Newsletter August 2008

How To Pick Up A Good Garden Designer

If you are not in the All Seasons Design & Landscaping catchment area do not despair, for there are many other wonderful garden designers out there. Unfortunately there are also some charlatans. How do you tell the difference between experienced professionals and dodgy designers? asks Drusilla Stewart

Why is having a garden design so important?

Most clients come to me with an idea of what they want to end up with, but only vague notions of how to get there. Through 3-D images, ideas loosely talked about come to life, and allow fine details to be planned. This is vital because if a garden is to be built properly you need a plan from which builders and landscapers can work.

By giving full attention to the quality, proportions and shape of each item that makes up the final picture it is possible to create gardens with extraordinary visual impact and magical atmosphere. Attention to detail helps anticipate problems, allows accurate costings for the contractor and making the whole experience exciting, rather than traumatic!

What will my designer do?

Some designers do only that, design, and expect you to take away their plans and get someone else to build the garden. Others will recommend a landscaper and oversee the creative part of the build, but have little knowledge of building processes. For ease look for a company that offers both design and landscaping, or a designer who works frequently with the same landscapers.

What is the typical garden design process?

The design process begins with a meeting on site to look at the space and discuss what you want to achieve. This is followed by an accurate survey, noting existing trees, services, and garden levels, and discussion of budget. Your designer then starts to put together concepts and should offer you several sketches for discussion, not just one idea. They then produce a working masterplan with 3-D perspectives, elevation drawings, material specifications, and additionally, planting plans on request. Once the masterplan is finished the necessary specifications can be passed on to landscape contractors to price accurately.

How much does a garden design cost?.

Workmen building a garden Typically a garden design can cost from £500 for a basic plan up to several thousand pounds, depending on the size and complexity of design. Factors such as qualification, experience, reputation, awards etc will have an impact on the charge that different garden designers can make for their services. One year's study at a top college like the Inchbald School of Design costs £17,000. Consequently do not expect to be given a design and the wealth of skills, ability, and knowledge that accompany many years of study for peanuts. When selecting your designer ask prospects what their chosen method of designing and presentation is and exactly what services you should expect in return for their fee.

The size of your garden will also have an impact on the cost, although it doesn't always follow that smaller gardens cost less! Often smaller gardens require a greater amount of work and more attention to detail.

7 questions you must ask

Perhaps it's not English to ask questions of strangers - most of my prospective clients ask very little, so I find myself trying to tell them everything I would want to know in their shoes without being asked. If I were about to engage a stranger to design my garden, for which I would be paying them several thousand pounds, I would be firing questions at them! This I what I would want to know - and remember, a good designer has nothing to hide, so listen for evasive answers.

What are their design qualifications? Look for designers with broad experience at quality schools. The more experience the more likely they will come up with a cost-effective design that matches YOUR needs rather than the design for a garden they like the idea of.
Are they affiliated to any professional and recognised garden design groups or societies? Organisations like BALI have strict entrance criteria, so they're a good indicator of quality.
How long have you been practising? - there's nothing wrong with hiring a designer straight out of college, but don't expect them to anticipate every problem first time.
Are they interested in your home's decor, or it's age? Don't hire a designer who's not nosy. Even if you give them carte blanche they should investigate what you like - your favourite colours, shapes, the style of your interior decor and the period of your house.
Can they build the garden as well (or at least take responsibility for making sure it's built properly). It is vital that your designer understand how things are built and has a good working relationship with a contractor. I have been given many designs to build which, while stunning, are physically impossible in the garden they're intended for.
How do they like to work? You should expect regular attention and professional diligence from your designer, but you both need to agree what is reasonable from the start - is it okay to call after them 7pm to discuss the day's work, will it be convenient if the landscaper want to turn up at 7am and start digging up the ground? As with a garden, the right foundation leads to a much better relationship.
Finally, do you like them? You are going to be working closely with this person on something very important to you for a period of time. There are going to be hassles and hiccoughs along the way, so you need to both like and trust your designer.