DESIGN CONSULTATION AND CLIENT BRIEF
The Client Brief is at the heart of the design process.  Before the pen goes anywhere near the paper it is essential for client and designer to have an agreed understanding of what is required.  The best way to achieve this is to stick the kettle on, have a good old chat about the garden and the client’s aspirations then go and have a walk round it.  From this meeting, the Designer will draw up the Client Brief which will state all the major elements including overall theme and function to be included in the design.

• 1 hour initial consultations are complementary for clients based within a 1 hour drive of Hucknall, Nottingham
• Consultations conducted further a field are charged at £20 per hour (including travelling time). 
• One off Design Consultations are charged at £40 per hour and include a written report summarising recommendations. 

Should you then wish to proceed with a design, these costs are redeemable against any commission.

SITE SURVEY
Measurements and site data including levels and soil analysis of the plot are taken to create an accurate ‘footprint’.  A scaled site plan is drawn from this information and used as the basis for the design.

CONCEPT & MASTER PLAN
The Concept Plan is a scaled drawing showing the general design ideas, use of space and planted areas.  It is developed from the client brief, usually black and white but can be colour rendered if requested.   Occasionally, mood boards and photographs will be used to support the Concept Plan.

The Master Plan is a full colour presentation plan, developed from the concept plan and client brief, drawn to scale with detailed feature and material specification and planting theme.  A black and white copy is also provided for use by contractors.

Perspective and axonometric drawings to support the design and aid visualisation can be provided on request.

CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
Depending on the complexity of the final design, detailed technical drawings of bespoke features such as pergolas, water features or landscaped areas may be required.  The drawings show in detail, the elevation, section and plan views of the feature and major constructional elements such as type and size of materials, fixings or mortar mix.  These plans are essential for safe, solid and well thought out construction.

PLANTING PLANS & PLANTING SCHEDULE
A planting plan is a scaled, detailed plan of the planted areas specifying the position and mature size of each plant.  It includes a planting schedule summarising the full Latin plant list and recommended pot size to be purchase from the nursery.  A complimentary plant maintenance report accompanies it. 

SOURCING & SUPPLY OF MATERIALS & PLANTS
The materials and plants recommended in the design can be sourced and supplied to the client, taking the headache out of traipsing around garden centres and nurseries.

GARDEN IMPLEMENTATION & PROJECT MONITORING
Reliable contractors and landscapers are can be recommended.  The project can be monitored to ensure peace of mind and a high quality service is provided without compromising the finished design

GARDEN & PLANT PHOTOGRAPHY
A nice finishing touch to your new garden, why not have a stunning selection of photographs taken to display in your home of as a personal memento? Want your garden to inspire unique pieces of photographic art?  Different plants and spaces are at their best during various times of the day and year. We can capture these moments.

BUDGET
A quick note on how much you can expect to pay for your new garden.  A useful ball-park figure is approximately £150-£200 per square metre, excluding any complicated construction, power supply and electrical fittings or changes in level.  For example, an 8x5m² rear garden for a new build is likely to cost in the region of £6-8,000 for simple seating, lawn & planted areas.

Obviously, if you are prepared, willing and able to undertake the work yourself, this will save on labour costs.  In this case, it is vital to have a comprehensive set of plans to follow.

So, how much does the design cost?
All sites, gardens and clients are different so one price doesn’t fit all.  Very rarely is good garden design done on the cheap and a little bit of thought and wise investment will go a long way.

Depending on plot size, Concept Plans start from £450 (up to 80m², assuming level site) and Planting Plans from £350 and included a basic site survey.  Generally, Planting Plans and Construction Drawings will be quoted for on presentation of the final design.

As a rule of thumb, allocate approximately 10% of your overall budget to the design.  Is £1,000 out of a £10,000 budget a high price to pay to get your garden right first time?

All design quotes from Spiral Lime are provided in writing following an initial visit and consultation.

AFTERCARE
Gardens and plants, new ones in particular, take time to settle in and mature.  A complementary aftercare visit is offered 12 months after your design is completed. 

Give us a call, we’d love to see you and visit your garden again!