Question 1

How much do you charge?

Accepted Answer

The cost of my garden design service depends on various factors, such as the size and complexity of your project, the materials and plants you choose, the labour and equipment required, and the location and season of your installation. Therefore, Its not possible give you a fixed price without first consulting with you and assessing your site.

However, I can give you a rough estimate based on some average rates and examples. Generally, my garden design service consists of two main components: consultation and design. Each component has a different fee structure and scope of work.

• Consultation. This is the initial stage where I meet with you to discuss your project and visit your site to evaluate the existing conditions. I charge a flat fee of £80 - £150 (depending on location) for the consultation, which includes travel expenses, site assessment, and quotation. This fee is non-refundable but will be deducted from the final invoice if you proceed with the project. 
	
 • Design. This is the stage where I create a custom design for your garden based on your vision, goals, budget, and site analysis. I charge a design fee based on the size and complexity of your project. The design fee ranges from £800 upwards for most projects, but it may vary depending on the specific requirements and features of your garden. The design fee includes the following deliverables: a scale plan, a plant list, a mood board, and two revisions.

• Planting plan – from £300 depending on garden size.

Question 2

What makes Gardens East the right choice for landscape design and maintenance services?

Accepted Answer

Gardens East is the ideal choice for landscape design and maintenance services due to my team's expertise, dedication to customer satisfaction, and commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. I work closely with clients to create personalized and beautiful outdoor spaces that enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings. I try and use native and low-maintenance plants as much as possible to ensure that my designs are not only stunning but also sustainable. My maintenance services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each landscape, ensuring that every garden we care for thrives and remains healthy. Additionally, I'm committed to environmentally-friendly practices, such as water conservation and organic pest control, to minimize our impact on the environment. When you choose Gardens East, you can be confident that you are selecting a designer that is passionate about creating and maintaining landscapes that enrich the lives of my clients while preserving and protecting the natural world.

Question 3

What is involved in having a garden designed? What are the steps?

Accepted Answer

Having a garden built can be a major undertaking. Even if you are not in love with your current garden, once the contractors move in, they very quickly turn it into something resembling a building site and it will look worse before it gets better! It is magical to see the new design emerge and eventually blossom, but given that the build can be quite disruptive, I'll help you get it right on paper first. The main steps, which are outlined in more detail on my ‘services’ page, are:

1. Consultation
2. Concept
3. Bespoke Plan
4. Planting Plan
5. Build
6. Planting Stage

Question 4

Do you build the gardens yourself?

Accepted Answer

I work with a number of professional landscapers with whom I have built strong relationships over the years who do the physical work of building the garden. I monitor progress, help resolve issues that inevitably arise, agree any changes with you and oversee the realisation of our design vision.  I'll work with the landscaper to resolve issues in the most effective way possible and if something arises that involves additional cost, we would investigate this and then ask for your approval before any additional costs are incurred.
I can also source and coordinate specialist contractors and suppliers, which could include:
 • Surveyors
 • Structural engineers
 • Tree surgeons,
 • Lighting specialists
 • Soil and drainage specialists
 • Outdoor kitchens, home office, play equipment suppliers and even swimming pools!

Depending on the scale of the project, I source and plant the gardens myself with the help of a team on larger projects. All plants are sourced from reputable local suppliers in Hertfordshire or further afield for more specialised specimens. I always visit the nurseries in person to select the best quality plants before ordering so you can rest assured that you'll only get the best quality.

Question 5

Is my garden too big or small for a design from Gardens East

Accepted Answer

No garden is too big or too small for a custom design from Gardens East. Whether you have a small urban garden, a spacious rural property, or anything in between, I will work closely with you to understand your vision and tailor a design that suits your space perfectly. My ethos is to enhance the natural beauty of your garden while creating a functional and enjoyable outdoor environment that reflects your individual style and needs. Contact me today to discuss your garden design project, regardless of its size.

Question 6

How long will it typically take?

Accepted Answer

This depends on a range of things:
 • The complexity of the project
 • When landscape contractors are available to start. At peak season landscapers will be booked for several months in advance.
 • Delivery times.
 • How quickly decisions can be made along the way
 • The great British weather! Landscapers are hardy souls and can continue working in most weathers, but very heavy rain or freezing temperatures can mean that they have to down tools occasionally.
 • What trees, hedging and other plants are being used. Different types of plants are often only available at certain times of year

The average build time for a small urban garden is usually two to three weeks if no problems araise.

Question 7

When is the best time to build a garden?

Accepted Answer

Gardens can be built at any time of year – although progress can be quicker when the weather is good. Rain and mud are landscaper’s worst enemies as they create extra mess, slow work down, can damage the soil structure and make it hard to lay certain materials.
If you have school aged children, or want to enjoy the garden yourself, you may not want your garden dug up during the summer holidays.
Planting can be done at any time of year, although it is not a good idea when the ground is frozen or during very long dry periods. If we plant during a dry spring or in the height of summer you will need to spend a lot more time watering plants. New trees need a good soak once a week for their first year, unless there is a significant amount of rain, and perennials need watering twice a week (sometimes everyday for their first week if it is extremely hot) for the first 4-6 weeks.
Planting can be better in the autumn, winter and early spring. This is during the bare root season (a cheaper way of buying trees and hedging) and allows the plants to rest after planting and be fully settled in by the time they start growing in the spring. However, some plants can rot if planted during very wet winters. We like to plant, if possible, when there is at least some top growth on the potted plants. As long as you avoid extreme weather and put healthy plants into well prepared soil, and then water regularly then they should be fine.

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