How it works.

Your new garden starts with a simple conversation about you and how you want to use your garden.  Use the ‘contact us’ form on the website to arrange a call back to discuss your requirements.  We then need to compile a design brief – this starts with a simple survey/ questionnaire that helps you to start thinking about what you would like from your new garden.  

The next step is to carry out a topographical survey. This is a scaled drawing, which will include the position of the house, levels, boundaries, existing paved areas, existing trees, the position of services (pipes, drainage, etc). For a very large garden, the survey will be carried out by a professional survey company but is normally conducted by Paul. I will also undertake basic site analysis and photographs will be taken of the garden and its surroundings.

Next, I will compile a concept plan (or up to 3 concepts) from your design brief and the survey.  This consists of a scaled 2-D layout plan showing hard landscaping (patios and pergolas etc.) and soft landscaping (plants and lawns) and details any changes in levels, walls, steps, water features etc. A couple of images will be produced from that plan showing Main views through the new garden. Suggestions for materials, colour schemes and planting will give you an idea on how all the elements fit together.

A concept plan can be enough for a keen DIY installation or for a professional Landscape contractor to interpret into their own style. 

Once the Concept plan is approved a Working Plan or Master Plan can be developed incorporating any changes required or combining your favourite features from several concept plans.   A working plan expands the concept to include all the information required to construct your garden as a DIY installation or for a contractor to interpret and provide costs and a CDM plan.  It includes a separate ‘layout and construction plan’ with measurements and setting out lines. Multiple images are created showing the new garden from different angles during the day and at night if lighting is specified. There will be a list of materials and approximate quantities required along with some basic recommendations  and specifications. 

Planting Plans.

Plants make a garden. Good planting design is an integral part of the design process. Whether you want to plant out your garden yourself or if you want paul slater to source, supply and plant everything for you a comprehensive 2-D planting plan can be created for you.  Placing the right plant in the right place is my guiding principle when it comes to planting. This ensures that your plants are not only suited to your gardens style, but also to the environment, soil type, sun exposure and water/ drought tolerance. Plants can be used to screen unsightly views, enhance existing views or create focal points. 

The planting plan will show the exact position of each plant and give details of its species and cultivar as well as the number required and the recommended size to plant so that your garden matures at the same time. Photos of the plants are provided for a quick and easy reference and full life-long care guide provided.  

I can source and supply and plant the entire planting scheme, or elements of it, for you.  I select plants from a number of high quality specialist nurseries and plant them according to your planting plan and current industry guidelines and standards.

Additional Drawings

There are a few instances when additional drawings may be required: 

Depending on the complexity of your garden design or bespoke features we may need to produce construction drawings to make sure the design is properly executed from start to finish. This could include bespoke arches, pergolas, water features, planters or garden buildings.

Full Master Plan

A full master plan combines all of the above to create a complete ‘blue-print’ on your new garden including detailed technical specifications, accurate measurements, Health and Safety Guide sand suggested schedules of work. This will also include the details required under CDM regulations. These documents can be given to landscapers so that they can supply fair, like for like quotes, ensuring you get the best value.

Project Monitoring and Tendering

The Landscaping industry is currently unregulated. Finding the right contractor capable of building your garden to the right specification can be a minefield.  Once a full master plan is agreed, I can help find suitable contractors to carry out the work for you, taking the stress and uncertainty away.

Once the work is started I also offer a Project Monitoring service where I will oversee progress and visit the site to check that your design is going to plan.

And there’s more….

If you would like additional features such as furniture, sculptures or pots, please ask me to help source these for you from my wide network of trusted suppliers.

Advice and guidance can be given on any aspect of design or landscape construction. This includes projects that you are currently experiencing difficulties with.

I am in the process of producing a series of informative blogs that cover some of the most common questions or concerns. The blogs will be on the website in due course and will include:

Do I need a designer?
Choosing a landscape contractor
Choosing the right paving
Artificial grass
Planting
Outside cooking/ BBQ.

I have a clear and open pricing policy. All fees are based on either a full day or ½ day rates and will be agreed in advance. I normally ask for a deposit for design work. No work is carried out without a signed contract that covers all the work to be performed and a payment schedule.

This design service is available across Hampshire, West Sussex, Dorset, and Surry.

See our portfolio for past projects.

Click on one of the above tabs for more information on how Paul can help create your garden or use the contact form to book a consultation