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THE DESIGN PROCESS

Nicola’s design service can be easily tailored to fit around any project, but usually creating a new garden is a five-stage process, and will involve you right from the start.

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At the start of your journey to a beautiful new garden, Nicola begins with a visit to get a feel for your existing outdoor space. She’ll find out what you have in mind- how you might want your new garden to look and function. Don’t worry if you haven’t had a lot of ideas about what you want; Nicola is great at understanding your likes and dislikes and will be able to suggest different possibilities.

 

Shortly afterwards you will receive by post Nicola’s initial thoughts and a breakdown of the design fees. These are split into stages and relate to the natural stages of the design process.

Meeting you and
understanding your project

STEP ONE

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STEP TWO 

Developing the master plan

Developing the master plan If you wish to proceed, Nicola will then arrange a comprehensive survey of the garden.

 

The design work gets underway with the drawing of the masterplan. These plans detail the overall garden layout, including the garden’s key features and initial suggestions of materials. Nicola pays particular attention to ensuring that the garden connects coherently with the house and the wider surrounding landscape.

 

She uses a combination of computer-generated plans, hand-drawn visualisations and moodboards to present her concepts. She will talk through the plans with you in person. At this stage there is still plenty of flexibility and adjustments are easily made.

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Once the masterplan has been agreed and finalised, Nicola will then produce the technical drawings. These important plans provide key details of the design, such as measurements, levels, construction specifics, lighting, electrics, and irrigation. A landscaper will use these plans (along with the masterplan) to price the garden and to build the garden too.

Producing technical drawings

STEP THREE

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STEP FOUR

All about the plants

The exciting final stage is when Nicola produces planting plans to complement your new garden. Tailored to your garden’s aspect, soil conditions and style, the plans provide precise plant/tree varieties, their position on the masterplan and quantities. There is also a separate plan that details how spring and summer bulbs can be incorporated through your borders. All plants are detailed on accompanying moodboards too.

 

Nicola can also assist with plant sourcing, setting out and planting on site when the garden has been constructed. 

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Once your garden is complete, it's time to enjoy your new space and watch as it begins to flourish. If you need extra guidance to help with plant care, Nicola can offer additional support and maintenance guides.

 

She can also assist with long-term consultancy and check-ins to ensure that your garden continues to be a beautiful and welcoming space for many years to come.

Long-term garden development

STEP FIVE

STEP SIX

Enjoy your beautiful new garden

Be inspired by Nicola's recent gardens.

WHAT DO MY CLIENTS SAY 

“We selected Nicola Oakey Design having researched most of the local designers’ websites and after a short telephone conversation with those we shortlisted. What made Nicola stand out for us was that she clearly understood what we were looking for and gave us confidence that she would be able to come up with the contemporary garden design we were looking for. Once we had agreed to proceed, Nicola then produced a detailed landscaping plan and planting scheme. All the way through the design and landscaping Nicola worked with us to ensure our garden was what we wanted (not easy during lockdown). Nicola offers very professional but personal service. She made the process enjoyable and easy to understand for gardening novices. Nothing was too much trouble and she quickly replied to our sometimes daft questions. She has also helped us devise a maintenance plan for the garden so we can keep on top of it. We would recommend Nicola highly, we are totally delighted with the garden she has created for us and everyone that has seen it has said it looks amazing. We are really looking forward to seeing it grow and develop.”

Liam & Helen โ€“ Baston, Lincolnshire

  • Would Nicola produce a planting plan for my garden?
    Yes, Nicola can provide plans for gardens that need replanting rather than a complete redesign, subject to her availability and the size of the project. Please get in touch for more details.
  • What areas of the country does Nicola work in?
    Generally in Rutland and its surrounding counties (Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire). Projects further afield are also considered, so please get in touch.
  • Iโ€™m planning a new extension to my home; at what stage should I bring in a garden designer?
    It is never too early to consult a designer โ€“ especially once the architectโ€™s plans are available. Involving a garden designer early in the project helps ensure continuity across home and garden.
  • Can Nicola offer garden maintenance?
    Sadly not, but Nicola can supply detailed plant maintenance plans as a part of her comprehensive design package.
  • Does Nicola also build the gardens?
    No, but Nicola is happy to recommend local landscapers who she frequently works with on garden design projects. She is always available during the landscaping works to answer queries, or advise on any design alterations. Once the build-phase of the project is complete, Nicola usually then supplies and plants the garden.

JOIN US IN THE GARDEN

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