When you decide to enhance your outdoor living area; this is a list of considerations to help you start your planning process. Please endeavour to answer these questions before contacting one of our specialists as it will make the whole process a lot smoother.

1. Talk to friends and family, spend time in their gardens, take photos.
2. Visit open gardens.
3. Collect ideas for inspiration from lifestyle magazines, books and the internet.

1. How much do you plan to invest in your project?
2. Is staging the project an option for you?

1. What time of day and on what days is the garden mostly used?
2. How do you use your garden? Is it connected with your living rooms?
3. Is it an intimate retreat; a place for dinner parties and family barbeques; or the whole football team?
4. Does anyone use the garden who has disabilities or allergies?
5. Do you have pets?

1. What permanent structures need to be retained?
2. What plants would you like to retain?
3. Will you need a utility area for a shed; composting or storage?
4. Clothesline shape and size?
5. Where will the bins be stored?
6. Do you plan to collect rainwater or reuse grey water?
7. Where will the visitors cars be parked?

Which of these features would you like to include in the garden?

• Garden beds
• Lawn
• Vegetable / Herb garden
• Orchard
• Your favourite flowers and trees
• Entertainment Area - Deck / Pergola / Paving
• BBQ facility
• Garden paths
• Informal seated area
• Pond or water feature
• Sand pit / Play area
• Pet enclosure
• Ornaments / Art
• Lighting
• Screens / Trellis
• Clothesline / Bin enclosure
• Street fence / Gateway

1. Are there any garden styles you like? Formal / informal?
2. How do you want the garden to look? For example, how much shade or open space is desired?
3. Are you an active gardener or are you looking for a low maintenance landscape?

1. Do you have house plans?
2. Are there any local authority constraints upon the site?
3. Are there any known overhead or underground services?
4. Are you aware of any problem areas of the garden or drainage issues?
5. Is there any other information you think is relevant?