Garden Design Services

Every client’s garden is different so each project reflects the services and the fees we charge. However, most projects fall under several dedicated phases:-

  • Our first contact – Usually most clients make contact with our company over the telephone or by email. Initially we discuss the main key issues such as plot size, location and your overall needs.  A convenient date and time is then scheduled in our work’s diary for a meeting.
  • Our First Meeting –The main purpose of this meeting is to discuss what you want out of your garden and gain a vision of the environmental surroundings. We discuss who will be using the garden, so we can achieve an in-depth knowledge plus any unique features of the plot. During our meeting we will show you examples of our previous designs to give you a better understanding of the extent of our work and to further explain our design process. 

    Following this meeting we provide a comprehensive, itemised breakdown of fees for the design of your garden in writing. Upon receiving your written instruction and acceptance, we proceed to the next phase of the design process:
  • Site Survey – Before commencing the design, a fully detailed survey is carried out which includes the garden’s boundaries, the position of your property, trees and all of the other existing structures, elements and ground levels that will come into play.
  • Second Meeting – A printed copy of the survey enables us to discuss the forthcoming design concept and carry out a site analysis, which includes taking soil samples and site orientation etc, plus a photographic recording to assist in the preparation of the design.

  • Concept Design – Based upon the array of information generated we draw up a printed presentation of the proposed garden design. We then discuss the garden’s different areas in detail to obtain your reactions to the design and note any changes that may be required.
  • Detailed Design –We update the conceptual design with any modifications and present a detailed scaled plan drawing of your new garden. We also present a selection of 3D presentations from various positions round the garden so you can see how your garden will look when it is finished. We will also discuss the planting plan so we understand your preferences of plants and colours that you may like or maybe more importantly dislike etc.
  • Planting Plan – Taking into account your preferences, the site conditions such as soil conditions and aspect, a detailed planting plan is produced and presented to you.
  • Landscaper Drawings – Detailed construction drawings are generated for all of the hard landscape elements such as patios, walls, pergolas, and lighting etc., plus planting plans.
  • Specifications – We prepare, in addition to the design and construction drawings, written specifications and scopes of work, to enable landscape contractors to submit itemised quotations, on a like for like basis, for the construction and the planting of your garden.
  • Constructing and Planting the Garden – You now have all the necessary plans and detailed drawings to send to a selected number if landscapers or pass the drawings to our sister company if the site is within their construction area of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. Outside this area we do not undertake the physical implementation of the garden design but work in a similar way to architects whereby the drawings and documentation are typically forwarded to at least three reputable landscape contractors within the area. They will then visit you and your garden and provide their itemised quotations. We will naturally, if requested, supervise the construction of your garden. However this service is not covered by our design fee and is calculated separately upon completion of the design work. Usually we charge by the number of visits once the design is completed and the scope of the project is clear.

Design Fees

It is hard to calculate the design cost in advance as it depends upon the complexity of the design and the hours taken to finalise the project, but our fees for designing a garden initially start from as little as £350.00 plus VAT.

Please note that we do not in addition to our fees, take a percentage of the sum to construct your new garden from the landscape contractor.

We appreciate that your requirements may differ from the above. To discuss your project, please contact Ken Haken at First Garden Design on 01993 709979

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