other areas, contact us for the initial consultation cost.
Design 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. Extra work arising outside the scope of the agreed service is charged at £35 per hour.