Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Finding the right garden designer for your perfect garden

What does a garden designer offer that I can’t do myself? Here are some frequently asked questions.

We all lead busy lives these days and only few of us are brave enough to attempt building a whole new garden from scratch. Whilst many of us are able to plant a garden and even turn our hand to putting up a shed or digging a border some of the larger jobs like walls, fencing, water features, patios and lighting are best left to a professional who can provide a fast, efficient, professional service. And how do you bring this all together? Well that’s the job of a garden design professional.

Designers come in all shapes and sizes and can provide anything from a short on-site consultancy to full construction and planting plans. A good garden designer will take time to work closely with you, discovering what makes you tick, offering a variety of solutions and recommending the best way of meeting your individual requirements.

How much does it cost?

Prices are normally about 15% of the total project price and you will more than appreciate the value by avoiding costly mistakes and possibly getting a garden beyond your dreams. Often we can save you money by spending your budget wisely. It’s likely that much cheaper design prices are boosted by higher construction costs so don’t be fooled that you’ll get the same service for a cheaper price.

If you are in the UK and would like an informal chat about your garden project please call us on 020 8542 0683 and talk to one of our designers.

What questions should I ask a designer when they visit me?

  • How long have they been established? There are many designers with few schemes under their belt and they may not have the breadth of experience you really need. When its your own garden and the job can be very messy its good to know that the design and contractor have proved himself on other projects.
  • Do they have local knowledge? Fisher Tomlin relies on local knowledge and local contractors so you get the best possible service.

 
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  • Is the garden designer a Registered Member of the Society of Garden Designers? Registered members of the Society of Garden Designers (www.sgd.org.uk) are assessed by their professional body and are a good guarantee of professionalism and competency. Andrew Fisher Tomlin is a fully accredited member and fellow of the Society, which is a great sign of our ability to create your ideal garden.
  • Who will build the garden? A good designer will have great contractors and be able to recommend contractors whom they have worked with for many years – a guarantee of quality. Our recommended contractors for example have all worked for us for at least 10 years.
  • Do they charge a call out fee? Some designers will ask for a fee before they’ll come and see you. If you do pay a fee make sure you check out their website first. Do they really create the sort of garden that inspires you? Fisher Tomlin will not charge a call out fee, we’ll explain budgets and fees and give you some ideas before you commit to a full design.
  • What sort of aftercare can you expect? Fisher Tomlin give you planting plans and plant lists, a monthly email newsletter giving you maintenance needs for that month as well as ideas to develop your garden and visits to ensure your garden is meeting expectations. We can replace plants that have failed and make sure our contractors guarantee any work that has been affected by poor weather.

 

  

What are the most important considerations to think about when setting out on a new garden project?

Well, the first step is to agree the underlying structure of your garden. Think about where you want to sit out, where you might catch the sun or, if your garden is overlooked, where you feel the most privacy. You might want to enjoy your garden 24 hours a day by lighting it, do you need grass and it’s maintenance or do you want, say, a low maintenance, environmentally friendly gravel garden? Have you got some favourite plants you’d like to integrate into the garden? You could take a theme, a colour or maybe create a collection of plants.

Top tips for designing your garden

There are lots to think about and if you are struggling or want the eye of an expert cast over your outdoor space a garden designer can lead you through the jungle! Here are some top tips.

  • Find out what you want to use your garden for. Is it for entertaining, relaxing, or for kids to play in?
  • Don’t even think of elaborate gardening schemes if you’ve got a hectic lifestyle. Simplicity is the key!
  • Get rid of clutter. Stick with a couple of good natural materials – Old York stone works well in traditional gardens, while contemporary styles could make use of natural hardwood.
  • Strike the right balance – ignoring the natural elements can leave some gardens looking cold and lifeless.
  • Don’t just pick a design that looks good in a brochure – it may not work for you, as every garden is individual.

 
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