Select the appropriate format , fill in the garden design questionnaire print it out and send it to us with photos of the garden and a plan of the garden. At this stage the plan of the garden does not need to be measured exactly, pacing out the area and marking any existing structures will suffice. Please include drain covers and also let us know the direction of any garden slopes . We are unable to design gardens which are on steep slopes as a site visit would be necessary to measure and assess the garden. If there are specific areas of the garden for example in shade or waterlogged mark such areas on the plan.
As many as possible and from as many different angles and heights as possible. Simple designs may only need two photos though. Please try to include a standard item eg a spade/wheelbarrow/dustbin etc so that we can visually judge the scale of the photographs .
The scaling of the photos (as mentioned above) combined with a rough pacing out of the area should suffice initially, exact measurements can be made after agreeing the cost of the project . Details of how this should be done and what needs to be measured will be emailed , as it may not be necessary to measure every part of the garden.
It is essential to know the PH (potential hydrogen ions) of the soil for the purpose of choosing suitable plants. A simple soil testing kit may be purchased in most garden centres ,when collecting the soil for testing always take a small amount from slightly different areas , mix them together and then test a small sample of this. Those with a reasonable amount of plant knowledge will also know from indicator plants what the PH of their soil is, eg Rhododendriums /Azaleas/ Camellias & Pieris all grow in acidic soil. Whereas Philadelphus Rosemary/Lilac/Cotoneaster/Forsythia & Euonymous can tolerate very alkaline soils.
What kind of soil do I have
Heavy clay soil a hand full of damp soil when squeezed feels sticky and turns into a dough like ball, it feels heavy and cold and can be pushed into different shapes it forms a shiny smear on the outside when rubbed. Loam clay soil will hold together but not to the same degree and will not form a shine on the outside when smoothed .Sandy soil will crumble and feel gritty when squeezed it will not compact into a ball shape. Silty soil feels silky smooth .Silty loam imprints left when prodded with a finger still feels silky. Depth of top soil ,dig a hole the top soil will eventually turn a different colour and texture when the sub soil is reached.
Yes a rough guide to the construction cost is essential. However regional labour / material / plant cost variations make it impossible to give an exact costing..
Can I specify the percentage spent on landscaping/structures etc
Yes. if you wish to do this we will work within those figures as best we can. If you know how much you want to spend on items eg summer houses then inform us at the outset when filling in the questionnaire .
Who will do the construction work
We do not organize the construction of the design unless it is in Devon .In this case we will be able to undertake the whole project from start to finish should you wish us to . After the garden design plans have been drawn we will visit the site and follow this with a written estimate .
What is the Easy Design format
The design will be left entirely up to us . Just send a few photographs and leave the rest up to us. The design will consist of a plan drawing and a 3 D picture of the finished garden. The cost of this is £65 ( paid in advance).
The Easy Design format costs a set £ 70 , however for the other formats there is no one figure .Each garden and garden design is completely unique & therefore varying amounts of time will have to be spent on each project as each brief will be different . When the photos have been received & the brief studied the cost of the work will be calculated and the client informed .The client at this point can decide to proceed with the design work or not. Note .There is an initial £15 non returnable deposit to cover this work which is made payable at the outset. If you decide to proceed then this amount is waived. 50% of the cost is paid in advance and the remainder on completion.
How do I contact Ace Garden Services
Via the internet, email us at acegardens@hotmail .com .We will usually be able to reply within 48 hours.