After three decades in the industry I have learned that no two gardens can be approached in the same way with regard to the design process. This has led me to develop a flexible methodology to deliver each project.

Some clients are working intensively with a team of consultants and contractors to meet deadlines, while others are content to design and develop a garden over a number of years.

For those working with an architect, you will be well versed in the documentation process. Landscape often follows the same arc because it is the most effective way of working with a large group of consultants. We typically begin with a Concept Stage, followed by Design Development, DA submission, Tender and Construction Documentation and finally Site Consultations during the construction phase.

But this intensive process doesn’t suit all clients, and isn’t always necessary when it comes to landscape and garden design. For example, many rural clients that reach out in need of a ‘Masterplan’ that they can execute themselves over time, and I have found this an effective way of working. It’s important to note that to arrive at a Masterplan, we need to start with a Concept Stage that invariably leads to some Design Development before we reach the outcome you’re looking for.

The reality is, usually a mix of methods gets us to the final result; perhaps after delivering a well developed Concept package, only a plant schedule, scope of work and some site meetings with a contractor are required to install the garden.

We can establish the best design method for your project after a conversation or site visit.

For a garden to reach its potential, garden maintenance is required. My aim is to design a garden that is hardy and straight forward to maintain. In general terms, the more complex the plant palette, the more complex the maintenance regime. The Matcham garden for example has a simple list of tasks to maintain it. The Haberfield garden on the other hand is much more intensively cared for to achieve the desired outcome.

I recommend that clients employ me beyond the construction stage to consult with your gardener for 2-3 visits per year for the first 2-3 years to establish the form of the garden. While a gardener is crucial for the day-to-day operations of a garden, it’s not likely they will understand how to bring the garden form to fruition without guidance in the first few years. With time I have noticed that a garden without direction is costly to reconfigure at a later date.