Having your garden designed is still a relatively new concept in Ireland. And while it continues to grow in popularity, the vast majority of people know very little about the process, let alone the important role they play in making it a success.

The degree of client participation in any garden design process is dependant upon the willingness of the client and designer to make it happen. Some designers request a large degree of input while others prefer none at all. The same can be said of clients. Over the past decade I’ve worked with clients whose participation amounted to know more than signing off on a completed project to others who wished to influence every stroke of the pen. There is no absolute right or wrong, but as with most things, too far in any one direction can cause unnecessary challenges. 

 

To get the most from their garden design experience I encourage clients to get involved as much as possible at specific stages. To help you understand the what, where, when and the dos, and don’ts of design participation, I’ve put together a short guide. 

 

 

Inception - the beginning of the design process.

 

A good design process begins with a good design brief. A design brief is a written statement/list that encapsulates what you wish to achieve. It represents the corner stone of the process. Don’t worry if you’ve not put one together before, a simple list of likes and dislikes is a good start and your designer should be able refine it for you. If you’re still not certain, ask the designer for a copy of their design questionnaire, which should provide an excellent start point and structure for initial input. 

 

It is vitally important that you input as much as possible during the inception phase and the development of the design brief. The more information you can provide, the more accurate the potential outcome. 

 

Spend time not money. To learn more about the inception stage, click here. 

 

Do and don’ts of inception participation

Do… 

Don’t…

 

Development - formation of design ideas

Design development is one stage that you‘re better taking a back seat, unless of course your designer requests it. From experience I’ve learned to have a design brief signed off prior to beginning work and to provide a cooling off/digestion stage after an initial meeting. The latter allows clients time to consider what was discussed at the initial meeting. There’s nothing worse for a designer than spending loads of time developing a cohesive proposal then being told ‘We were thinking about what you said and you’re right. We’d like to cut down the hedges, include a pond and put our patio at the rear of the garden?’  

 

Do and don’ts development input

Do… 

Don’t…

Presentation and refinement  

Second only to inception in importance, presentation and refinement reuwire a large degree of client input. This stage involves a designer communicating their ideas and clients/designers having discussing various elements. I typically start presentations by revisiting the brief, if your designer doesn’t, you might consider asking them to. Refinement refers to the finalisation/detailing of a proposal. Many designers present outline ideas - rough sketches, plans and supporting material - with a view to gauging client reaction and reducing overall costs. While not unusual, it happens more where a project is large/complex or where a process started with a weak brief. 

 

Do and don’ts

Do… 

Don’t…

Implementation - realising your garden

Even if you can’t tell one end of a shovel from another you shouldn’t be afraid to input into the construction stage. As a minimum you should try to input into three main stages of construction; 

 

1. Site clearance and setting out. Make sure you’re fully informed about what’s happening. If something seems unclear, say so. If your not satisfied with the answer, then delay work until you are.  Many clients are unnecessarily fearful of contractors and often at great expense. Remember, you are the client, boss and the buck stops with you. Setting out (marking out a design on the ground) is a hugely important phase in garden construction. Once a site has been cleared and marked I typically allow clients a couple of days to get used to the garden. It’s very easy to make alterations in marking paint, it’s not so easy with foundations! At the very least, make sure you’ve enough time to understand what’s being done and to any make changes. This is particularly important in Ireland as we have a cultural tendency towards saying nothing and suffering the consequences.

 

2. Construction of major elements. As I mentioned above, it’s important for you to understand what’s being done. If you’re not prepared to don your wellies and ask questions about how things are being constructed, then ensure you are employing somebody - independent of the contractor - who is. While contractors do not appreciate people hanging over their shoulders, they usually don’t mind explaining what’s happening.

 

Do and Don’ts of construction input.

 

Do…

Don’t…

Completion 

Another important time for you to input is upon completion. This is the part of the process where you sign off on the completed garden. If you’re not happy with finishes, then make sure you say so, there’s no point calling a few months later and complaining to the contractor that you’re not really happy - unless of course faults have come to light since completion. If that’s the case then you’ve every right to draw it to the contractors attention. If you’ve played an active role throughout the process, you probably won’t have much input upon completion, as any issues would have already been raised. 

 

Dos and don’ts of completion input

 

Do…

Don’t…

 

Aftercare.

Two key points here, 1.If you don’t intend to maintain your garden then employ a professional who will (preferably the one that did the installation). 2. If are intending to maintain the garden, ensure you know what needs to be done, for instance, ask your designer to put together a maintenance program.

 

Once the garden is completed, take ownership of it. I have many clients who felt almost afraid to move anything. It’s your garden, move what you like. Designers don’t know everything…although some think they do!

 

Dos and don’ts of aftercare.

 

Do…

Don’t…

Final note.

Try not to underestimate the role you can play in creating your garden. You don’t have to know anything about plants and gardens to know what you like and dislike. Getting involved in the process will provide you with a connection and sense of ownership, which are both extremely important. As I always say, unlike your interior, which might be redecorated and furnish every few years, a well designed and constructed garden should provide a lifetimes enjoyment. So get involved, play your part and reap the rewards.