what we do
We understand that every garden is unique and so are your requirements. We therefore like to offer a bespoke service from the very start, to the finish of your new garden. At Rachel Platt Garden Design we encourage you to call us initially to see how best we can help you as you may not require a full re-design of your garden.
We offer three different options, each personalised to you and your requirements to ensure you get the best value for money.
Find out what we offer below and please don't hesitate to get in touch to discuss your options further.
garden design
Are you after a beautiful, well-designed garden you are proud of? If so, choosing to get your garden re-designed by us is the best option for you.
We believe that no two gardens are the same and therefore there is not a 'one size that fits all' process. However, we thought we would share with you our typical working process, so you are able to see how your timeline may look.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us by clicking on the link below.
Step 1
Having spoken to you over the phone, a site visit is then conducted to discuss your specific requirements, assess any challenges presented, make some initial recommendations and decide how to best survey the garden. Photographs and notes will be taken in this meeting for use in a site analysis plan. Assuming you would like to proceed with the design, at this point a design fee proposal and a detailed brief is agreed in writing and arrangements are made to have the garden surveyed.
Step 2
Using the survey, we turn your brief into reality, creating a 2D top down plan of the proposed design, 3D visuals so you can see how your new garden will look and a mood board to support the concept. At this stage we have a further meeting to discuss your thoughts on the design prior to any further work. Once the outline plan has been approved, we draw up the construction details (dimensions, drainage, lighting, irrigation etc.) and produce a planting plan so that any contractor will be able to set out and build the design.
We recommend a specification alongside the construction details as this tells landscapers exactly how we would like the design to be built and with what materials to ensure long-lasting quality. It can also include sculptures, furniture and any other detail you would like included in the design. Within this service is the option to take your designs to tender using only reliable and reputable local landscapers.
Step 3
To ensure the garden is built successfully and stress-free, we can conduct site visits when required and take care of any certifications.
During the construction of your garden, we can source and supply the plants, as specified, from reputable nurseries. We then check their quality on arrival, position them and plant on site, making the process hassle-free for you as well as ensuring they are planted with care, in the right location to guarantee your garden the best start in life. With this service we offer a free maintenance guide on completion.
Step 4
Relax and enjoy your newly built and planted garden! We would love to keep in contact with you so if you would like, we can arrange annual visits to see how the garden is developing and to offer you advice on maintenance and answer any questions you might have.
PLANTING DESIGN
Do you have a border that requires some restoration or colour? Then the planting design service is for you.
We will arrange a site visit with you where we take photographs and measurements of the border you would like to have re-designed along with soil and aspect checks. We also discuss your likes, dislikes and any initial advice as to plant selection
After the meeting, a mood board of plants will be sent to you for approval. Once approved, a scaled planting plan will be drawn up for you including aspect, existing plants and new plants with labels and quantities.
Included in this service is the sourcing, setting out and planting as well as a free maintenance guide on completion. Choosing us to source, layout and plant makes the process very easy and hassle-free for you as we can ensure only good quality plants from reputable local nurseries are chosen and are planted with care, in the right location to guarantee your garden the best start in life.
CONSULTATION
If you have design ideas yourself, or would like expertise on furniture and sculpture sourcing to hedging, planting and fencing recommendations (even locations for features such as swimming pools and tennis courts) and would like to talk through your ideas, then the consultancy service is for you.
With the consultancy service, we will arrange a site visit with you. During this site visit, we walk around the garden together so that you can discuss your plans and ideas and receive advice on implementation and potential challenges. We will take notes and photographs and use this as the basis for our report.
After the site visit, we write up a report with our findings and recommendations based on your requirements including photographs where necessary.
This service is charged as a single fixed fee of £400. It includes travel time and petrol if the project is within a 25 mile radius of Marlow.
Remote consultations are available.
If you have a project in mind, please get in touch to discover how we can help.
Following that should you wish, we will arrange a site visit to talk with you in more detail about the project and to establish an estimate for the work.
We are knowledgeable, honest and happy to help.