The process
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Every garden is unique and the process will obviously need to incorporate an element of flexibility to meet the requirements of each client.
We provide a free initial visit to assess your requirements The purpose of this preliminary visit is to form an overview of the site and job required, and to give the client an opportunity to meet us and assess how we can meet the needs of the project in question.
At that stage, we will discuss our fee structure, and following this meeting, we will provide a ‘Job Proposal’, outlining the suggestions and process that we would recommend, and a timescale for completing the job.
At that stage, we will discuss our fee structure, and following this meeting, we will provide a ‘Job Proposal’, outlining the suggestions and process that we would recommend, and a timescale for completing the job.
The next stage is a further visit to the site to make a more in-depth assessment of the work to be done and the scope and limitations of the site generally. We will make rough drawings of the site, and take the measurements we need in order to carry out the job. We will check the soil and note factors such as light, levels, aspect, style of house and area, access and neighbouring properties/gardens. We will take photographs of the site.
We will carry out any physical work necessary to prepare the site for the proposed new planting. This works includes clearing the site of unwanted plants, pruning shrubs and trees, moving plants to better situations and preparing the soil. In the event that an aspect of the job requires additional assistance, we can provide contractors to help us with that aspect. We can also arrange for delivery and lay-out of top-soil, compost, bark mulch or gravel, and organise skips for the removal of waste.
It may be necessary to carry out the work on site first, in order to then be able to review the scope and scale of re-planting required. We will then provide a Planting Plan which consists of a sketch to scale and a plant list with an estimate of their cost. We will detail the precise species and cultivar for each plant, together with the number required.
We will obviously consider client’s personal taste and requirements as well as seasonal interest when preparing the Plan.
We can also present the planting plan with a mood board to assist the client in considering the scheme, with photographs of some of the proposed plants.
Alternatively, if our client doesn't feel the need for a detailed plan and mood board, we also offer a planting consultation, during which we will discuss a palette of plants, look at some visuals and provide a plant list and budget.
We will obviously consider client’s personal taste and requirements as well as seasonal interest when preparing the Plan.
We can also present the planting plan with a mood board to assist the client in considering the scheme, with photographs of some of the proposed plants.
Alternatively, if our client doesn't feel the need for a detailed plan and mood board, we also offer a planting consultation, during which we will discuss a palette of plants, look at some visuals and provide a plant list and budget.
Once the Planting Plan is agreed with the client, we will then source, order and arrange for the delivery of the plants to the site. All our plants come from reputable trade nurseries and we choose them individually in order to select the best looking specimens. They are usually 30% cheaper than plants bought in a London garden centre.
Where the order is small, we may be able to transport the plants from the nursery to the site ourselves. In other cases, we arrange for delivery of the plants.
Where the order is small, we may be able to transport the plants from the nursery to the site ourselves. In other cases, we arrange for delivery of the plants.
We will place the plants, plant them, water and clear the site, to complete the job. At the completion of the project, we can prepare a Maintenance Schedule, to assist the client maintain the planting, including information about feeding and pruning. We will also arrange follow-up visits at the request of the client, and advise on the development of the garden.
For existing clients, we also offer quarterly or bi-annual maintenance visits to review the planting, and to maintain and refresh the scheme if necessary. We can also add seasonal interest by planting bulbs and containers.
For existing clients, we also offer quarterly or bi-annual maintenance visits to review the planting, and to maintain and refresh the scheme if necessary. We can also add seasonal interest by planting bulbs and containers.
Payment
In respect of labour, site assessment and the drawing up of plans, we require payment, on submission of an invoice, at each completed stage of the project. We do ask that invoices are paid within 7 days.
In respect of plants, having finalised the plant list with the client, we sometimes require the client to pay us 50% of the estimated cost of those plants, before we source, order and arrange delivery of them. The final payment for the plants, based on the actual cost and delivery of the plants, will be invoiced as soon as planting has been completed.
Additional Factors
It is vitally important that a client fully informs us of any additional factors that may affect the site, such as watering/irrigation and/or lighting systems, pipes, recent works carried out to or near the site.
In respect of labour, site assessment and the drawing up of plans, we require payment, on submission of an invoice, at each completed stage of the project. We do ask that invoices are paid within 7 days.
In respect of plants, having finalised the plant list with the client, we sometimes require the client to pay us 50% of the estimated cost of those plants, before we source, order and arrange delivery of them. The final payment for the plants, based on the actual cost and delivery of the plants, will be invoiced as soon as planting has been completed.
Additional Factors
It is vitally important that a client fully informs us of any additional factors that may affect the site, such as watering/irrigation and/or lighting systems, pipes, recent works carried out to or near the site.
