emma dawson garden design
Design process
Initial consultation
Emma will visit your garden and talk through practical issues, initial design ideas and budget. The meeting will establish how you want to use your garden and what you would like included in the design, such as areas for eating, sitting/relaxing, storage and screening.
Emma will then write to you confirming the design brief and outlining the design fees.
Using photographs; a mood board will be created to give you a feel for the proposed design and will be presented along with the design brief.
Site survey and analysis
Once the quotation is approved, a site analysis takes place to assess the aspect, views, soil conditions, drainage, existing features and any other issues that may affect the design.
A full site survey is then carried out, or for larger or more complex sites, it will be advised that a land surveyor is involved to mark key boundaries, existing trees, shrubs and plants, other features and level changes.
Concept plans and presentation plan
A concept plan or elevated sketch of the proposed layout will be produced to help visualise what the new garden will look like. It's at this stage ideas and layout can be worked on to ensure the final design meets with your approval.
Once the concept plan has been agreed, a Layout/ Master plan is produced showing details of materials and features to be used and contains detailed specifications and construction drawings for the contractor appointed to carry out the work.
Construction and project management
Emma can help to choose a contractor suitable for your project, taking into consideration the location, project scale and materials to be used. Contractors are also chosen for their experience and combination of hard and soft landscaping skills, including stonework, planting bed preparation, tree planting and turf laying.
If required, once a contractor has been appointed, Emma offers a project monitoring service with regular site inspections to oversee the build of the garden, making sure the construction follows to the agreed design and specification, and that the work is carried out to the highest professional standards.
Planting plans
After discussions a planting plan will be produced regarding preferences, budget, local conditions and plants that are suitable for the site. Plants are chosen for size, texture, form and colour, as well as maintenance level and suitability of soil.
Planting plans are produced showing the location and spacing of all plants selected for the garden, and a plant schedule lists the sizes and quantities for costing and ordering.
Delivery of trees and plants are managed by myself, and I will also be responsible for organising the planting on site.
Maintenance and aftercare services
Once the garden is completed, to help you look after your new garden, maintenance schedules with advice on plant care can be provided.
Its important to look after and maintain your new garden as it matures and Emma can either help set up a maintenance team or will work with the team already in place to make sure the garden is kept looking its best!