Step 1

Initial consultation

After contacting XternalDesign, an initial free consultation meeting will be arranged to take a look at your garden. We will listen carefully to your ideas and together we will explore how you would like to use your garden, discuss your requirements and desired preferences. This is a great time to show any photographs/images of gardens or planting styles that you would like or don’t like considered in the design.

At this stage we will talk through how we work, the design process and have a look at previous designs. Following this meeting, you will be sent a written.

Step 2

Site Survey & Analysis

Before the design process begins the first step is to undertake a site survey and analysis of the garden. This is required in-order to produce a scaled plan of your garden and to record all of the applicable information.

This consists of measuring the site, buildings, boundaries, access/entrance points, windows, doors and ground levels.

Taking note of soil type, aspect, views, existing plants and services.

Photographs are also taken of the garden to supplement the information obtained.

Step 3

Presentation Plan

The presentation plan is a final detailed plan of your garden design. It will illustrate the exact locations of the overall framework of the design, hard landscaping, planting areas and structures etc. This will be accompanied with illustrated photographs and samples of landscaping materials. This will be in colour and labelled with detailed descriptions for clear understanding.

The design will combine the artistic and practical considerations in order to make your garden an xternal pleasure.

Step 4

Planting Plans

A Professional planting plan will be provided giving the location and spacing of all plants used and accompanied by detailed planting notes.

Also a plant schedule will be prepared which lists the quantities, botanical name and sizes of the plants required in the design. We also provide colour photographic samples of the new plants, so you can see the style of the new planting scheme.

Planting plans can be instructed for a single border, a specific area or the whole garden.

Step 5

The Garden Build

Depending on the size and the extent of the project, XternalDesign or your own landscaping/building contractors can complete the work. When the hard landscaping (paving, decking, walls, soil preparation etc.) are complete, XternalDesign’s top horticulturist will plant the garden for you.

Step 6

Planting

The planting makes a garden!

All plants are sourced and selected from a number of high quality specialist regional nurseries.

Once the plants have arrived on site we will inspect them and make sure they are acceptable for your new garden.

Step 7

Garden Maintenance Schedules Aftercare

We will provide a detailed, easy to follow Garden maintenance schedule specifically tailed to your new designed garden.

Some of our clients are happy to carry out their own garden maintenance. Alternatively XternalDesign can provide you with a top-quality follow up garden maintenance service.

Step 8

Consultancy Service / Advice

If you would like assistance/help with any aspect of your garden, but don’t require a total full design service, then we can offer advice and constructive suggestions either on the spot or in writing, for a fixed hourly consultation fee.

We can provide consultation services for various organisations including architects, builders/property developers, commercial sites, estates, farmers, leisure areas, school/colleges, local authorities and councils.