Garden Design

Due to the huge success of our garden design services we decided to form a new company focusing purely on garden design and consultancy services. This company is called Tapestry Design Studios, which still employs the same talented team and is also run by Chris and Paul Baker.

Since the incorporation of Tapestry Design Studios the team has designed gardens in Essex, Suffolk and London directly for Holland Landscapes and other landscape companies.

Checkout their site here

There are different services we offer for garden design. You can have your garden fully designed following the design process below or we can design a small area of your garden, a planting bed, patio area or pond for example. We can also offer construction drawings and full specifications as an additional service.

Already have your own landscaper? We are more than happy to provide a design only service.

THE DESIGN PROCESS

Initial Visit

Once you make contact with us we will arrange a time to visit you to discuss your requirements. At this stage it is really important to talk about budgets. Even a small garden can have a vast range of budget ideas so knowing what you would like to spend would ensure we can design and build a garden to your budget.

Design Proposal

From our initial visit with you we will write to you with a design proposal. This proposal will contain:

• A quotation for design fees.
• A design brief.
• A budget to build the planned garden.
• Timescales for the design and the build.
• Site Survey & Analysis

Once the design proposal has been agreed a survey will be carried out of your garden. This will be carried out by us or a surveyor if the garden is large or complex. The garden will also be analysed for items such as drainage, soil type and existing features.

Concept Plan

Now we have a survey drawing it is time to start the design work. With the information we have gained from the initial visit and design brief we work on designing your individual garden design. Once the outline of the garden design is complete we will arrange a consultation to discuss the progress of the design and discuss any final revisions needed for the final plan. Materials will be discussed

Final Design

You will receive a copy of the plan in colour and duplicate copies will be produced to be used for pricing and constructing your garden. For an additional charge the coloured plan can be framed.

PLANTING PLAN

For many of us plants are the most exciting part of the garden. To create an impact it is important to have the right combination of plants in the right place.

Planting plans are designed with the same purpose as the outline plan. To create structure and framework and purpose to the garden. Working out a plan before planting can prevent expensive mistakes.

All plants are chosen to do at least one job, it may be to frame a view, create a focal point or screen an unsightly shed. They complete the purpose of the hard landscaping such as surrounding the paved area to make a private seating space, or edging plants accentuating the path, with high evergreen shrubs on the bend adding a sense of exploration by blocking what is round the corner. Deciding how much is evergreen is an important stage to establish a framework to the garden all year round.

After the purpose of the plants has been determined there are an infinite number of combinations to choose from. Much will be decided by the environmental conditions of the site, the soil and whether it is in the sun or a windy exposed site. Putting the right plant in the right place will be key to the success of a thriving garden.

Within these perimeters plants are selected that reflect style of the garden being built, whether that is cottage or contemporary. The flowers, their colour, shape and scent are all considered in this part of the process, as well as the texture of the foliage and seasonal flowering times. Kate’s creative flair will produce interesting planting combinations so that your garden provides interest and pleasure throughout the year.

Construction Drawings

To accompany your planting plan and final design you can also have construction drawings. These drawings will be cross sections of details like steps and paving. These drawings will specify items such as how deep sub-bases should be, depths of footings for brick walls and the cross section of a set of steps with heights of risers. Along with these drawings all materials would be specified. These construction drawings would be used if you have your own landscaper to ensure the vision of the designer is transferred into your garden without the need for the designer to project manage the build.