CAROLINE  DE LANE LEA  

To look at the site, explore how you wish to use the garden, learn about your lifestyle and garden ambitions. This helps to formulate the brief, set realistic expectations over budget, timeframes and allows me to put together the formal design proposal and outline associated design fees. 

A follow-up visit to measure the garden, noting existing levels, features, structures, boundaries, key trees and plants. I will also note specific conditions such as aspect, soil, light, drainage and position. Using this information, a base plan of the existing site is drawn up to use as the basis for further work.

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For large or complex sites, I may recommend that a specialist surveyor is commissioned to undertake a full topographical survey if one does not already exist. 

Using the client brief and site analysis, outline ideas are worked on and developed. These ideas are presented at a meeting using sketches, draft sketch plans, photographs and other visual tools to illustrate the proposed new layout, key elements and features, trees and key plants. Suggested hard landscaping materials to be used in specific areas such as terraces, paths, walls and features will also be discussed, showing examples where possible.  

Following approval of the concept plan, full-scale final plans are produced. These may include an overall masterplan or more specific detail plans depending on the size and scope of the project. This plan will show details of hard landscaping, garden elements and areas for planting. This may be accompanied by a Scope of Works and full specification detailing method for building the garden and the materials to be used, together with a setting out plan indicating detailed measurements of the new layout. Plans are also provided as necessary for more complex construction such as steps, walls, pergolas, ponds, fountains, water features and other elements. All together this package provides full information on measurements, levels and construction details which ensures the new design can be correctly interpreted by the landscaping team, accurately laid out and built to the highest standard. 

I can assist clients with the appointment of a landscape contractor suitable for their particular project. This involves meeting with potential contractors on site to talk through the project, go over the plans, scope of works and particular details to ensure they have a full understanding of the job prior to them submitting a quote. This helps to ensure that quotes are comparative when a tender process is in place, that the contractor understands the design and provides them with an opportunity to discuss key elements and detailing on the ground with the designer before producing their quote.  

On most projects, I will work on behalf of my client to facilitate the implementation of the design on the ground. This might include overseeing the tender process, ensuring the design is accurately set out on the ground and signed-off before construction works start, carrying out regular site visits during the build to discuss any unforeseen issues which crop up on site, alterations or adjustments that may be needed and ensure workmanship is carried out to the highest standards. The designer is the effective conduit for communication and both clients and contractors find this service is invaluable. 

I offer a complete planting design and planting service, either as part of the full garden design package or as a stand-alone service where clients wish to create new planting schemes. Draft planting plans with plant lists are drawn up with consideration to clients' wishes, garden site, soil ,aspect, local conditions and the style of the design and/or scheme. Once ideas are agreed, a draft plant list is created. 

Key specimen trees and shrubs may need to be specifically sourced to ensure their shape, size and structure fit with a particular situation or design requirement. I have excellent associations with a network of the UK's specialist and wholesale plant nurseries which I visit to hand-pick key plants. In addition, I am able to source plants from these nurseries, ensuring they will be top quality, an appropriate size for the impact required and come from bio secure sources where plant health and environmental concerns are paramount. 

I usually oversee the delivery of plants and will undertake the setting out of the plants according to the planting plan. I like to undertake as much of the planting as possible, either working with the

on-site landscapers for the bigger trees and shrubs, or working with a small planting team. My close involvement in every aspect of the planting ensures that all plants are well positioned for the desired effect, planted appropriately and given the best possible start in the garden. 

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For larger schemes, planting may be done in phases with structural trees, hedging and shrubs programmed for winter planting, with a second or even third phase in spring and/or autumn.  All newly planted gardens need time to establish and seasonal aftercare and maintenance  can also be offered as part of the planting service. 

I offer a consultation service for situations where clients are looking for advice, ideas or suggestions for both design and planting, refreshing parts of a garden or borders. Consultations can be tailored to suit individual clients and projects and are usually based on either a half or full day.