Design Philosophy
At Elusive Eden we believe that a garden is a huge asset but often, what should be a dynamic, colourful and multi-functional extension to a home, is sadly overlooked. A garden should be designed to suit the needs, lifestyles and personalities of its owners, whilst always being sensitive to the architecture of the house and the local landscape.
Gardening has gained popularity in recent times through television and the media and now a beautiful garden has become an aspiration for many people. Realistically, not many people have the time to learn the complexities of design and horticulture and so they either shy away from creating a garden, or they make a series of expensive and frustrating mistakes. This is where we can help you…
Why employ a garden designer? You will get a superior garden for less money....
Most people would not dream of building a house without consulting an architect for obvious reasons! However, lots of people try to build a garden in a piece-meal fashion, without a real idea or a picture of what they want the end result to be. Inundated with ideas from the television and magazines, they build a patio and then later add a water feature and then maybe an area of decking and perhaps a rustic pergola and before they know it, they have a garden which is a mismatch of disparate styles that lacks unity and direction. At the very least, if you have a scale plan to refer to, it is easier to ensure that:-- All of the elements of your new garden (paved areas, borders, lawns, paths, ornamental features etc.) are correctly proportioned in relation to the house, the site and to each other.
- Each element has been located in the optimum position both functionally and aesthetically.
- That there is some interconnection between each of them.
A qualified designer will ensure that all of these aspects are covered in addition to utilising design principles such as Order, Unity, Rhythm, Form Composition and Spatial Cohesion, to create a garden which will be visually attractive and which will immediately feel balanced and ‘right’. In addition, we don’t make any money by supplying building materials or from garden construction, so it is of no financial benefit to us to incorporate a disproportionate amount of hard landscaping into our designs to maximise our profits. Believe us it happens! We will ensure that the time spent on the construction of your garden is the minimum time necessary to build a beautiful, proportioned and unique garden.
A professionally designed garden will enhance your life not become a burden. From romantic informality to urban chic there is certain to be a garden that we can create that will delight you and compliment your home.
The Design Process
What to expect - a step by step guide...
1. The Initial Consultation
The process begins with an on site client consultation. If you simply need some ideas or advice on choosing plants for a troublesome spot or creating a new bed or border within an existing garden, then we can discuss some solutions with you. If you would like to take advantage of our comprehensive design service, then we will discuss your requirements in detail in order to establish a Design Brief. It is important to us that the finished garden reflects your tastes and lifestyle, in addition to enhancing your home and it is often helpful if clients make up an 'Ideas Board' before the meeting. This doesn't have to be elaborate, it could simply comprise of a few photographs or magazine articles showing gardens, paving, furniture, plants and sculptures which appeal to you.
2. A Survey and Site Analysis
Once you have made the decision to go ahead with the project, a comprehensive survey and site analysis will be undertaken.
This will show the position of the buildings, the boundaries, the levels of the site and any existing features. We will take notes regarding the aspect of the site; any attractive views which we may be able to incorporate into the design; any unsightly views which will need to be disguised; the drainage conditions and the areas of sun and shade. Finally, samples of soil will be taken for analysis from different parts of your garden.
On small to medium sized gardens the survey will usually be done by us. On very large or particularly complex gardens, a professional surveyor may be required to produce a detailed land survey, which will be billed directly to you.
3. The Concept Design
The next step is to produce a Concept Design based on the information collected during the Survey and from our discussions.
This drawing will be to scale and its function will be to illustrate the design ideas rather than to show a lot of detail. At this point, if you’re not happy with certain areas or specific features, then changes can be incorporated into the design.
Decisions can also be made on the choice of hard landscaping materials, furniture, ornamental objects and lighting.
If you wish, a 3D artist’s impression can be produced to help you visualize the proposed garden.
4. The Final Design
When you are happy with the details on the Concept Design and choices have been made with regards to hard landscaping and planting, then it is time to draw up the Final Design. This is a fully annotated scale drawing from which a contractor will be able to cost, set out and build the garden. If required a coloured copy can be produced.5. Construction Drawings
Some features for example, paved areas, steps, walls, ponds, pergolas and arbours, may require separate, detailed construction drawings. If required these can be produced at the same time as the Final Design.
6. Planting Plans
Once the Final Design has been approved, planting plans can be drawn up if required. This will take into account the site conditions and the style of your new garden and will show the trees, shrubs and plants which could be used to enhance the design. The plan will be drawn to scale and will show the planting location, the botanical name and the quantity of each type of plant. The Planting Plan can also be produced in colour.
7. Additional Services
Don’t worry we won’t abandon you once the designs have been handed over! We will be more than happy to co-ordinate the construction of your garden too.
Specifications
Specification documents can be prepared for your chosen contractor to implement during the construction of your garden.
This will ensure that best practises are observed and that your garden will be built to the highest standards.
Project Monitoring
Once the contractor has been chosen and work has begun, we can undertake project monitoring visits and quality checks to ensure that the integrity of the design is not compromised.
Maintenance advice
Whether you’ll be caring for the garden yourself or employing a gardener, a bespoke information pack can be provided to help keep your new garden looking at its best.