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 site visit to conduct a full survey of the garden and to discuss your requirements in more detail. A basic site analysis will be conducted and photographs will be taken of the garden and its surroundings. A basic sketch of a suitable layout will usually be made here too.
There is normally a small charge for this visit.
There is no obligation to continue with Paul Slater after this visit, however a 'proposal for work' will be sent to you which will contain the costs involved and timescales for the design for your garden.
I combine CAD drawings with hand detailing to create a scaled 2-D layout design 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. This level of design is enough for a keen DIY installation.
A 'landscapers pack' is essential if you intend to commision a professional contractor to build your new garden. This expands the agreed design to include all the information required to construct your garden and for a contractor to interpret and provide costs. It also includes a CDM plan. It includes separate ‘layout and construction plans’ with all appropriate measurements and setting out lines. There will be a list of materials and approximate quantities required along with some basic recommendations and full 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 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.
Contact us to start the process.
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