A full range of Garden Design and Landscape Gardening services are offered

Water features – wildlife ponds, bog gardens, goldfish ponds, planted streams, vertical moving water. Bespoke metalwork – gates, railings, abstract forms. Timberwork – including benches, arbours, gazebos, summer houses, pergolas. Stonework – sculptures, reclaimed troughs, lions head spouts, benches, monoliths, boulders. Electrical work – qualified electricians working with outdoor lights including LED, uplights, downlights, cross-shadows, security, low-voltage, underwater, colour changing. Soft-landscaping – large trees, multi-stemmed, pleached etc. unusual plants and specific cultivars. Sculptures – stone, metal, carved timber, driftwood, tree trunk pinnacles. Planters – metal, GRP, terracotta, oil vessels. Glass – screens, floors, barriers – coloured, etched, frosted. Outdoor furniture – various styles and budgets. Decking – various hardwood types and widths, hidden fixings.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much does a consultation cost?

It is free of charge for the towns listed below. Longer distances would involve a fuel charge.

How long will it take to design your garden?

One week.

How much does it cost to design your garden?

£750 fixed fee for 95% of gardens.

How long will it take to build your garden?

Normally under 3 weeks.

How much does a garden project cost?

Projects start at £8000. Most cost more.

When can we start?

It varies from a few days to a few months.

What time of year is best?

It makes little difference. In summer plants are kept watered and shaded before planting. In winter frost-resistant  treatments are added to mortar and concrete is protected with a covering etc.

Are there any hidden costs?

No. I give written quotes, not estimates, and the total all inclusive price is shown. This forms the contract. If you want extra work this can be quoted for in addition.

How do I pay?

By cheque. Normally  the cost is split over 2 payments – one initially then the balance on satisfactory completion. Large jobs may require 3 staged payments.

Why can’t I just pay one cheque at the end?

For two reasons: firstly to pay for skips, materials, plants, wages etc. the costs of which may be incurred several months before a post-completion cheque has cleared and secondly to weed out cowboy customers.

Do you do garden maintenance?

No.

Do we need planning permission?

Not normally. Decking over 300mm tall, permanent structures and certain tree surgery work may need it.

We have been quoted £x by such-and-such, can you beat it?

No. I compete on quality, not price – the two are mutually exclusive.

What don’t you do?

Driveways, swimming pools, extensions, children’s parties… just gardens.

We are having an extension built later, can you give a consultation, design and build the garden first?

No. When the extension is built, all materials and waste removed from the site, the snagging sorted, the builders paid and you have had a deep breath and a cup of tea… then we can think about your garden.

We already have a garden design. Can you quote to build it?

Usually. Post me a copy of the design and I will tell you.

Why use a combined Garden Design and Landscaping Service?

Firstly, you only have to deal with one person at one company. Secondly, I know from experience what can be built at what price, and the most appealing and cost-effective methods. I don’t design anything that is impractical to build. Thirdly, I guarantee it will be built for the agreed budget. Every couple of weeks I am approached by a householder who has paid for a design from someone who only designs gardens. The designer did not ask them for their budget and the householder did not stipulate a budget. Now they are getting quotes from landscaping contractors to build it and they can’t afford it. All they have is an expensive bit of paper.

Why is it preferable for my husband/wife to also be there for the consultation?

So that your differences are apparent before you pay for the design.