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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
Provide as much information as you can to the designer about what you'd like to achieve.
Be absolutely honest about what you want and what you'd like to spend.
Ask questions about the process, designer, services and what you can expect for your money.
Sign off on a design brief prior to design commencement.
Be swayed by colourful language and empty promises...get it in writing.
Expect your designer to lash up a cohesive proposal on the kitchen table.
Ask your designer to copy what they have next door!
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
Be patient, gardens need a lot of thought and rushed proposals are rarely successful.
Call your designer the day before presentation with a new brief...unless of course you want to pay for a new design!
Keep calling, mailing and texting to check on progress!
Worry that you're doing the wrong thing.
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
Allow your designer plenty of time to communicate design ideas.
Make notes during a presentation.
Ask questions where anything is unclear.
Take a week or two to digest ideas before committing to a proposal.
Be open to innovative ideas.
Get excited about the process.
Have friends around to get as much input as possible.
Remunerate your designer for their wonderful work.
Include plenty of oooohs and aaaahhhs.
Dismiss suggestions with; 'nah that won't work there 'cause I have to get the bins past,'...at least not until the designer has had a chance to communicate all aspects of the proposal!
Say, 'We changed our minds, we're going to have it tarmac'd.'
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.
Ask questions about how things are being built.
Ensure the contractors are fully insured.
Ask your designer to confirm that elements are being constructed to specification.
Request that work is postponed if you're really unsure about anything.
Get to know your contractor.
Keep a photo diary of the implementation.
Give your contractor the benefit of the doubt.
Offer your hard working contractor a cup of tea and a chocolate hobnob
Hover around the construction site with a clip board, tape measure and spirit level constantly asking for updates.
Go on holiday for the duration of the build unless you're completely happy with everything.
Play practical jokes that involve ladders, machinery or scaffolding.
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
Compile a thorough snag list - on your own and separately with your designer.
Demand that any mistakes are rectified.
Ensure that any work is covered under a defect liability period.
Pay promptly if you're satisfied.
Say...'Well, you know, I'm not really sure if it's what I was after. Can you move the retaining wall 50mm to the left?'
Suddenly stop answering your phone or go into hiding when the contractor has to be paid!
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...
Ask for a maintenance program, it might cost a few euro but could save you a fortune.
Listen very carefully to what your designer says, take notes if necessary.
Engage with you garden, that's' what they're for.
Enjoy your new space.
Keep on top of maintenance. Little and often is the best way.
Employ a professional to maintain it if you don't fancy it yourself.
Invite your designer/contractor round once a year - at least for the first two years - to review performance.
Don't...
Expect your garden to remain static. Gardens are dynamic living systems, constantly changing and evolving. Expect and embrace change.
Be afraid to change things that you feel need changing - you have to live there, your designer doesn'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.
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