top of page
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How can I schedule a consultation?To schedule a consultation, send me a message or phone me. See my Contact page for more information.
-
Do you offer follow-up services after the consultation?I offer follow-up services to assess the progress of your garden and provide advice as needed. See My Services page for more information.
-
Should I prepare anything for the consultation?It’s helpful if you have a list of your gardening goals and any specific challenges you’re facing. Photos of garden styles you like would also be useful.
-
What are your payment terms?Payment is due when the service has been completed, i.e. payment for the initial visit is required at the time of the visit. And for other services payments falls due when it has been delivered. See my Services for more information on what is delivered in each case.
-
Do you focus on eco-friendly and sustainable gardening?Absolutely! I advocate for sustainable gardening practices, including the use of plants for pollinators, organic fertilisers and weed control methods, and water-efficient techniques. I can provide guidance on creating an eco-friendly garden that supports local ecosystems.
-
What is the cost of a garden consultation?The cost varies depending on the length of the consultation and the size of your garden. The initial visit costs £60 for the first hour. Then £40 an hour charged to nearest 15 mins. The subsequent report and planting recommendations will usually cost between £300 to £500 but I should be able to give you a clear indication once I have conducted my initial visit.
-
How much will a border design cost?A border design catering to your tastes, budget, aspect soil type, etc. will normally cost between £150 and £300.
-
What about gardening for the benefit of wildlife?While ecological principles inform everything I do, the creation of gardens that are sanctuaries for wildlife is so crucial that I've dedicated a specific service to it. Embracing a wildlife-friendly approach doesn't mean sacrificing beauty; even the smallest of gardens in a suburban setting can become a buzzing haven for bees, butterflies, and birds under my guidance. I prioritise the selection of trees, shrubs, and perennials that not only enhance the visual appeal of your garden but also support a rich biodiversity. By integrating small ponds, bird baths, bee hotels, mini meadows, and native hedging, I design spaces that attract and nourish a variety of pollinators and wildlife. Beyond the aesthetic aspect, I offer natural alternatives for pest and disease management, share knowledge on conserving water, and suggest drought-resistant plantings. My extensive expertise allows me to create vibrant and colourful gardens without being limited to native species alone. I focus on selecting plants that are not only attractive to pollinators but also have long flowering periods, extending the garden's appeal and benefit to wildlife throughout the year. From planting the earliest flowering bulbs for emerging bumblebees, preserving seed heads in winter for birds, to creating leaf piles for hedgehogs, my aim is to craft gardens that are not just beautiful to look at but are also vibrant ecosystems. These gardens are safe for you and your family, offering a sanctuary for wildlife and contributing to a healthier planet.
-
How does a garden consultation work?We will start with an initial free phone chat to discuss your gardening goals and ascertain whether my service would be helpful to you. Once you decide to go ahead I will book a visit to your garden. A consultation visit will usually last approximately 1-2 hours depending on the size and complexity of your garden requirements. I will take extensive notes, photographs and measurements as required. I will then produce a report with an assessment of your garden identifying areas for change, new planting ideas and an action plan for its implementation. See the individual service descriptions for example costs.
-
What area do you cover?I am based in Tiverton. I cover an area about 30 mins drive from home. This means approximately: West: South Molton, North: Dulverton, East: Taunton and South: Exeter. If in doubt, please contact me to see if cover your area?
-
What forms of payment do you accept?I currently accept most debit and credit cards, payment via online banking and cash.
-
How long after the consultation will it be before I get my report?It usually takes 2 -3 weeks to bring together all the elements of my plan and return to you to share my conclusions and proposals. You don’t have to wait for my full report however if you want to get started as I will be able to give you jobs required for preparation, or discuss if you need to get contractors in for tree works or clearance or landscapers for layout changes.
-
What services do you offer?I provide garden design and garden consultation services and personalised planting advice to private garden owners. My services also include guidance on garden layout, plant selection, seasonal planting strategies, maintenance and sustainable gardening practices. I also provide a plant sourcing and selection service, if required. See my Services page for more information.
-
What is the cost of a garden design?The cost of a garden design is based on multiple factors such as garden size, survey requirements customer brief, etc. See the Service Descriptions for more information. Following the initial consultation I will produce a proposal customised to your needs and expectations along with a price for your garden design.
bottom of page