Frequently asked questions

If I have my garden designed, will it increase the value of my property?
Yes! The figures are uncertain (some say 10%, some more) but there is no doubt that a professionally designed garden adds considerably to the value of the property as a whole, as well as dramatically increasing selling potential but most you are provided with a beautiful surrounding

I have some ideas myself, would they be incorporated in the design?
The client is consulted at all times - it is your garden after all. Your requirements are essential to the design, in terms of what you would like to see in your garden, for instance a play-area for the children, a water feature, preferred colour and plants etc. It is the overall plan which should be entrusted to the expert.

Why is the design and construction of a garden so expensive?
Because many people and materials are involved and they all need paying. Designs are tailored to reflect the client's budget and the use of less expensive building materials can help costs down. People often don't think twice about spending £15-20,000 on a new kitchen but seem to think that a garden doesn't warrant as much. There is no escaping the fact that garden design and construction can be a fairly expensive business, but it is certainly well worth it!

• I have seen small groups of people on the television designing and creating a garden in a matter of hours and for an insubstantial fee. What's the difference?
  Television landscapers have usually created the design beforehand (not showing how long they take) and they have an enormous workforce, who rush in to construct the garden when the cameras stop rolling. The prices you are shown on screen include only the materials, not the labour or design costs.

I need something done with my garden, but I hate gardening. Am I being naïve?
While it is impossible to have a totally maintenance-free garden, there are many options in the design stage, which would reduce the needed to spend significant time on the final creation. For example, a careful choice of plants and the use of more hard landscape than soft (less pruning etc to do). I'm sure however that having seen finished product, you would be a lot more enthusiastic!