The initial garden consultation meeting is exciting and inspiring. It will be the first time I see and feel the garden space and talk to you in depth about the garden's potential. From this rapid exchange of ideas and information I start to form your garden design brief, I want to hear about your garden space, how you use it and your plans and dreams for the space, so that I can use my broad experience and creative lateral thinking to advise you,
The meeting typically takes up to two hours and I make a small charge for my professional time. After the meeting I respond by email or letter with suggestions for ways forward and a design stage quotation and contract.
Please note: The design stage quotation does not include a quotation for the garden landscape build. That cost comes later, during and on completion of the design stage.
It is essential that the garden is surveyed accurately and every detail is measured, photographed and recorded in order to understand what is there and how I will deal with your particular site. The survey is the next stage in the design process and will usually be done by myself or if the plot is particularly large or complex I will advise on the hiring of a professional land surveyor.
- Concept proposals to illustrate ideas for the scheme
- Discuss materials, planting, budget, schedules
- Final presentation design plans including all specification details ready for tendering
- Construction drawings for structural features, scaled elevations and cross sections together with building specifications
- Scope of works
- Planting plans, planting schedule and maintenance instructions
- Preparation of planning applications to local authorities
The next stage in the design operation will include some or all of the following, depending on project / budget:
When the design is almost finished I need to obtain quotations to build the garden, Depending on the scale of the project I invite trusted and reputable professional landscape companies to quote for the garden build.
We may need to make minor adjustments on the design plan so it’s good to get a firm idea on costing before we finally agree on the scheme. Stage 3 and 4 are linked: you have to start with a design direction in order to begin to accurately cost the project.
I can provide a project monitoring service during the landscape construction phase to ensure the scheme is implemented faithfully to the design plan, and be available to discuss and resolve any problems arising with the installation, with you and the landscaper.
'Carol's flair and imagination are allied to precision and technical command of what was required for the contractors to enter the scene. Her effective liaison and partnership with the contractors were essential and this all worked well. From initial design stage to completion at the end, Carol was always available to advise and tweak the design"
Christopher and Anna, Tunbridge Wells
Finally, before the garden is built, I can submit a planting quotation to supply and install the plants in the scheme after the construction phase stage is completed. I usually carry out the planting myself and sometimes with another helper. When the garden is built and the landscapers have left site, you, the client, will start to be reacquainted with the garden: the new look and feel of the reorganised routes and spacial volumes. A sense of calm pervades as I set out and plant up the planting scheme. The design and installation cycle is completed and your new garden awaits you!
Typically clients will ask me back to their garden to advise on some aspects of garden maintenance or to work alongside them during maintenance. This helps them keep the garden in good heart and for many clients they cannot wait to start looking after their new investment and the road of discovery.
- Powerful Produce. Interested in growing your own food? As an allotment holder I am passionate about growing good quality food and its health benefits
- Sculpture and Art installation. I have access to a network of professional qualified Art Handlers that can be hired to install garden art objects, safely
- Willow weaving, traditional hedge laying and meadow scything
- Creating living roofs and wildlife stations
- Working with local communities and schools. I have Project Managed a Big Lottery Award funded scheme, creating effective solutions for an allotment space, organising volunteers and contractors. In schools I have provided hands on tuition for pupils, focusing on wildlife planting and vegetable growing and am Disclosure and Barring Service certified.
A range of additional services are offered to enhance your garden space, including:
We recommend follow up visits to advise on the development of the garden and help with any issues arising during after-care to help and encourage you to look after your garden investment.
I began my career as an artist, graduating with a Fine Art Painting MA at Chelsea School of Art in the 1980’s. I retrained in horticulture, garden design & landscape construction for three years in the 1990’s at Capel Manor College, Middlesex. Since then, I have been balancing the skills from both disciplines, making spaces of practical beauty that develop with each client.
With over twenty years hands on experience in landscape construction, planting installation and project managing I continue to learn new skills from the challenges of each new project, keeping my attitude fresh with each client I work with.
The outdoor spaces I invent are practical and effective. I’ll meet your project brief with a creative use of scale and composition detail and bring character and style to enliven the space. People, like their gardens, are different and individual, no two garden projects are the same: each have their own characteristics and specific site requirements.
As you can see there’s lots to consider when making a new garden space so don’t delay.
Contact me to discuss your garden project and let’s find the Soul inside your garden!
“All our visitors comment that the garden looks like it’s always been here. We use the space all the time, there’s always an area of the garden in use, it gives us so much more in our lives.”
Amanda, Islington
“We are very pleased with her design and planting and we greatly enjoyed working with her throughout."
Jackie and Chris, Worthing
"The design has altered our connection between house and garden and encouraged us to spend as much time as possible outside whatever the weather. We could have not asked for a better designer."
Christopher and Anna, Tunbridge Wells
“Thank you so much for all the hours and care you took with the garden – it’s been transformed into a comfortable, useful space and is just what we wanted – can’t wait to see it grow and develop.”
Caroline, Camden
“Carol has an artist’s eye for the overall concept and structure of the visual effect of the new garden. I felt comfortable communicating my ideas to her – she has an infectious enthusiasm.”
Mary, Honor Oak
“We had no idea where to begin but you have designed the perfect solution for us.”
Diane & Terry, Eastbourne
“Thank you so much for all your design work and encouragement. You have been very generous with your time & expertise.”
Angela & Jeff, Rotherfield
“Many thanks for all your hard work and the great thought that went into our new garden. We are delighted with the result and I’m sure we’ll spend many hours enjoying our urban Eden.”
Mike & Judith, Islington
“Thanks to your artistic vision and encyclopedic knowledge of plants, you have given us a beautiful and unique garden that will give us a lifetime of pleasure. Thanks a million!”
Kate & Gavin, Broadstairs
“Your garden designs are like a good song!”
Martin, Aviemore Landscapes
“Initially it seemed like a big financial outlay, however Carol worked hard to ensure my budget did not overrun and I still got a great looking garden.”
Gail, Rainham
“Thank you for transforming my garden and enhancing my life this year.”
Jane, Stoke Newington
“Carol, it’s been a true joy to work with you. You have done an amazing job. It’s been my pleasure to be part of your dream on the Seaford Allotment Wilderness Project.”
Julian, Fullers Fencing, Seaford
Carol Whitehead © 2020. A registered member of the SGD (Society of Garden Designers).
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