Question 1

What are the benefits of commissioning a Garden Designer?

Accepted Answer

You can see where your investment is going because we fully involve you in the process and provide you with detailed plans and visuals. These will help you imagine and have the opportunity to adapt plans before any construction outlay. Many of our clients have mentioned that they have been very glad to have had the assistance in visualising their garden prior to construction. It gave them confidence that their investment was on track

Question 2

Do you design for any size of garden?

Accepted Answer

Melanie Driver has many years of experience of working on all types of gardens from small courtyards to large rural gardens, low maintenance family gardens to gardens for retired plants people. Roof and pool terraces, coastal, riverside gardens and exposed hillsides. We are adept at designing for diverse client briefs

Question 3

I have a clear idea of what I want. Do I need a designer?

Accepted Answer

A designer’s expertise is to provide spatial visualisation to realise the vision of the garden. No house build is properly achieved without an architect! Plus we have a depth of knowledge about appropriate plants and materials for outside spaces. We will work closely with you to maximise your garden budget. Melanie Driver is an independent Garden Designer, meaning that there is always a direct contract between the client and contractor for the garden build and no profit is made from this for the designer. Although we are able to be involved throughout to support both you and those building the garden.

Question 4

What are the benefits of booking a Consultancy Visit with you?

Accepted Answer

If you want to develop any area of your garden but don’t know where to start a Consultancy Visit is a great way forward as a one off with no obligation or the first stage of the garden design process. We’ll bring our design, landscape and plant knowledge to your garden, discuss the options and offer any ideas and advice you may need. This can be simple advice on how to overcome problems, plant recommendations, suggested layout changes or ideas for specific features.

Question 5

How do you ensure consistency and quality throughout the construction?

Accepted Answer

We recommend trusted contractors to build your garden and only contract in specialist services. We’ll start and finish your project with the same team and person in charge to maintain consistency. Melanie can be commissioned to Project Monitor the garden build – we will have regular site meetings with you and the landscape contractors, and are on the phone and email throughout. We check that our (yours and our) shared vision comes to fruition. We also help troubleshoot any onsite issue and make any onsite design decisions that may be required. Contractors definitely prefer us to be on hand.

Question 6

Is your company well established?

Accepted Answer

Yes we’ve been transforming gardens large and small for some wonderful people for over 20 years now across Southern and Eastern England and beyond.

Question 7

How much will my garden project cost?

Accepted Answer

This is always a tricky one to answer until we’ve discussed your project in detail. Once we have a good understanding of your requirements we’ll provide you with the very best advice and most cost effective options whether for a garden design, planting or landscaping. It helps to have a budget to work to and between Designer and Contractor, we can apply our expertise to aim to deliver to your budget or propose to carry out the work in stages.

Question 8

Design Fees

Accepted Answer

The Masterplan is based on a fixed fee which will include some iterations. After that construction detail, dealing with planning/structural engineers, planting etc is charged by the hour. We will give you a broad estimate of design fees so you can make an informed decision before proceeding with us.

Question 9

I would like to proceed, what are your terms?

Accepted Answer

If you wish to proceed with some or all of your quotation we will ask you to complete and return a confirmation document. This will include our terms of business and set out payment terms which are normally phased throughout the duration of works. We will then arrange a suitable start date and finalise any outstanding details with you.

Question 10

Can you supply the plants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can provide a complete service to see your project through from start to finish. We know and love our plants and can supply and professionally install an inspiring planting scheme for your garden. Alternatively we can supply and set out the planting for you to plant.

Question 11

Do you source materials locally and what about sourcing other garden accessories?

Accepted Answer

We source plants from local growers and trade nurseries. Sometimes plants will be imported but we use nurseries that follow bio-security processes. On occasion a client may want a specialist or statement plant and we may source from a nursery further afield. When we specify materials to our contractors, we endeavour to use local suppliers where available. We use local fabricators for bespoke garden features. Industry specialists (structural engineers, planning advisors etc) are usually from the local area. Sourcing locally also means we have developed good relationships that ensures an excellent quality of service. Melanie can also help with sourcing accessories such as personalised garden sculpture to furniture and lighting.

Frequently asked questions