The Bespoke Garden Design Process
Designing a large garden well takes time. The process at Gregson-Brown Design moves through five stages, from the first conversation to the moment the planting establishes. Each stage builds on the last, with clear deliverables at every step and an honest conversation at every decision point. Most projects take between three and six months from first meeting to construction starting, and a further season or two for the planting to come into its own.
Discover
Every project begins with a detailed site visit to understand the unique characteristics of the space and how you want to use it. We look at soil conditions, aspect, prevailing winds, natural light, existing vegetation, levels, drainage, and the relationship between the garden and the surrounding architecture.
Where available, we review architectural plans, topographical surveys, and existing site data to build a thorough understanding of the context. This is also the stage where we listen. To how you live, how you want to use the garden, and what matters most to you.
Discover is about gathering the information that will inform every decision in the design that follows. It typically takes two to three weeks.
Concept
The concept stage is where the design takes shape. Working from the agreed brief and the survey information, we develop the creative direction for the garden through three connected pieces of work.
A mood board captures the tone, texture, and planting character of the proposed design. It serves as a visual starting point and a way of aligning on direction before any drawing begins.
A detailed 2D concept plan sets out the layout of the garden, including the placement of key features, pathways, planting zones, and spatial relationships. The plan is collaborative and refined based on your feedback to ensure it reflects the vision for the space.
Photorealistic 3D visualisations bring the proposed design to life, allowing you to see and experience the garden before anything is built. This gives confidence in the direction and helps inform decisions on materials, planting, and spatial arrangement.
Elaboration
Once the concept is approved, we develop the design into the detailed technical drawings that guide the build.
Hard landscaping documentation covers layouts, levels, materials specifications, and construction details. These drawings provide the contractor with everything they need to price and build the garden accurately.
Our planting design philosophy is rooted in naturalistic planting, working with species that suit the site conditions and complement the surrounding landscape. We produce detailed planting plans specifying every plant, its position, size at planting, and quantity, and source from trusted nurseries to ensure quality and availability.
A considered lighting scheme is developed alongside the planting and hard landscaping. This covers functional lighting for access and safety as well as atmospheric lighting to bring the garden to life in the evening. We specify fixtures, positions, and effects to ensure a seamless installation.
Establish
With the detailed design complete, we prepare comprehensive tender documents covering the full scope of work, material specifications, quality standards, and timelines. These give contractors a clear and precise understanding of the project, enabling accurate and competitive pricing. Throughout this process, we act as your advocate, ensuring the team chosen is the right fit and fully equipped to deliver the design.
During construction, we can provide oversight to ensure the design is delivered as intended. This includes regular site visits, coordination with contractors, and proactive management of any issues that arise, keeping the project on track, on budget, and built to the standard expected.
Thrive
The garden does not stop at handover. We provide detailed aftercare guidance to ensure you have the knowledge needed to nurture the garden in its early years and beyond.
Should you require ongoing maintenance and care, we can offer continued support. Gardens are living spaces that evolve over time, and with the right attention they only get better with age.
Start Your Garden Design Journey
Tell us a little about your space and your vision, we'll be in touch to arrange a consultation.