From a first idea
to a useful drawing.

Agree what the garden needs to do before deciding what goes in it.

This is an illustrative design process. Confirm deliverables and responsibilities in your project agreement.

Begin with the everyday

Describe how you use the space now and what is difficult about it. Include the practical things: bins, storage, pets, access, shade and where muddy shoes come off.

Prepare for the conversation

Photograph the garden from each corner and from the house.
Mark features that must stay, including useful plants.
Write a budget range and a realistic maintenance preference.

Understand the ground

Establish the dimensions, orientation, levels and relevant constraints. Decide who supplies survey information and whether specialist input is needed before design progresses.

A rough sketch helps the discussion; it is not a replacement for verified site information.

Arrange & review

Review circulation and the relationship between planted and usable space. Discuss the concept as a whole before refining materials and planting.

Gather feedback into one agreed set of notes. The number of revision rounds belongs in the scope, alongside the drawing format and intended use.

Resolve the details

Confirm the level of detail needed by whoever will source or install the garden. Plant quantities, dimensions, specifications and care information depend on the agreed commission.

Changes on site, substitutions and future maintenance remain explicit responsibilities rather than assumptions.