5 questions to ask yourself before a garden design consultation
A garden design consultation is the first step towards your dream garden. This initial visit is crucial in gathering all the information that we need to start designing your new space. Before we come and visit you, there are a few questions that you may want to consider:
1 - Which elements of your current garden do you want to change, and which do you want to keep?
Let's start with what you have now. There may well be areas of the garden that really frustrate you, but if there are features that you enjoy, we want to ensure we preserve or reimagine them in the new design. Sharing your likes and dislikes at your consultation is important to us. It provides us with a clear framework and shows us how we can incorporate what's already in your outdoor space. It also helps us to understand more about what you value.
2 - How would you like to use your garden?
As the old saying goes, ‘form follows function’. To design a garden that really suits your needs, it’s helpful to know how and when you intend to use it. Think about how you would love to use the space on weekdays, as well as weekends. Would you like places to sit, cook, eat, work or play? Do you like to spend time basking in full sun, or do you prefer dappled shade?
Also consider how your time spent in the garden might differ throughout the year; perhaps you enjoy entertaining guests in the garden during the summer and so need a larger area to cook and dine during those occasions.
Do you want to stay out late into the evening? If so, we can incorporate garden lighting into the design, so that you can be more comfortable after the sun has set.
We’ll listen carefully to these preferences to help us create different zones within your garden that can respond to your needs in all seasons.
3 - How would you describe your ideal garden style?
With question three we're focussing on the fun part; how you would love your garden to look. You may have a clear vision in your mind, or you just know that what you currently have isn't for you. You may like to visit local gardens, such as RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate or York Gate in Adel. Are there areas of other gardens you’ve visited that have really inspired you?
You could also take a look at garden ideas online. Head to somewhere like Pinterest or Houzz and start collating garden images that excite you. It may be that you only like a certain garden feature within a photo. That's fine! All of these ideas can help us to craft that vision for you.
4 - What is your budget for the landscaping of your garden?
Separate from garden design fees, what is your budget for the overall landscaping build of the garden? Having a clear limit helps us to establish what is achievable and design a garden to suit your needs. You may be unsure of what gardens cost to build. If so, don’t worry – we can give you some guidance about what it might cost to landscape your space.
5 - When would you like the garden to be completed?
For some of our clients, the answer to this question is ‘as soon as possible’, but for others we may need to work to specific deadlines. You may be completing a home renovation or extension, or just starting work with an architect and are looking for our designers to work in conjunction with them. Either way, having a clear understanding of your timescales will help us to better meet your needs.
Our conversation with you at the initial consultation will be used to prepare a detailed client brief. This document will be central to the design process and creates the guiding principles for your bespoke design. It will be the first document added to your secure client area and revisited regularly to ensure our final design meets your needs. Click here to view our portfolio across Leeds, Harrogate, York and surrounding areas.
You can book your garden design consultation by emailing hello@robhardy.co.uk or calling 0113 479 0579.