It is advisable to have a drawing even for small, straightforward garden projects as it will cut out misunderstandings between client and contractor. The design fee is usually considerably less than the cost of having to re-do a job that did not turn out as expected. A professional scale drawing will also help the landscape company to work out a much more accurate quotation.
I work closely with several reliable landscape contractors based in Harrogate, Wetherby, Leeds and York. Together we provide a 'concept to completion' garden service where clients can be sure each stage is performed by a dedicated, competent professional, rather than one company trying to do everything.
Alternatively, clients are welcome to use another contractor of their choice, or carry out the work themselves.
All aspects of landscape work undertaken, including:
- Paving - Decking - Driveways - Lawns - Ponds - Walling - Fencing - Gravel - Paths - Pergolas - Water Features - etc, etc, etc.........
A standard design package includes a Site Survey Plan of all existing features, a detailed Design Plan, usually in colour and 3D drawings where necessary to aid visualisation. Every plan is drawn to scale and is clear and easy to read. I am proud to still be hand drawing in this digital age, producing designs which are unique, personal and arguably more accurate than CAD.
I understand the important connection between people and their gardens, so I always include my clients throughout the design process, revisiting and tweaking as many times as necessary to get it right. If possible, I include the landscaper too, as their knowledge of construction and materials ensures the design is practical. Each design takes into careful consideration the style of property, the surrounding area, the client's tastes, lifestyle and budget as well as the shape and size of the plot.
The first visit is free of charge, with no obligation to proceed. Design fees will be calculated during the first visit according to the size of garden and the amount of work required.
I currently offer this service within an approximate 30 mile radius of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. Customers not living in this area may be interested in my
This service is availlable to anyone in the UK. It is a much cheaper alternative to traditional garden design as the time and expense of travelling and site surveying is eliminated.
There are obvious disadvantages of a designer never actually being on site of course - the design can only be as accurate and suited to the situation as the information the client provides. However, this should not be a setback for discerning customers who are confident with a measuring tape. The better the information provided, the better the design.
Please email or post to address on the
-as many photos of the site as possible (originals will be returned with completed plan),
-a site plan marked with all dimensions (including heights of walls, fences, structures and slopes),
-a wish list of what you want to include (patio? pond? summerhouse?)
-your contact details
With this information I will calculate the design fee and I will send a detailed questionaire regarding your property, your tastes and your lifestyle. Return of the completed questionaire will be taken as indication you wish to proceed. I will then email roughly sketched ideas for your approval. Payment is due in full when you are happy with these ideas.
Within 2 weeks of payment clearing you will receive in the post your beautiful, professional standard, hand drawn scale drawing, usually in colour and with 3D drawings where necessary. Just the same as with a traditional garden design service but considerably cheaper and without the inconvenience of finding a good designer in your area and arranging visits!
I offer a full planting service, either as a follow up to landscaping work or for established gardens in need of rejuvenating. Planting schemes are carefully selected to give interest throughout the seasons and to suit the site conditions (damp/dry, shady/sunny, exposed/sheltered), the style of the garden (contemporary, formal, English country, mediterranean, wildlife friendly) and the client's needs (low maintenance, child friendly, pet resistant, sensory).
For those clients who are keen to plant their garden themselves but don't where to start, I also offer a supply and advice service. I source top quality plants at competitive prices, deliver them to site and set them out in the right places, ready for the client to do the rest. I can provide a planting plan and maintenance schedule if needed and will give advice on existing planting.
This is a small, sunny front garden, successfully transformed into an attractive yet practical kitchen garden. The raised timber beds make for easy soil management, planting and weeding and are an ideal height for gardening with children.
With careful planning, tasty crops can be harvested all year round.
The flowing curves in this suburban garden bring together the two areas of an awkward L-shape plot, creating a relaxed, contemporary feel.
Planting includes tough phormiums, bergenias, sedum and grasses which give year round structure and interest and need minimal maintenance. Perfect for a busy, professional family.
This is the outdoor reception area of The Orchid Restaurant in Harrogate. It is designed to be an attractive and inviting entrance as well as an al fresco dining room and smoking area.
The design reflects the modern, minimalist restaurant interior whilst blending in with the traditional Grade II listed exterior and complying with strict planning regulations in the upmarket centre of Harrogate.
The borders in this charming traditional cottage garden have been restocked with all the favourites; lupins, delphiniums, salvia, calendula and geraniums to name but a few. The effect is of a colourful, ever changing tapestry, lasting many months.
This was a fairly small, boring, suburban garden with a wavy shaped block paved patio, inherited from the previous owners. The patio was too good to replace so it was incorporated seamlessly into the design by echoing the curve with a smart new deck and pergola in the sunny part of the garden. This is an elegant focal point and the perfect place to relax.
Generously proportioned, fluidly shaped borders and an island bed were added, with a predominantly white planting scheme and textural foliage. for year round interest.
I studied horticulture at Capel Manor College, Middlesex. I gained a National Diploma in Garden Design and Construction in 2002 and did six months of valuable work experience with Gardens for Life, a Hertfordshire based garden design company.
I went on to work for Marianne Majerus, an award winning garden photographer. I worked in her picture library in London, processing thousands of images for gardening books, magazines and newspapers. Images included the work of influential designers such as Piet Oudolf, John Brookes and Tom Stuart-Smith, many famous gardens and an impressive A-Z of plant portraits. I began to look at a garden as if through the lens of a camera, observing how different areas appear as the viewer travels around it. I aim to design my gardens like a series of pictures, each having carefully balanced space and form, yet appearing effortless and uncontrived.
I moved to North Yorkshire when I married my husband, Simon Batchelor. (My inlaws own the locally renowned Park Nurseries on Bar Lane, Knaresborough.) I worked briefly as a horticultural instructor to adults with learning difficulties at Horticap in Harrogate - a very rewarding job - until the birth of my first child. I set up my own garden design business in 2006, so that I could work from home and I find it fits very well around family life.
The full design service is availlable within an approximate 30 mile radius of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. Planting is availlable within an approximate 10 - 20 mile radius.
Customers not living in this area may be interested in my new
Online Design Service
