🌿 The Garden Design Process Explained

From Initial Consultation to Final Planting

Designing a garden is a thoughtful and collaborative process — a balance of creativity, precision, and practical know-how. Whether you envision a tranquil retreat, a space for entertaining, or a garden that simply feels more “you,” our role is to bring that vision to life with clarity and expertise.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with us.

1. Initial Consultation

Understanding you and your space
Every successful garden starts with a conversation. We begin with a site visit or virtual consultation to:

Understand your aspirations, lifestyle, and personal taste
Explore what’s working (and what’s not) in your current space
Discuss your budget and timeline
Assess the site’s key features: e.g. sunlight, soil, levels, views to enhance, views to hide and more

This is also your opportunity to get to know us, ask questions, and see if we’re the right fit for your project.

2. Site Survey & Analysis

Precision lays the groundwork
Accurate site information is essential. We use a professional Survey Company to carry out a full topographical survey, recording dimensions, levels, existing features, and conditions to ensure complete accuracy.

3. Concept Design

Creative ideas begin to take shape
This stage brings together inspiration and insight. We’ll present:

A bespoke layout plan showing the overall structure of your garden. Layout is key - This stage shows options on how you could use the space based on how you live, work, play, relax.
Digital Mood boards illustrating materials, planting style, and visual direction

You’ll have the chance to reflect, provide feedback, and refine the concept until it aligns perfectly with your vision.

4. Detailed Design

Turning ideas into a build-ready plan
Once the Layout is approved, we develop the design in both technical and visual areas:

including:

3D visuals and Renders: these will really bring the design to life and help you fully visualise your new garden and imagine the space more clearly, during both day and night.
Scaled master layout plans
Detailed planting plans, lists and visuals (with species, quantities, and placement) our favourite part!
Technical drawings if required for bespoke elements (pergolas, seating, water features, etc.)
Lighting and irrigation plans (where applicable)
Project Specification and Material Specification

These plans allow for accurate quoting and smooth implementation by our recommended contractors.

5. Quoting & Contractor Liaison

A recent garden design under construction

Ensuring clarity and confidence
We’re happy to collaborate with your chosen landscaper or introduce trusted professionals we’ve worked with previously over many years. During this phase, we can:

Assist with reviewing quotes
Clarify materials and methods
Provide support in aligning costs with your budget

Should you wish, we can also oversee the project on-site to ensure the design is executed to the highest standard.

6. Garden Build & Planting

Bringing the design to life
With construction underway, your garden begins to take shape. This stage typically includes:

Groundworks and hard landscaping
Soil preparation and improvement
Precision planting
Installation of lighting, features, and finishing touches

We’ll remain closely involved throughout, ensuring the integrity, quality and detail of the design vision is maintained from start to finish.

7. Aftercare & Support

Helping your garden thrive
A beautifully designed garden deserves ongoing care. We provide:

A tailored plant care guide
Advice on seasonal maintenance
Recommendations for trusted gardeners if needed
Optional follow-up visits to monitor progress and suggest refinements - we always love to see how our gardens our flourishing.

Ready to Begin?

If you're considering transforming your outdoor space, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Whether you're starting with a blank slate or seeking to elevate an existing garden, our design process is grounded in expertise, creativity, and a deep understanding of outdoor living.

📩 clare@parmegardendesign.com
📞 07971 105324
📍Chester and surrounding villages (eg Willington, Tarvin, Waverton, Christleton, Tarporley, Kelsall, Malpas, Rowton, Guilden Sutton, Kelsall, Farndon, Little Budworth), Wirral (eg Prenton, Oxton, Bidston, Heswall, Caldy, Neston), North Wales border (Rossett, Pulford, Burton, Llay, Gresford, Marford)

what does the garden design process involve?