Charminster, Dorset Landscape Architects and Garden Designers

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Featured Reviews for Charminster, Dorset Landscape Architects and Garden Designers

PDGroundscape

Charminster, Dorset Landscape Architects and Garden Designers

1 February 2021

“PD Groundscape carried out a large garden landscaping project for us which we are extremely pleased with. Paul is very hard worker and always showed up on time, no matter what the weather was - sleet, wind and even snow! He finished on time and within budget and gave every decision a great deal of thought and consideration. We would not hesitate to recommend him.”

ann balmforth GARDEN DESIGNS

Charminster, Dorset Landscape Architects and Garden Designers

24 May 2015

“We wanted to turn our garden into a relaxing space, that offered privacy from neighbouring properties. From our very first consultation with Ann, I felt completely at ease that we would be delighted with the end result. She took time to probe our high level thinking and really explore what we wanted to use our garden for, from entertaining and barbecues, to relaxation, and even what wildlife we wanted to attract. Ann took soil samples and went through in some detail what plants we wanted, and whether we wanted a garden that required a lot or little maintenance. She made it clear that she wanted to create a garden that integrated with our lifestyle. We discussed budget and timescales openly, which for us meant a design that we could implement in stages over a 3-4 year period. Ann worked very quickly and in just a couple of weeks she delivered the outline design to us in person taking the time to talk though her design and thinking. It took us by surprise, in a positive way. It defined a very creative use of what is a relatively large (but sloped) space, and incorporated all of the requirements we had specified, and on top of that had a 'wow' factor, that we could never have imagined. Over the next few weeks, Ann firmed up the design and provided several other views including construction plans for the landscapers to use, and planting plans. Each phase had an estimated costing, so we can understand clearly what we are heading into. We're massively excited about implementing Ann's design and watching it come together to transform our home life. Throughout the whole design process Ann was attentive, extremely personable, and her passion for her work was both obvious and engaging. The end result is beyond anything we imagined. I thoroughly recommend her garden design services. Andrew”

Jenny Noscoe Garden Design

Charminster, Dorset Landscape Architects and Garden Designers

6 August 2019

“We have had a memorial garden designed and landscape by Jenny who has done an amazing job. The team worked really well within the time needed to get the garden ready and now it looks wonderful. It has now won an award in the Wimborne in Bloom competition. She has produced everything we asked for and more.”

Ed&Dale Garden Design Dorset & South Hams

Charminster, Dorset Landscape Architects and Garden Designers

25 September 2019

“Graham has transformed a very scruffy, unloved and unusable space into a spacious, secure private parking area, leading seamlessly into a beautifully landscaped, south-facing garden and making the most of a stunning view over Bournemouth's Upper Gardens which appear to be a continuation of my garden to the horizon. At the same time, he has sensitively incorporated features to make the garden and my flat wheelchair accessible with secure covered parking and charging point for my mobility scooter and a suntrap deck accessible from my living room. I commend Graham for his insight and attention to detail and supervision of the works and could not be more pleased with the resulting creation as it nears completion.”

Alice Meacham Gardens

Charminster, Dorset Landscape Architects and Garden Designers

7 December 2016

“I asked Alice for advice on redesigning my garden in reshaping the path, choosing suitable plants and how to encompass a new shed suitable for the new environment. Alice understood my needs really quickly and came up with the design of the path which flows and compliments the natural materials of my house. The path curves beautifully and creates a desire to explore and see beyond. She has cleverly hidden my shed with planting and chosen specimens which allow the garden to look great all year round. Alice's plant knowledge was vast Alice was efficient, clear and on time with her delivery in an estimate, drawing and organisation of the works to be carried out. The garden was left clean and tidy and on budget. I was more than happy to pay what I consider to be a reasonable rate, for such a high quality piece of work and creative design.”

Katherine Crouch Garden Design

Charminster, Dorset Landscape Architects and Garden Designers

12 September 2015

“I was very pleased with the overall service I received from Kath. I have a small courtyard garden which she designed, built and planted. Kath and her team were extremely professional while carrying out the job and I can't recommend her highly enough. I have had many lovely comments about my garden and well deserved they are! Thank you Katherine Crouch for my superb outside space!”

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Whatever your Charminster, Dorset garden looks like, and whatever its size, you can probably benefit from the services of a Charminster, Dorset garden designer or landscape architect. If you want to completely overhaul the look of your garden or perhaps just make some smaller changes but don’t know where to start, hiring a garden design professional in Charminster, Dorset is the first step. Not only can a landscape architect design a garden that a Chelsea award winner might be proud of, they can also completely change the value of your Charminster, Dorset home by looking at your landscape architecture as a whole. The work of a landscape architect serves much more than your garden; it makes the most of your outdoor space in a way that showcases your entire home. Landscape architects and garden designers do differ in the types of services they offer so it’s best to have some idea as to what you want to achieve before hiring a professional.

Do I need a garden designer or landscape architect?

Although there are similarities between both professions, there are some key differences which you will need to consider when choosing the right landscape architect or garden designer or firm for your job in Charminster, Dorset.

Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to hire a fully qualified Charminster, Dorset landscape architect and not a garden designer. Typically, a landscape architect would be needed for larger jobs that may involve structural changes or reconstructing the garden.

What is a landscape architect?

Much like architecture, surveying or accountancy, landscape architecture is a chartered profession. In order to become a fully fledged landscape architect, you will need to have a degree and need to study ‘on the job’ to qualify. Additionally you will need to be a member of a qualifying and regulation authority of the profession such as the Landscape Institute.

A landscape architect will handle all design, supply, construction and administrative elements of your garden or landscaping project. They will take into account your needs, the climate and unique advantages and constraints of the landscape architecture. Typically, work will be based on ecological and environmental considerations, and a garden will be planned not only to look its best but also to facilitate future maintenance and growth so that it continues to flourish. A landscape architect can also design any outdoor buildings that are to be featured in your garden. Everything from design blueprints through to the plants themselves should be provided by your landscape architect. If there is other architectural development taking place on your site, bring the landscape architect in as early as possible.

The expertise a landscape architect can apply to understanding your space and the natural environment could be vital to planning your project. Let your Charminster, Dorset landscape architect work closely with your architect, surveyor and any other contractors in order to develop landscape architecture that works with any other construction. This is important from a design perspective as well as on a practical level – changes to the grading of a landscape and modifications such as drainage can have serious implications on the viability of your land for extensive building and structural works. In order to resolve any planning permission issues, submit all applications for building and landscape architecture together, well ahead of the project.

What is a garden designer?

Garden designers will provide a complete service, including planting plans, hard landscape elements (paths, walls, paving, decking) and special features such as water features, lighting and garden furniture. A Charminster, Dorset garden designer can do design-only work for their clients and work with a garden contractor to finish the job or complete the whole thing themselves.

A garden designer has a different career path to a landscape architect so it is not essential to have a degree. Many garden designers will complete several courses to learn about their profession and to hone their skills - some will also eventually go on to become landscape architects.

The scope of garden designers, or landscape gardeners, is often more limited to green space projects which will optimise your existing outdoor space rather than altering the landscape architecture as a whole. Whereas landscape architects specialise in the structural aspect of garden planning and building, garden designers will carry out projects that are of aesthetic and horticultural value. Landscape gardeners will make your garden the best version of itself with features such as walkways, patios, water features, fences and lighting, as well as choosing the right plants, trees and flowers. The practical role of a garden designer may vary by firm – some offer just the plans, requiring a separate contractor, while others fulfil the project in its entirety, from conceptualisation of the landscape gardening to construction. Don’t be put off by the former if you happen to find a good garden designer that you like – he or she will have local industry connections to introduce you to quality, reliable gardening professionals with whom they have existing relationships. Here are some related professionals and vendors to complement the work of landscape architects & garden designers: Landscape Contractors, Garden & Landscape Supplies, Tree Services, Lawn & Sprinklers, Decks, Patios, Sheds & Summerhouses.

How do I choose good landscape architects or garden designers in Charminster, Dorset?

When choosing your Charminster, Dorset garden designer or landscape architect, be sure to research their qualifications and look at examples of their previous work. Any good garden professional will have a portfolio of previous projects which can be used to assess their skill level and whether or not their style is in line with ideas you may have. Once you have shortlisted or chosen your architect or designer, an on-site meeting is essential so they can see exactly what they’ll be working with. Stay briefed on all plans and developments, both before and during the project as a plan you approved previously may change during the course of the project. Be very clear on your budget – just like plans, costs may alter while work is underway so ensure your professional keeps you informed and does not incur additional expense without approval. If you are open-minded and budget-conscious, consider approaching new graduates keen for experience, who may negotiate a lower rate than more experienced professionals.

Questions to ask prospective landscape architects or garden designers in Charminster, Dorset:

What do your services include?
Can you provide me with references?
How long have you been a landscape architect or garden designer?
What is your certification?
Do you have liability insurance?
How much do you charge, and what does that include?
What regions and climates are you skilled in?
Can you accommodate my special requests?
What types of renderings will you produce?
What is your experience with similar landscape architecture or garden projects?
When can you complete this project?
Who will be working on the project design?
What happens when costs exceed budget, whether due to materials or labor pricing changes?
What about changes made by the client or by the professionals — what kinds of situations would cause those costs to be incurred?
Can you provide me with a written estimate?
What will I need to provide?

Find a Charminster, Dorset landscape architect or garden designer on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to landscape gardeners. You can also look through Charminster, Dorset photos to find a garden you like, then contact the garden designers in Charminster, Dorset who worked on it.

Find landscape architects and garden designers near me on Houzz

Before you hire a landscape architect or garden designer in Charminster, browse through our network of 30 landscape architects and garden designers. Read through customer reviews, check their past projects and then request a quote from the best landscape architects and garden designers near you.