Hilary Thomas: Garden Designer

The garden should be considered as an outside room to be enjoyed and used as an extension to the house. A well designed and creatively planted garden will not only give pleasure but will enhance the value of the house.

I like to design gardens with a strong simple layout using good quality hard landscape materials and interesting planting. The plants are carefully chosen to suit the soil and aspect so that they will establish quickly. The role of the planting is to soften the hard landscaping, create height and structure, and bring colour and excitement to the garden.

If you do not want a complete design I can advise on improvements to areas of the garden or create new planting schemes.

Design process

• Initial consultation to discuss ideas and budget so that a client brief can be drawn up
• Client brief and quotation for design fees sent
• Confirmation and acceptance of the client brief so that work can begin
• Survey and site analysis which, depending on the site, may entail the services of a professional surveyor
• Intermediate visit to discuss draft plans and sketches and finalise ideas
• Presentation of the finished drawings – the Presentation Plan.

Once the design is finished the next stage is the construction of the garden and this varies from client to client but may include some or all of the following:

• Construction drawings
• Specifications
• Planting Plan
• Assisting with the selection of a contractor
• Project management
• Implementation of the planting plan
• Maintenance schedule

I will advise you on how to look after your new garden and will visit you within the next six months to monitor progress. I can also provide you with a maintenance schedule that explains how to care for your new plants.

Please click on an example plan and 3D elevation of a narrow garden plus a Country garden shown below: