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Garden Design
Thinking about a new outdoor space?
Are you considering a completely new garden design, or looking for an original, inspired layout with a beautiful planting scheme? Susan Young creates gardens that are unique to you - thoughtfully designed to suit your space, your home and the way you want to use it.
Susan makes the very best use of your outdoor space, combining carefully considered hard landscaping with planting that reflects your taste, complements your property and works in harmony with its surroundings. Every garden is designed to satisfy the senses and provide enjoyment all year round.
Susan provides garden design services across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and the surrounding areas.
A Garden Designed Around You
Your garden is personal, and its design should reflect what you love. Susan takes the time to listen, offering care, attention and commitment from the first conversation right through to the completion of your project.
Whether you are planning a full garden renovation, a series of small improvements, have specialist or adventurous ideas, or are simply looking for that all-important wow factor, Susan will guide you through the process and help bring your ideas to life.
Improving Existing Gardens
Do you have problem areas that need improving? Perhaps parts of your garden feel disconnected or no longer work with the rest of the space.
Susan can redesign all, or part, of your garden to refresh it, bring it up to date, or create better balance with existing features. By using new and exciting materials and carefully chosen plants, your garden can be transformed with colour, texture and interest throughout the year.
You’ll also discover new plants suited to your soil and be inspired by new ways to enjoy your outdoor space.
How the Design Process Works
Your garden is a valuable space, and when designed properly, it will bring enjoyment for years to come. Garden design is just one part of a wider project, so it’s helpful to understand what to expect along the way.
Before starting, it’s important that you feel fully committed to changing your garden and that sufficient funds are available to complete the work. Changes are easier to make early on when everyone is aligned. Garden projects can often be phased over time to help spread costs.
Initial Consultation & Brief
Once you’re ready to proceed, Susan will visit your home for an initial consultation. This is an opportunity to discuss your ideas, needs and aspirations for the garden. From this meeting, a clear design brief is created to shape the project.
Site Survey & Concept Design
Following the brief, Susan will carry out a detailed site survey. This includes taking measurements, levels and soil samples, as well as photographing and assessing the site. This information ensures materials and plants are chosen correctly.
Susan will then develop initial ideas into a layout or concept drawing, which is discussed with you to make sure the vision for the garden is shared and refined.
Detailed Design & Documentation
Once the concept is agreed, Susan will produce:
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Detailed drawings
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A master plan
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Planting plans and plant lists
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Specifications for external contractors
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Contractual documents
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A schedule of works
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Planting plans and plant lists
A start date is agreed and, at this stage, a deposit is often paid.
Construction & Project Monitoring
Garden projects can be complex, so Susan strongly recommends monitoring the construction through to completion. This ensures the design is delivered to the highest standard and any issues are dealt with promptly.
Construction costs vary depending on the project, but as a general guide, it’s helpful to think of costs in a similar way to building work carried out on your home.
Key Stages at a Glance
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Consultation visit and briefing
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Site survey and assessment
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Layout or concept design drawings
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Master plan, planting plans and construction drawings
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Contracts and schedules
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Monitoring of contractors
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Soil improvement, setting out and planting
These stages can be explained in more detail during your initial meeting.
Ongoing Care & Maintenance
All design work is carried out by Susan personally, ensuring continuity and full attention throughout your project.
Once your garden is complete, it will continue to grow and evolve. Susan offers maintenance schedules, seasonal advice visits, or expert tuition if you prefer to maintain your garden yourself. Just let us know what level of support you need.
Check out some of our Design Projects
"I was very interested to receive your concept design and all your clear explanation and advice underpinning the design. I have always felt that you are extremely thorough and helpful in all aspects of your work, including the rejuvenation of the shrubs in my garden, and so competent in all you do."
- FT