Emma will visit your garden and talk through practical issues, initial design ideas and budget. The meeting will establish how you want to use your garden and what you would like included in the design, such as areas for eating, sitting/relaxing, storage and screening.

Emma will then write to you confirming the design brief and a quotation for the cost of the work.

Once the quotation is approved, a site analysis takes place to assess the aspect, views, soil conditions, drainage, existing features and any other issues that may affect the design.

A full survey is carried out by Emma or, for larger or more complex sites, by a land surveyor looking at key boundaries, existing trees, shrubs and plants, other features and level changes.

A concept plan of the new garden is drawn up, using photographs, illustrations and hard landscaping materials to show you what the new garden will look like.

Once the concept plan has been agreed, a colour presentation is produced showing details of materials and features to be used. This is followed by a more detailed specification, with construction drawings if necessary for the contractor appointed to carry out the work.

Emma will help to choose a contractor suitable for your project, taking into consideration the location, project scale and materials to be used. Contractors are also chosen for their experience and combination of hard and soft landscaping skills, including stonework, planting bed preparation, tree planting and turf laying.

Once a contractor has been appointed, Emma will project-manage the garden build from beginning to end, making sure the construction follows to the agreed design and specification, and that the work is carried out to the highest professional standards.

After discussions, Emma will produce a planting plan regarding preferences, local conditions and plants that are suitable for the site. Plants are chosen for size, texture, form and colour, as well as maintenance level and suitability of soil.

Planting plans are produced showing the location and spacing of all plants selected for the garden, and a plant schedule lists the sizes and quantities for costing and ordering.

Delivery of trees and plants are managed by Emma, who is also responsible for planting on site.

Once the garden is completed, Emma revisits to monitor its development. Either a team can be set up or Emma will work with the team already in place to make sure the garden is maintained to keep it looking its best.