The Garden design process
The garden design process is a collaborative journey, with each stage building on the last. I start by getting to know how you want to use your garden and what you hope to achieve.
From there, I develop a considered garden design, working with you throughout the process to refine the proposals. We’ll stay in regular contact, with opportunities to discuss the design and review progress at each stage before moving on to the next.
This takes place at your garden and gives us an opportunity to discuss what you would like to achieve, how you use the garden and your budget.
We'll look at the garden together, discuss what is currently working and what isn't, and consider the possibilities for the space.
The consultation is free of charge and with no obligation to proceed.
Initial Consultation
Following the initial consultation, I will send you a project outline and fee proposal, setting out the proposed scope of work and the associated fees for you to consider.
Once the project outline and fee proposal have been agreed and the deposit has been paid, I will develop a detailed client brief using the information gained in our initial meeting.
Client Brief
I will send the completed brief to you for approval before starting the design, so you can be confident that I have understood what you want from your garden.
The brief brings together what we have discussed about your requirements, preferences, lifestyle, budget and aspirations for the garden. It ensures that we have a shared understanding of what the design needs to achieve and provides a clear foundation for the design work.
I will carry out a site survey appropriate to the project. This establishes the physical characteristics and constraints of the garden and can include measurements and levels, soil type and pH, aspect, access, boundaries, buildings, existing planting and utilities, both above and below ground.
Where appropriate, I will also record the position and condition of existing plants and other features that are to be retained.
The information gathered during the survey provides the foundation for the design, helping to ensure that the proposals are practical, appropriate to the site and tailored to your requirements.
Site Survey
Using the information gathered from the site survey and the client brief, I develop an initial concept for your garden. This is presented through plans, sketches, mood boards and a written explanation of the proposals.
The concept design establishes the overall layout and character of the garden, including the main areas, circulation, planting areas and hard landscaping. It gives you a clear picture of how the finished garden could look and feel, without getting into the detailed design at this stage.
We can then discuss the proposals and make any necessary changes to ensure the design meets your needs before moving on to the detailed final design.
Concept design proposal
Detailed final design
Once you are happy with the concept design, I will develop it into a detailed final design ready to guide the construction of your garden.
The final design brings together all the agreed elements of the garden into a clear and practical set of drawings and information. The level of detail will depend on the project, it may include:
Final design plans
Planting Plans
Construction details
Detailed, scaled plans showing all the agreed elements of the garden. Where appropriate, these may be supplemented with sketches or 3D views to help illustrate the finished design.
Scaled planting plans showing the position of all proposed plants, trees and shrubs, together with any existing planting to be retained. These are accompanied by a planting schedule listing each plant by common and Latin name, quantity and size, with photographs to aid identification.
Detailed drawings and specifications for the hard landscaping, structures and other elements of the garden, as appropriate to the project. These can include materials, dimensions and construction details, together with electrical, lighting and plumbing requirements where applicable.
The completed information can be used to obtain quotations from landscape contractors and to guide the construction of the finished garden.
Supplementary services
Planting Advice and
Assistance
Project monitoring
Maintenance Plan
I can also provide any of these following extra supplementary services. These are charged separately and can be tailored to the requirements of the project.
I can make periodic visits during construction to help ensure that the design is being interpreted correctly and to liaise with landscapers, nurseries and other suppliers where appropriate.
I can provide advice and practical assistance with sourcing plants, preparing the soil and planting your new garden.
This can be particularly useful for larger or more complex planting schemes, where there may be a wide range of plants to position correctly.
A new garden can take time to settle in, and its maintenance needs change both throughout the year and over time.
I can provide a tailored, month-by-month maintenance plan covering seasonal tasks such as pruning, cutting back, feeding and general care. This gives you, or your gardener, a clear guide to what needs doing and when, helping your plants establish well and keeping the garden looking its best both throughout the year and as it matures.
Carleen Osborne Garden Design
Garden Design in the East Midlands.
© 2026 Carleen Osborne Garden Design. All rights reserved.