Steps in the design process 

Design Options

• Getting started (initial visit).
• Commissioning a full garden design service.
• Costs.
• Planting plans and planting.
• Choosing a landscaper.
  

Step 1- Initial consultation

• An initial consultation is a good way to start the design process.If you have a small garden and just need advice ,then this may be all you require.
• For a small fee we will come to your home and walk round your garden with you,listening to your ideas and talking you through the process to get the garden you desire.
• You will get honest, friendly advice.
• You will then have an informed idea about the costs involved and how best to proceed with your plans.
  

Step 2 - The design consultation

• If,on the day of the consultation, you agree to commission a full design service from 'A Touch of France' Garden Design the consultation fee is waived,this waiver only covers consultations within the Hertfordshire area).
• At the consultation we will assess the site and your requirements.We will help you to decide what styles are suitable for your garden.We will also bring along books and photographs and samples for you to look through.
• Depending on the size of garden we should be able to give the design fee cost on the day of the consultation. This will then be confirmed in writing.
• At the end of the consultation,you should have a clearer idea of the possibilities for your garden and be in a position, if you wish, to commission a full design.
  

Step 3 - Full garden design

A full garden design by'A Touch of France' includes:

• A complete survey of the site including levels if required.( complicated level surveys may incur an equipment hire charge and extra labour costs.
• An on site analysis.
• A design proposal where alterations can be made and approved.
• The completed design drawn by hand in pen to scale with colour if requested (extra charge for colour)
• The design presented in a plastic sleeve with an extra black and white copy free of charge.
  

• The size of the plot.
• How complicated the design is.
• Whether you want the design to be as a design and build plan.
• Whether you want the design to be colour rendered.
  

Step 4 - Costs

The design will depend on:

Step 5 - Planting and planting plans

• We can be commissioned to plant up your entire garden or a specific area at a daily or hourly rate.
• After-care schedules can also be drawn up if requested.
• The style of planting required and the area to be planted can be discussed in the form of a consultation, planting plans are charged separately due to the time they can take to compile.
• Some clients may require just a planting plan for a specific border redesign.
  

Step 6 - Choosing a landscaper

• We will try to work to the individual client's budget as much as possible at the design stage and advise you on the possible costs to get the garden built.
• In order to get your project built we can organize one estimate for the hard landscape work if you require it.Estimates can take time to produce and therefore are dependant on the landscaper's availability during their busiest times.
• This service is also dependant upon the size of the job and the distances to travel.Further visits may incur extra costs.
• We will supply an extra black and white copy of the design free of charge in order for the client to then approach other landscapers for quotations at their request.
• We can oversee the project in order to ensure the landscaper's work is in keeping with the integrity of the design.This service is charged by the hour.
• Whilst suggestions for both landscape and lighting can be given,all contracts will be exclusively between the client and the contractors.
• 'A Touch of France' Garden Design accepts no liability for the contractor's work.