Follow up Services
After the initial design has been completed, I can provide a one off or more regular reviews of how the garden is progressing. This can be assistance with maintaining the garden or suggesting new plants to add to the scheme.
Planting Plans
Sometimes it is only the soft landscaping elements of the garden that need attention. Help with designing and planting a new or updating an existing border can be provided. After visiting the site and discussing any wishes you may have planting plans and plant lists will be drawn up and agreed with you, along with the supply and planting of the plants.
Garden Consultation
There could be a problem area in the garden (trying to hide an unsightly view or bins), there is an area where nothing seems to grow, help is required to link two areas of the garden together or you would just like some pointers to kick start your own thoughts towards developing your garden. A consultation may be more suitable in these cases along with a plan (either a written document detailing recommendations or a drawing showing alterations to the area).
Project Monitoring
Project Monitoring of the build can be provided as an additional service for the design provided or as a standalone service. Once the work has been successfully put out to tender the build process will be managed on your behalf, acting as a liaison between the contractor and the client, monitoring progress, contacting suppliers such as nurseries or furniture companies and highlighting and helping resolve issues.
Maintenance Plans
Once the garden has been built and all the soft landscaping has been planted up, the garden will need some ongoing maintenance. If this is something that you feel you would like assistance with I can provide several options,Maintenance plan (PDF document), whether you would prefer to have a PDF document that highlights the tasks that need to be carried out each month followed by more detailed descriptions behind itMaintenance plan (online) or whether you would like an online subscription (through Shoot Gardening), where the plant list will be uploaded and any additional tasks added (e.g. power washing terrace or moving tender plants undercover for winter). This will then send you a monthly alert of with a note of the tasks.
Assistance finding a gardener: If time is in short supply and having someone to come in on a regular basis would make life easier (whether this is every week, a few hours once a month to keep on top of any weeding or the lawn or even seasonally to keep the hedge in shape) I can help finding skilled gardeners who will take care of your garden.
Garden Writing
I regularly write a column for Yorkshire Living magazine covering anything from monthly tips on what to do in the garden, growing fruit and vegetables (whether you are interested in creating your own mini allotment or would like to intersperse a few crops in your borders) or which flowers will add interest to your garden in a particular month. Copies are available in various outlets around York and the surrounding area, including estate agents, wine bars, boutiques and department stores.
Please feel free to also have a look at my blog page, covering a wide range of topics from gardens I have visited, seasonal interest and what are the hot trends in gardens for this year.
If you feel that I could help with any writing projects please get in touch.
Talks
I am always happy to give talks or run workshops, typical topics have included,
What to think about and where do you start when considering designing a small space.
Planting for year round interest, whether in a garden or in containers for smaller areas.
If you would like to consider a talk for your group please feel free to contact me and discuss your requirements or any topics that would be of interest.