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.

Depending on the package you can receive concept drawings that show views from a 3D model of your new garden. Landscaping drawings show all the materials, dimensions and specifications for the build of the garden. Planting, irrigation and lighting plans are also available.

Yes if it is a large planting redesign.

I will always be conscious of not designing extra, unrequired costs in. In reality budgets can be tricky for clients to judge. Landscaping is a highly skilled trade which often costs more than anticipated. Once you have a vision of your ultimate garden you can value engineer the design by changing materials, reducing elements in size or phasing the work. A small garden relandscaped will cost at least £18k.

I don’t project manage but I do offer project monitoring where I will visit site during the build, liaise with the landscapers and ensure that the right decisions are made during construction. This is an additional service to standard design packages.

Yes during the design phase we will collaborate on the materials. These are procured by your landscaper. For plant sourcing I use trusted wholesale nurseries to supply the trees, shrubs, perennials, ferns and grasses to bring your garden to life.

If you have purchased the Create Package you will receive a month by month maintenance guide for the plants in your garden. I will send you some information on how to look after your garden. After a year its a great idea to book in another consultation to review how the garden is evolving and discuss any adjustments.

Please get in touch to find out the current lead-time for design. Typically this can be 2-4 months. The concept design phase takes 4-6 weeks. Once you have approved the concept drawings another 4-6 weeks is required for the landscaping and planting plan drawings. You need to take into account that landscapers will have a lead-time too. Generally its good to allow 6months – 1year for a straight forward design and build.

Mostly, I spend time with you to define the style you are looking to achieve with the garden. Some styles are governed by the house and location. Planting for me is the reason for having a garden so if you are looking for just patios and no planting I’m probably not the designer for you.

I can help you achieve a lower maintenance garden but I’m afraid a low maintenance garden is the holy grail that doesn’t exist. I select materials that are easy to care for but please allow that all surfaces (including porcelain) require cleaning. Plants are based on how much you would like to do. If you are happy with a looser, wilder more naturalistic style the less you will need to do. If you can mulch once a year you will really help the garden for the rest of the year.

I will always to try and reuse elements that are in the garden, rather than just ripping them out. The landscaping design elements brought into the garden will be future proof in terms of quality and style (I strongly believe in a neutral backbone) so it will be a long term infrastructure. I will always work with the landscaper to see what we can do sustainably.

My normal areas are Kent and East Sussex but I’m happy to travel further for the right project.

Yes I have designed gardens through videos, photographs etc. Get in touch and we can see if it will work.

I’ve been to gardens where the homeowners have spend significant amount of money and not achieved a wow factor garden. Getting the elements in the right place will give you a great garden, first time. Changing design on CAD is infinitely easier and cheaper than once holes have been dug in the ground. You will have a very clear vision of what your garden will be like before anyone has starts in your garden. Designs can often be cheaper with a designer as we have maximised your budget for you and have experience of where to invest in your garden to give the biggest impact.