Ruth Thomas Garden Design
Design Process
Each design is individual to you and your gardens needs and can include as much or as little design input as you require, however, designing a garden does follow a basic structure. The following steps guide you through the general process of garden design. For a more in-depth discussion about your project, please feel free to contact me.
Initial Meeting
During our first meeting we'll discuss the project as a whole, how you want to use the garden and any ideas you may have. Feel free to share any inspiration you have gathered at this stage. Following this meeting, I'll provide you with a proposal letter containing a comprehensive design brief and a quotation for the required design services.
Site Survey
A site survey of every garden will be needed before any design work can begin. The survey will be used to create an accurate plan to scale. For larger projects, it is recommended to hire a professional surveyor for a more cost-effective approach. However, for smaller gardens, I can personally conduct the site survey.
Concept Plan
We start this stage with an exchange of mood boards to hone in on your design requirements and the styles and ideas you like and don't like. Based on the mood boards, design brief and site analysis, I'll develop a concept design. Once the concept design has been created we will discuss it together and work through your feedback.
Master Plan
Once you approve the concept plan, I'll proceed with the final master plan. This plan will be to scale and include details of hard landscaping materials, structual planting and the layout of the garden. This is effectively a blueprint of the garden and will allow any contractor to build the the garden acuratly. If needed, I can create more detailed construction drawings and lighting plans for certain items.
Planting Plans
Planting plans are separate to the Master plan. The Master plan will show any trees, hedging and structual plants, all other planting will be shown on a planting plan. A detailed plan will show the plant types, quantities, and locations for each border in the garden. Plants will be chosen based on sunlight, soil conditions, exposure and design style. A planting list will show type and quanity of plants and can be sent to plant nurseries for availability and quotes. When you are ready to purchase your plants, I am happy to provide a no obligation quote and supply these for you.
Finding a Landscaper
Once all the documentation has been created this can be sent to a Landscaper so they can quote for the work. I can be on hand during this processs to answer any questions the landscaper may have and to offer my assistance. I also offer the option of conducting site visits during the construction phase to ensure the build stays true to the design.