My 7-Step Process to Crafting A Breathtakingly Beautiful Japanese Garden
I have been designing Japanese gardens since 1999, and using my 7-step process to crafting a breathtakingly beautiful Japanese garden, I have created hundreds of gardens over the years for satisfied clients.
Each detailed, hand-drawn, to-scale design is unique and created specifically to the client’s brief and preferences.
The basic process of your jAPANESE gARDEN design would be as follows:
First Contact
Telephone contact is made with the client and the details of the project are discussed. Approximate size, complexity, etc are discussed and a design fee is finalised. A first appointment on site is scheduled to measure and assess.
Site survey & assessment
I measure up the site, noting all access points & hinging of doors, gradient of the site, orientation, assess microclimate (sun/shade) and soil conditions, and determine if there is any bedrock present. All electrical points, taps, drains, gutter downpipes, existing irrigation, etc, are noted. The position of any large existing trees or shrubs that are not going to be removed are noted. During this process I note all the different locations and windows from which the garden will be viewed, noting windowsill heights and how the windows are hinged to ensure optimal viewing of the garden and that no shrubs planted will hamper window function. I also assess if there is anything that needs to be concealed (eg: gas bottles, bin or compost areas, etc) and whether there is any attractive ‘shakkei’ or ‘borrowed scenery’ that can be included. Photos of the site are taken from many different angles.
Note:
Client Briefing
Ideally, if you have a partner they should be present for this. I discuss the client’s requirements with them in great detail: how they will be using the garden, their lifestyle, whether they have pets or young children who’s needs must be taken into account, whether they entertain a lot, if they would like a seating area (either a bench or a table and chairs) in or adjacent to the Japanese area, ornamentation, colour preferences, plant preferences if any (for eg. If they definitely would like to include a Japanese Maple), whether a water feature is desired and if so what type, whether irrigation will be required or whether they intend watering by hand, lighting, etc. I ascertain whether they would prefer a very low maintenance garden, whether they have a regular gardener and whether they are hands-on gardeners themselves, possibly wanting some shaped or clipped trees and/or shrubs. This briefing and clearly ascertaining and understanding the client’s needs is crucial to ensure that the design will suit the client and their property perfectly. This briefing is ideally done during the first meeting on site, after the measure up and assessment, or it can be done over the telephone or via email.
jAPANESE gARDEN Design
A detailed unique hand-drawn to-scale design (birds-eye view) is prepared for the client based on the briefing. An initial plant, material and ornamentation list is drawn up and a collection of photos of proposed plants and ornaments is prepared.
Presentation
Presentation of the design to the client including photographs of proposed plants, ornamentation and other materials such as rocks, gravel, pebbles, pots, etc. The design is explained in full to the client. A detailed written explanation of the design is also provided. A mood board or samples (eg. Pebbles, gravel) can be provided if required. This is done in person or if it is a remote client this can be done via email or an online video session.
Finalisation of design
Once the design has been discussed and finalised, a final plant and material list of everything that will be required to complete the project is prepared which is provided to the client along with the design.
Implementation
The client then has several options when it comes to implementation of the design. They can tackle the project themselves or they can appoint a landscaper to implement the design. Alternatively, installation and implementation of the design can be arranged through a trusted associate and suppliers. I am available to project manage and/or consult throughout this process, charged at an hourly basis. If the client is local, site visits can be made if required. Travelling time would be charged for at suggested AA rates per mile. If accommodation is required that would be for the client’s account. If a client is remote, advice and consultations can be done online via video calls to ensure that the design is implemented perfectly. If necessary, advice on finishing touches to other areas around the home and/or adjacent patio or pool areas can also be given to ensure a good flow and continuity throughout the property.
A design includes a hand drawn, to-scale drawing (birds eye view) of the proposed garden along with a plant, materials & ornamentation list. Types of plants, shrubs and trees would be listed, and colours or varieties suggested, along with approximate quantities and sizes. A material list of items such as bags of gravel, pebbles, rocks, reservoir, pump, and so on would be provided along with suggested quantities and colours where applicable. A suggested ornamentation list would also be supplied detailing which ornamentation would be suggested, description, type, colour and size. Photos of all suggested plants, materials and ornamentation will be provided.
The price of the design for a Japanese garden is entirely dependent on the size and complexity of the site and the project (and location should I be travelling) and whether mood boards and/or samples or sourcing will be required. Consultation per hour would cost £60 (plus travelling time and costs if applicable). Repeat consultations can be arranged at a slightly discounted rate, especially if several will be required in order to complete a project. The cost to design a garden would range from approximately £600-£800 for a very small garden up to £2500 for a larger garden. Please do feel free to enquire about what your particular project may entail.
I am also available for public speaking engagements, talks or informative garden nursery tours. My fee would depend on the situation, size of the group in question, circumstances and location. A rough guide would be £40 – £60 per hour plus travelling costs. Please do feel free to enquire.