Frequently Asked Questions

I’m very upfront with my costs and give you expected costs for my packages. See here for more Packages

Following a consultation you receive a personalised proposal. Factors like levels changes, size and complexity affect the cost.

This is tricky to answer but probably a lot more than you think. Landscaping a garden takes skill and ground works that generally are not really appreciated. For a smallish garden to get hard landscaping done the budget needs to be at least £20-25k. I’ve written an article on the cost that may help bring you some clarity.

How much do I need to invest in the garden?

Make a list of what’s important to you in your garden and start to research a designer who taps into the same values. Its very helpful to be as open as possible with regards to ideas but having a Pinterest board is great as sound board for talking points. Find someone who you feel has the right connection for you, who can listen to your points and translate them into a design. If there are budget limitations its good to get those into the conversation early.

The best designer fit for you may not be your closest, or the cheapest or the one that can get to you straight away!

One of the most unseen tasks of a garden designer is the research. There is constant learning into new standards, materials, building techniques, styles, plants… They are bringing together all that information to harness into a design solution.

A garden designer is creating a scope of how you want the garden to be used, tackling any problems and putting that together in a solution that is aesthetically pleasing.

There are two phases of drawings. Concept drawings – that communicate to you their ideas for the garden and give you a visualisation of what is in their mind,

Landscaping drawings, planting plans, lighting plans.. communicate to the trades (or yourself if DIY)  that are translating the plan into reality. These plans make sure that everything is considered.

Probably more so! Small gardens need to work much harder to make the garden tick all the boxes. Its really important that its planned well so that hard and soft landscaping is in proportion and that when contractors are creating your garden it all fits well.

The best communication methods are to fill in the contact form Contact

Or to email directly to catriona@catrionastiles.co.uk

Please allow 1-2 working days for a reply

Prior to the consultation you will be asked some pre questions about your garden and style. I prepare for the consultation by doing some research online about your properties, the situation and the soil type.

During the consultation I will spend time with you and your family to create a design scope. I use a survey of photographs to help understand the look you like.

I will then undertake a site survey looking into the soil, wind, aspect, sun, drainage, views, existing planting…. If simple I will measure the garden up. If complex I will recommend a Topographical Survey and give you details of a survey.

Following the consultation I will create a proposal of my design fees for the scope we have agreed.

Coming soon