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garden design process
Joe Salmon Gardens offers every aspect of Garden Design from one-off visits to a comprehensive garden design service. Below is an overview of the project stages for garden design services we provide in accordance with the Society of Garden Designers Work Stages.
G0 consultation
The starting point is spending time on site with you, the client, to discuss your space, your lifestyle, your budget, your likes and dislikes, to nurture your design ideas and understand the essence of your space. Following this we provide a written brief and full breakdown and explanation of the work stages and fees for your project.
G1 survey
A detailed and accurate survey is key to a delivering a good design. For smaller sites, we conduct a site survey, recording existing level changes, buildings, trees, utilities, services and key features. We will also make a full photographic survey and analysis of the site which feeds into the design concept.
For larger sites, we can commission a professional surveying team to survey the site, quoted as a separate fixed fee.
G2 brief
Every successful project starts with a clear brief and a shared ambition. At a more focused second meeting we discuss the proposals in more depth, listen to you and make sure we fully understand your needs and desires.
We sketch out a few ideas, and utilise our expertise and insight, to advise you on the challenges and opportunities presented by your project. Once the formalised ‘design brief’ is signed off we then begin design work.
G3 concept
G3.1 concept plan
We present a sketch plan which shows the overall layout and scale of the proposed design. This is the first tangible visualisation of your garden and it is a discussion point which allows the design to change and evolve. For some projects, we may discuss alternative layouts and project phasing, typically we progress a single design concept. Once you are happy with the Concept Plan we commence detailed design work.
G3.2 mood boards
We offer mood boards as a pictorial statement of the design intent, illustrating the concepts, materials, finishes and planting schemes. Key images help bring the design to life, and offer a discussion point which allows the design to change and evolve before the detailed design is produced.
G3.3 visualisations
We can provide 3D visuals at an additional fee, unless included in the brief. For more complex projects, we strongly advise a 3D visual to help convey exactly how the finished garden will look, and understand the scale, levels and views, day lighting and the sequence of spaces. We offer 3D computer modelling, detailed perspective hand drawings and photo montages.
G3.4 cost estimates
We can provide you with an estimated cost schedule for the hard and soft landscaping elements to help with your budget planning. This can also include a division of the project into separate phases to spread the construction costs.
We typically recommend a contingency sum of 5 or 10% of the construction cost, depending upon the complexity of the project and site constraints. In our experience, invariably something unexpected arises during the construction process.
G4 detailed design
G4.1 masterplan
We produce a detailed masterplan which captures any changes and revisions which may have come out of the initial design stage. The masterplan shows the final position of the main features within the garden, including the main ‘structural planting’ scheme (e.g. trees and hedges), and contains an outline specification of all hard landscaping items sufficient to advise contractors how to build the proposal. Bespoke features require Construction Details.
G4.2 construction details
For complex projects, with bespoke features, we strongly recommended a construction drawing package is produced to allows the scheme to be accurately costed and built correctly. We take enormous pride in the quality of the detailed design and consider that the details truly tie the project together and elevate the design.
The specification sets out the material and construction methods to be used. This forms the foundation of the tender documentation and provides contractors with detailed instruction & information on quality and working methods, giving clients a greater level of control over quality, costs and design details.
The construction specification is usually based on either Heather's Garden Specifications or NBS Domestic specification.
A fixed fee will be supplied for this before the detailed design work takes place.
G4.3 lighting design
We recommend that a lighting scheme is designed from the outset to complement a garden design and help enhance any planting, buildings, structures or sculptures.
A well-lit garden can add another level of enjoyment to your garden and extend the time that your garden can be viewed and enjoyed.
G4.4 irrigation design
Depending on the location and planting scheme we recommend clients to allow us to design (& install) an irrigation system to ensure that the investment made into your plants is protected.
With regular and appropriate watering, your plants will establish and flourish to their best potential.
G5 planting
G5.1 planting design
We can provide detailed planting plans showing exact positions of plants and a plant schedule listing the botanical names, size and quantity of the plants to secure quotations from quality nurseries.
We understand that you may wish to remain closely involved with the planting design and planting phases of the project. Whether you know a little or a lot about plants, whether you wish to plant the garden yourself, wish to tender to multiple landscape contractors or would like Your Space Design to install the planting for or with you, we are flexible and able to work with you every step of the way.
G5.2 maintenance schedules
Once your garden is complete we can provide you with a bespoke garden maintenance plan (additional charge) for you, or your gardener to care for your garden and ensure it flourishes. Depending on the site location Joe Salmon Gardens also offer a Garden Maintenance service.
G6 tendering
We can prepare a tender package to secure comparable quotes from multiple contractors. Following a site visit with each of the contractors they will provide an itemised fixed price quotation, which we will analyse, answer any queries and then produce a written tender report highlighting any concerns or recommendations we have for each.
G7 site monitoring
Following the appointment of a contractor, we offer a site monitoring and contract administration service to oversee the project and to ensure the finished garden is completed to specification. A schedule of visits will be estimated together with a separate fee proposal for this work.
G8 additional services
Project consultancy
If you need us to attend meetings with other parties, such as planners, freeholders, architects etc., which have not previously been defined in the fee proposal. These activities will be billed separately at our current hourly rates (available upon request).
Project coordination
We are experience in working with other specialist consultants such as structural engineers, quantity surveyors, arboriculturists etc. We are happy to lead co-ordination with any consultants required to ensure that the project runs smoothly. These activities will be billed separately at our current hourly rates (available upon request).
Sourcing or designing bespoke items
We are happy to assist you with sourcing and commissioning bespoke items for your garden, including art, sculpture, bespoke furniture, etc. These activities will be billed separately at our current hourly rates (available upon request), and may be subject to terms and conditions.