Frequently Asked Questions
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
When planning a garden design project, there are many questions which spring to mind.
Here are those regularly asked of our team at Bel Grierson Garden Design Ltd
DESIGN AND INSTALLATION COSTS
"How much do you charge for Garden Design Plans?"
Typically fees for a Garden Design Package start from £1950+vat for a small design project and from £2950+vat for medium - larger gardens depending on the site conditions and complexity of the project. It's very much dependant on the size and scope of the garden and the list of requirements. The larger and more complex a project, the longer it will take to design and the more detail will be required. We provide Garden Design Packages which contain CAD 2D Design Plans and 3D Photo Realistic Garden Visuals, Scope of Works, Setting Out Plans, Site Survey Documents etc. i.e. all of the documents you need to have your dream garden created.
Want to know what's included in a Garden Design Package? Take a look at this article for more info: Garden Design Package
"How much do you charge for Planting Design Plans?"
Typical fees for a Planting Design Package start from £850+vat for a small garden and from £1500+vat for medium - larger gardens. It's very much dependant on the size and scope of the garden and the style of planting. We create Planting Design Packages which contain, 2D CAD Planting Plans, a Plant List, Bespoke Plant Encyclopedia and Maintenance Schedule, Mood Boards, general Care Guides and supporting documents etc. i.e. all of the documents required to transform your planting areas.
We are happy to simply create the Planting Design Package for you to plant up yourselves. If you would like us to design, clear, prep the soil and plant then we have a minimum size area of 50 sq/m, in order to be cost effective for the client and time efficient for ourselves.
Want to know what's included in a Planting Design Package? Take a look at this article for more info: Planting Design Package
"How much does a full Garden Design Transformation cost?"
The cost of transforming a gardens relates to the size of the garden, the site conditions, scope of the project, requirements list etc, so each garden project is different. When it comes to transforming a site into the garden of your dreams, we advise clients to budget for £30k+ for design, installation and planting for a small garden. Medium sized gardens can range from £40-90k+ depending on the access around the site, site conditions, the wish list and the materials selected for the project. If you are lucky enough to have a larger garden then be prepared to spend from £100k and above to achieve a wow factor garden with the features you require.
For more info on budgeting for a Garden Design Transformation, Check out this article: Budgeting for a Garden Design Transformation
"How much does a Planting Design Transformation cost?"
The cost of transforming a gardens relates to the size of the garden, the site conditions, scope of the project, requirements list etc, so each garden project is different. A stand alone Planting Design Package can cost just £850+vat for a small area, but if you would like us to arrange for clearance of existing planting, improvement of the soil, plant sourcing and planting then that will add to the overall costs. Typically a full transformation including Design, clearance, ground prep and planting of a space of 50 sq/m+ costs in the region of £6k+vat including hire of machinery, skips etc. If you have a larger space requiring a Planting Design Package, clearance, ground preparation and planting then expect to spend from £10k - £30k+ depending on the size of the area / garden, access etc.
For more info on budgeting for a Planting Design Transformation, Check out this article: Budgeting for a Planting Design Transformation
SERVICES
"Do I need a Garden Design Package or Planting Design Package?"
You may be looking for a complete overhaul of your current garden, to include new hard landscaping e.g. Paving, Pathways, Pergolas, Ponds, Lawn etc . If so then you'll be needing a Garden Design Package. Want to know what's included in a Garden Design Package? Take a look at this article for more info: Garden Design Package
If you already have your hard landscaping elements and you are happy to keep them insitu, but you would like to rejuvenate existing planting or to create new planted areas then you'll require a Planting Design Package. Want to know what's included in a Planting Design Package? Take a look at this article for more info: Planting Design Package
"Do you offer Full Garden Design Transformations?"
Yes we do, although we do not carry out the physical landscaping on our projects ourselves, we do have trustworthy teams we work with regularly who we can introduce you to. They are experienced professional landscaping teams who Bel has worked closely with for many years. Therefore communication is effective and the project handled professionally. Bel prefers to use her trusted landscapers on projects to ensure that the project runs smoothly and expectations are met.
"I'm just looking for Design Plans, not a full transformation, Is that possible?
Yes of course, we are happy to simply create garden design or planting packages for those who are planning to develop their garden over time or who have their own landscapers lined up for the project but more often than not, clients are looking to take the project further with a full design, installation and planting transformation which we can provide working in conjunction with our preferred contractors.
"I'm planning to install the garden myself, but I need help from a Designer to create the Plans and offer Inspiration. Can you help?"
Yes certainly, we are happy to help with self-build garden projects. If you have the necessary skills to landscape your own garden, we can offer the vision, expertise and 3D Design Plans you will need to create the Garden of your Dreams. We can create a Garden Design Package for you which would contain to-scale CAD drawn 2D and 3D plans, Setting Out Plans, Scope of Works etc and recommend materials and suppliers.
Want to know what's included in a Garden Design Package? Take a look at this article for more info: Garden Design Package
"Can you create a Planting Design and plant up our Garden?"
Yes certainly. We can produce a Planting Design Package and once approved, Bel will source the plants from her established network of suppliers and nurseries in the local area and across the UK and Europe. Bel is able to source plants for each project which are top quality and will establish and flourish in the garden. Bel will call on her trusted landscaping team to carry out any garden clearance and ground preparation and then Bel and her gardening team will plant up the garden.
Please note that for planting design and installation projects we have a minimum size area we will design and plant, in order to be cost effective for the client and time efficient for ourselves. Planting beds and borders must be in excess of 50 sq/m.
"Do you design small gardens?"
Yes but it will depend on the budget available. We are happy to create garden Design Packages for clients with small gardens, but we must be realistic. Gardens we design most often cost more than £30k to design, install and be planted by the professionals. We can just create plans for you if you don't have the funds for a full transformation yet, you want to phase the project or if you are looking to install the landscaping yourselves (see above).
For Planting Design Projects we have a minimum of 50 sq/m which requires designing and planting, to be sure that the project is cost efficient for the client and time efficient for ourselves.
"Do you offer Garden Advice Consultations?"
Yes, we offer Garden Advice Consultations for those simply looking for input and ideas from an expert, without committing to the cost of a Design Package or a Full Garden Transformation. See our Advice Consultations page for more info and to make a booking.
"Do you offer Garden Maintenance?"
No Sorry, we concentrate on designing and planting gardens. We do not carry out any garden maintenance tasks such as lawn mowing, weeding, pruning etc.
AVAILABILITY & TIMINGS
"How long is your waiting list?"
We are typically booked up between 1-3 months in advance with design work. This varies due to the seasons, level of enquiries, work load etc. See below for more info on how long it takes to complete a full transformation of a garden.
"How long will it take to transform my garden?"
Once commissioned, a project will be booked into our diary and the client made aware of the likely start date for the design work. We are typically booked up with design work for 1-3 months in advance. Once design work is underway, it usually takes 2-3 weeks to complete the design and send it out to the client.
Regarding installing the design, If you chose to employ one of our preferred Landscaping Teams, we are usually able to reserve a slot in their diaries to reduce the wait once we have the plans approved. Often, once the plans are approved the landscaping can start two - three months later depending on the Landscapers work load, time of year, scope of the project and the availability of materials.
If you chose to use a different Landscaping Team then once the design plans are complete and have been approved, we will share the project documents with your chosen landscaper for a quote for hard landscaping and/or ground prep. Quality Landscapers are typically booked up for 3-6 months in advance, so bear this in mind.
Once the landscaping has been completed, our team will plant up the garden within a few weeks.
So typically a full transformation entailing design, landscaping and planting can take 6-9 months to complete depending on which landscaping team you chose and the availability of materials.
Planting Design projects can operate with shorter time frames depending on the level of ground prep required and the season/weather.
Time frames are very flexible due to the season, weather, material availability and the current Covid measures.
OTHER
"How do you handle data collected such as contact details and website analysis?"
We take data handling seriously. Data collected is limited to basic info - name, address and contact details and we use Google analytics to analyse how visitors use our website, in order to improve the site and grow our business. We do not share data with any third parties and will only share clients contact details with suppliers once we have approval from the client. For more information on how we handle data, links to our General Privacy Notice, Website Privacy Notice and Cookies Policy can be found at the base of each webpage.
What our clients say about our services
Let’s have a chat about your project
"If you are looking for design expertise to make the most of your outside space, I can help. I'll design a garden which suits your style and practical needs"