FAQ's

1). WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL GARDEN DESIGNER?
2). WHAT PREPARATION DO WE NEED BEFORE YOUR FIRST VISIT?
3). WE ONLY WANT SOME IDEAS, OR ADVICE
4). WHAT DETAILS ARE INCLUDED IN THE GARDEN PLAN?
5). HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?
6). CAN WE DO SOME (OR ALL) OF THE WORK OURSELVES?
7). CAN WORK BE DONE ALL YEAR ROUND?
8). WILL YOU ADVISE ME ON AFTERCARE FOR THE PLANTS AND MATERIALS?

1). A garden or landscape designer is trained in all aspects of horticulture, spatial design and hard landscaping techniques to interpret the given brief. In answer to the clients requirements the designer will produce a creative and aesthetically pleasing solution to the specifications. Garden or landscape designers are normally 'plants-people', and speaking for myself at the Kent Landscape Studio, I love using the huge spectrum of colours found in foliage, stems, flowers and fruits to 'paint' a visually stunning scene. Any good garden designer will choose plants appropriate to the scheme, suited to the aspect, particular to the soil conditions and environment as well as provide you with advice on aftercare for planting and other materials in your scheme. Plant knowledge is always a work in progress; there is so much to learn, with so much enjoyment in learning. Back to top

2). When you have made the choice to have your garden designed, it is useful to check magazines and books for ideas and styles which you like. This is not essential however, as I will always bring a selection of reference pictures to inspire you. Back to top

3). The final plan will show the proposed design (after approval by the clients), including structural planting and specifications of hard landscaping materials. This will be shown to the contractors and structural engineers (if required) to discuss in full details. Approximate plant quantities can also be shown at this point, these can be altered as the build progresses. Back to top

4). Yes, I can be as involved with your garden as you wish. For example, if you are only in need of a bit of advice to choose a few structural plants or a stunning piece of garden sculpture, then I can help. If giving the advice requires an hour consultation then this will be charged at the hourly rate, however, I am always happy to answer emails! Back to top

5). The design process is relatively quick, taking 4-8 weeks from consultation to finished design, however this does depend on the complexity of the project and how frequently we can meet to discuss the progress.

The build process can normally take several weeks up to several months. The speed of development is dependant on availability of the chosen contractors, the time of year for undertaking the work, complexity of finished design, hidden complications (there is normally at least one!) and weather conditions - rain can very easily stop play. This is the reason I advise starting the design process in the bleak winter months, so the garden is hopefully not a building site when the sun eventually shows it's face. Back to top

6). Of course. I will provide a design proposal with as much information on it as possible. This is useful if you wish to do the work in stages, or source a different choice of contractors for elements of the build. This is a sensible option if clients are on a tight budget, work can be booked in when convenient, instead of all at once. I will always suggest reputable specialists to you for areas which I feel would benefit from an experienced hand, for example; lighting designers or natural swimming pool experts. Back to top

7). Designing can be done at any time of year, in fact it is best to get this process completed during the colder months, then the build can begin, and ideally be completed, by the time the weather warms up and you want to start using your garden again. Building can be undertaken all year round, as long as the weather is not too extreme. Planting the scheme is best suited to the Spring and Autumn months, this is to give the plants the optimum conditions to establish. Back to top

8). Yes, a maintenance schedule detailing month by month tasks regarding pruning, feeding, mulching, cleaning etc is provided at the job closure. These schedules can also be provided for your existing garden (see Services page). After the design/ build process, I recommend staying in touch, and hiring the services of Kent Landscape Studio to make maintenance visits at regular intervals as a garden is never a finish article and requires constant attention to keep it looking fantastic - even a low maintenance scheme needs a little attention! Back to top