Landscape & Urban Design Issue 43 2020 | Page 8

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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