THE DESIGN PROCESS
Nicola’s design service can be easily tailored to fit around any project, but usually creating a new garden is a five-stage process, and will involve you right from the start.
At the beginning of your journey towards a beautifully designed garden, Nicola will visit you at home to gain a true sense of your outdoor space and how you live within it. This initial meeting is an opportunity to explore your ideas - how you would like your garden to look, feel and function. You may already have ideas, or simply a sense of how you would like the space to feel. Either way, Nicola will guide the conversation, helping to clarify your vision and reveal possibilities that suit you and your home.
Following the visit, you will receive a written summary of the meeting, along with a clear breakdown of the design fees. These are structured in stages, reflecting the natural progression of the design process.
LISTENING & UNDERSTANDING
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TWO
BRINGING IDEAS TO LIFE
If you decide to proceed, Nicola will arrange a comprehensive site survey.
Following the survey, the creative process begins with the development of your masterplan. These plans detail the overall structure of the garden, identifying key features and introducing an initial palette of materials. To help you fully visualise the concept, Nicola presents a combination of scaled plans, hand-drawn sketches and curated moodboards.
Nicola will guide you through the design in person, explaining each element clearly and thoughtfully. At this stage, the process remains collaborative and flexible, allowing space for refinement as the vision evolves.
COLLABORATIONS & PLANNING
Where projects involve architects or planning applications, Nicola works collaboratively to ensure the garden feels fully integrated with the architecture of the house. She can provide drawings and supporting material for planning submissions when required, helping the overall vision come together in a considered and cohesive way.
Once the masterplan has been approved, Nicola prepares a comprehensive set of technical drawings. These detailed plans translate the design into build-ready information, including dimensions, levels, construction details, lighting, electrics and irrigation. Together with the masterplan, they enable your chosen landscaper to provide an accurate quotation and bring the garden to life.
At this stage of the process, Nicola can introduce you to trusted local landscapers to provide quotes for the landscaping works.
DETAILING YOUR NEW GARDEN
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FOUR
ALL ABOUT THE PLANTS
The final stage focuses on planting — the layer that gives the garden character, movement and seasonal interest.
Carefully tailored to your garden’s aspect and soil conditions, the planting plans specify precise varieties, quantities and positions. A separate plan will detail how spring and summer bulbs can add further depth and interest to the planting scheme. Accompanying moodboards depict what each plant looks like and detail their flowering month.
Nicola can also assist with plant sourcing, setting out and planting on site once construction is complete.
Once your garden is complete, it's time to enjoy your new space and watch as it begins to flourish. If you need extra guidance to help with plant care, Nicola can offer additional support and maintenance guides.
She can also assist with long-term consultancy and check-ins to ensure that your garden continues to be a beautiful and welcoming space for many years to come.
LONG-TERM GARDEN DEVELOPMENT
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