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What is a garden ?
A garden is a private place of retreat to
escape the restless bustle ,to relax in the company of family and friends; a place to wind down and reconnect. A well
planned garden can transform our lives just like an elegantly planned house, or a perfectly tailored suit. A truly succesful
garden is an extension of the home ; another and unique space to live in. Gardens restore a special link with nature and provide
a valuable spectrum of spiritual and sensory delights. A garden acts as a focus for our private dreams of harmony
and pleasure ; it reaffirms the importance of our intimate relationship with nature.
CONSULTATION AND DESIGN
My design and consultation process is quite simple. Before
visiting a new clients garden,there is a questionaire to complete. This begins the process of reflection and change,highlighting
all the needs and preferences concerning style, planting,materials or colours.
On my first visit to meet clients and view the site, I invariably
imagine how I would go about designing the garden if it were my own. I do my best to get to know the owners, ask
about their personal lifestyle and any design choices they may have made inside or outside their homes.
When planning a garden I never forget the importance of client
input and involvement in this exciting creative journey. The inspiration from the brief, the site and the owners all
contribute to the end result and ultimate sucess of the project.
Many other things need to be taken into consideration when executing
a design; these include site levels, soil type,drainage, irrigation,lighting,local authority laws,mechanics, electrics, colours
,textures, materials and, of course ,plant choice. A huge amount of organisation, depending upon the size and complexity
of the project,goes on before the first spade hits the ground. It can take anything from a few days to several weeks
before the job is finished.
To give you an idea of the processes to be gone through before
a project begins, the following are just some of the topics to be considered :
* light and shade- finding the sunniest areas that benefit
both plants and people.
* privacy- we all live too close to our neighbours; every garden
large or small needs privacy,intimacy and security. Screening unsightly outlooks may equally create backdrops for attractive
new features.
* viewpoints- establishing vistas that do not look contrived, is
essential.
* practicalities- access, utilities,animals,children and functional
areas.
THE FINAL PRODUCT.
Personally ,nothing gives me more pleasure and real satisfaction
than the happy faces of contented clients. Every garden is different,no two clients are the same, and I have stories
about both. The end result however has always made everything worthwhile: a big hug ,a cry of delight, a glass of champagne
: a new garden is born.
Thank you for letting us into your lives.
This year I am looking forward to seeing old
friends and meeting new clients. In particular I would like the opportunity to work on modern japanese and cutting edge contemporary
projects perhaps using interesting material combinations of metal,perspex and wood.Water features are always a challenge ,
and there are many lurking in the back of my mind.
PROCESS
1 Initial consultation : view portfolio : view site
exchange
ideas. 2 hours free.
2 Concept presentation : working illustrations
budget discussion. 1 hour free
3 Working drawings : material samples
budget estimate.
4 Confirmation of path ahead : time required
start date. 1
hour free.
5 Terms and conditions.
COST
We work on projects where plant budgets are £200
to £2,000 plus.
We work on projects with total costs of £1,500 to £20,000
plus.
The aim is to be as clear as possible as to the financial commitment
required ,and all clients are given a costing breakdown similar to the following example.
£ xxxx 350sqm sandstone paving
£xxxx hardcore xx tons
£xxxx sands/cement/gravel
£xxxx timber for pergola
£xxxx copper sheets/ trellis
£xxxx decking timber
£xxxx plant budget
£xxxx composts/fertilizers
£xxxx paints
£xxxx membranes/tree stakes& ties
£xxxx skips/toolhire
£xxxx sundries(bolts,nails,screws)
£xxxx pumps/lighting
£xxxx electrical work *
£xxxx construction fee
Total project cost.£XXXX
* ( electrical quotes usually separate ) *
Other services
We offer a maintenance service for all our completed
projects. This can be once or twice a year ,or on a seasonal basis.Costs will depend on the project size and will be quoted
at a daily rate.
Guarantee
We take great pride in the quality and originality
of our work, and the custom built structures we are becoming famous for.These along with our planting are guaranteed. Should
any structural item prove faulty,or any vegetation not survive, we ask to be advised and replacements will be supplied.
Organisation,mutual respect,trust and competance are the main components
at the beginning and throughout the design process,implementation and after-care services provided by ourselves. We believe
that good planning at the outset minimises
costly and time wasting mistakes. Therefore,our aim is to ensure our gardens
are well planned and executed to the highest standards,paying meticulous attention to detail.
As a small practice,we can be more focussed, flexible and cost effective,
offering you the client a hands on approach and personal attention throughout the process.
Gardens in Darlington, Darras Hall, Hartlepool ,Sunderland,Northallerton ,Thirsk ,Durham ,
Eaglescliffe ,Yarm ,Wynyard ,Harrogate,York,Sedgefield, Great Ayton,Stockton on Tees, and Guisborough coming soon ......
Inspiration
Contact me
New Products
Items for sale
Suppliers links
Garden Portfolio
Client Testimonials
Philosophy:process:cost
View our current project
Back to welcome page
Site last updated on March 20 th 2008 @
18:45
Site visitors..
 
Your comments,feedback and participation are greatly appreciated
. Many thanks , John & the " A Team "
E MAIL ME ( click here )
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