GARDEN DESIGN
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HIRE A GARDEN DESIGNER When should I contact a professional? “The ideal time to ask a designer to look at your garden is when you’ve decided it’s time to have a fresh pair of eyes to help you understand your vision,” Claudia de Yong, a garden designer on Houzz says. “Or if you have no idea where to start, to help create a wonderful space for you to enjoy.” Fiona of Green Tree Garden Design, a professional on Houzz says, “If you’re having a substantial renovation or even building a new house from scratch, then getting the garden designer involved at the outset is a good idea. It may make sense to get the groundworks done by the builder and then leave the garden until the house/extension has been completed before getting the garden built.”
Camilla Ropers © Houzz 2016
What happens in the first meeting?
Maike Wagner © 2016 Houzz
It can often be difficult to envisage the touches that will bring a garden to life, which is where a garden designer can help. They will look at your boxy patch with expert eyes and, instead of lines, see winding paths, an unexpected pond or a curved lawn. Houzz. co.uk, the leading platform for home renovation and design, shares tips from its community of garden designers, to help you know what to expect from the process.
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www.landud.co.uk
Start with planning Houzz research indicates that for most homeowners, the time between planning a renovation and actually executing it is usually six months or more (76%). Use some of this time at home to start saving your inspiring photos to ideabooks, planning what you want from your garden and researching local home professionals, then you will be ready to reach out when you are in a position to invite someone into your home.
The first meeting is an important opportunity for you and the professional to discuss ideas and learn more about each other. It’s also a chance for a designer “to get a good idea of your likes and dislikes and what you’re looking for with a new design,” Claudia explains, “it’s important for the designer to see the garden’s existing layout, any constraints, such as neighbouring buildings blocking light or views, and the lay of the land.” Fiona adds, “Most designers will visit your garden to meet you and find out more about what you want from your ‘new’ garden. They’ll also use the opportunity to explain how they work and perhaps talk you through their portfolio.”
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