Concept Design
A Concept Design does a lot of the decision making for you. Where should I put my veggie beds? Or my hot tub? How big should the deck or patio be? What plants would be suitable for this area of my garden?
As well as layout and plant suggestions a concept design provides you with a full site plan you can implement at your own pace.
A garden that functions well needs to be designed around the people that use it. It’s a natural space artificially and intentionally designed for human pleasure.
A successful garden utilises space to its fullest potential. It seamlessly connects one space to another and makes the journey between them effortless and intriguing.
Once these functional spaces have been formed and placed within a framework of lifestyle, taste and environment they can be dressed with plants.
Designing from experience…
My designs provide a level of detail that aims to create a unified whole throughout the garden from the raw materials to the plants themselves. From what you walk upon to what you brush up against.
From council estates to the houses of statesmen I have worked in gardens. I have witnessed what works and what doesn’t. I always have dirt beneath my fingernails and it’s from here that I design my gardens. From the ground up.
A Concept Design always starts with a consultation. It ensures that the garden is designed around the people that use it.
A Concept Design is probably right for you if…
You want to make the most of your outdoor space and improve your quality of life
You’re not sure how to achieve the look or the functionality that you want (and you’re too busy to become an expert on garden design yourself).
You’re willing to invest time and money into your garden
You see the value in having a blueprint that you can use to develop your garden as your budget/time allows
You want to work with an ally who will consider your goals and challenges thoroughly
You want to work with someone who is a good communicator and who genuinely loves plants and gardens
It’s probably not right for you if…
You’ve already decided what you want and you just want a “yes man” to do the job for the cheapest price
You want to jazz up your garden quickly in order to sell your property
“Sam has a wealth of botanical knowledge and understanding of what will flourish in the landscape, the soil type, suit the space and tailoring the garden design to complement the style of the surrounding architecture and landscape.
Sam’s natural ability and transformational approach to design has been valued throughout and we have no hesitation in recommending Considerate Design to prospective clients.”
- Julie & Rob, Whanganui
What else is involved in the garden design process?
A concept design includes…
An illustrative full site design
Notes on materials and hard landscaping features, their construction and dimensions
A plant palette - a list of plants that will work in certain areas of your new garden
A plant database - information and maintenance notes on each plant included in the plant palette
3D computer renderings of your future garden
Other FAQs
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This really depends on the size of the project but the design phase generally lasts around 2-4 weeks.
The implementation phase is likely to be spread over some time and will depend on the size of the project, your budget and the availability of subcontractors and materials.
In order to make sure we don’t “waste time” on the design process, I can liaise with subcontractors and get them booked in advance (which you would likely have to do anyway).
I’m happy to discuss all of this further during our design consultation.
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An initial garden design consultation in Whanganui is currently $275 + GST. Please see my price list for information on other services.
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Yes, I do. Please contact me for more information.
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The first step would be to contact me and arrange a garden design consultation.
(Nb. If we proceed to a concept design phase, the cost of the consultation will be removed from your invoice.)