How the garden design process works: from first conversation to finished garden
- Zoe Kilbride
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
If you've never worked with a garden designer before, you might be wondering what actually happens once you get in touch.
Do you need to know exactly what you want? When do you involve a landscaper? And what happens after the design is complete?
Every project is different, but the journey from your first ideas to a finished garden follows a clear and carefully considered process. Here's what you can expect when working with me.
1. Free Initial Consultation
Everything starts with a visit to your garden.
This is an opportunity for us to walk around the space, discuss your ideas, understand how you use your garden and what you'd like to achieve. We'll also talk about your budget, timescales and whether a full garden design or a planting design is the right fit for your project.
After our meeting, I'll prepare a bespoke quotation for your garden design.
2. Site Survey
Once you'd like to go ahead, I'll carry out a detailed survey of your garden.
This includes taking accurate measurements, photographs and assessing the site's opportunities and challenges, such as levels, existing trees, sunlight, drainage and access.
For larger gardens or sites with significant level changes, a professional topographical survey may also be recommended.
3. Design Version One
This is where your ideas begin to come to life.
Using everything we've discussed, I'll prepare the first version of your garden design. This shows the overall layout and structure of the space, helping you visualise how your finished garden could look.
The design is usually sent electronically, but for more complex projects I'm happy to visit and talk through the proposals together.
4. Design Revisions & Final Plan
Garden design is a collaborative process.
We'll discuss the initial design, make any amendments and refine the layout until you're completely happy with the final plan.
The aim is to create a garden that works beautifully for your lifestyle as well as looking fantastic.
If you'd like to learn a little more about me and my approach to designing gardens, you can read more about me.
5. Working with Landscapers
Once your garden design has been approved, it's a good idea to contact landscapers as soon as possible.
Many good landscapers are booked well in advance, so securing them early helps keep your project moving.
You're welcome to use your own landscaper, or I can recommend trusted contractors I've worked with on previous projects. The approved design provides everything they need to prepare an accurate quotation.
If you'd like to see how completed projects come together, you can browse some of my recent Projects.
6. Planting Design
Once the layout has been agreed, I create a planting plan to complement the design.
Every planting scheme is tailored to your garden, taking into account the soil, light levels, aspect, colour preferences and how much maintenance you'd like.
Occasionally a particular plant may no longer be available when it's time to order, but any alternatives are always carefully selected to achieve the same overall effect.
7. Plant Supply & Planting
I supply high-quality plants from trusted UK nurseries, carefully selected for your garden.
Depending on the project, either I and my team can set out and plant everything, or your landscaper can carry out the planting using my detailed planting plan.
This ensures the planting is positioned exactly as intended within the design. Click here to see the case study for this project.
Enjoy Watching Your Garden Grow
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing a garden settle and mature.
A well-designed garden doesn't just look good when it's finished. As the planting develops and the seasons change, it becomes an even more beautiful place to spend time.
Whether your project is a complete garden transformation, a new-build garden, an extension or simply a planting refresh, following a clear design process helps create a garden that you'll enjoy for years to come.
Thinking about transforming your garden? Whether you're looking for a full Garden Design, a Planting Design or simply a Garden Design Consultation, I'd love to hear about your project. Get in touch to arrange a free initial conversation.
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