THE KINDS OF QUESTIONS
WE GET ASKED...

1) My garden isn't working, but I don't know what's wrong. Can you help?

Yes, for sure. Sometimes what needs changing sticks out like a sore thumb, and sometimes it takes a fresh pair of eyes to work out why a garden isn't quite working.

First things first... we look to understand the space, how you use it, what's frustrating you and what potential is already there. From there, we can work out what actually needs doing, and that doesn't necessarily mean redesigning the whole garden.

2) Can you just help me with one part of my garden?

Absolutely. Not every garden needs the full works.

If there's a certain area that's letting the side down, or a problem you can't seem to solve, I can provide targeted design help without also having to reinvent the wheel.

3) Do I actually need a full garden masterplan?

Not necessarily.

If the layout, structure and different areas of the garden are a bit of a mess, a Masterplan can be the right approach. But if the garden is broadly working and it's really the planting or one particular thing that's the problem, there's often a simpler way of tackling it.

Not every garden is the same. The aim is to find the correct level of design input for the job > not to give every garden the same treatment.

4) What if I already know roughly what I want?

That's good news. We don't expect every client to rock up with a blank slate.

You might have a good idea of what you want to achieve but need help turning it into something coherent, workable and properly thought through. I can take those ideas and develop them into a clear design.

5) What if I have absolutely no idea what I want?

That's fine too.

You don't need to know what your garden should look like before we start. A big part of the process is understanding what you've got, how you use it and what isn't working, then exploring what the space could become.

We'll figure it out from there.

6) Can you work with what I've already got?

Definitely. Not everything needs ripping out and starting fresh.

Sometimes the structure is good and it's the planting that needs attention. Sometimes there are one or two problem areas and hardscaping that need sorting. And sometimes it just makes sense to go back to the drawing board.

The important thing is working out which one you're dealing with.

7) Can you design the planting without redesigning the whole garden?

Yes. Planting design can be completely standalone.

If the structure of the garden is already working but the planting isn't doing it justice, I can create a scheme with more character, colour, texture and seasonal interest — whether you're refreshing existing borders or starting with a blank canvas.

8) What if I already have a landscaper?

No problem. I can work alongside a landscaper you've already chosen, or bring in one of my trusted landscapers if you need someone.

For smaller landscaping jobs, I can also take care of the work myself.

9) Do you get involved once the work has started?

Yes, I can do. Depending on the project, I can stay involved during the build with site visits and progress check-ups, helping make sure the design is being properly translated on the ground.

I can also work fully alongside your chosen landscaper or one I've brought in specifically for the project.

10) How much does garden design cost?

There's no useful one-size-fits-all answer. Without getting all 'how long is a piece of string?', it depends on the size and complexity of the garden, what's involved and how much design input the project needs.

If you're not sure where to start, one option is to begin with a detailed site analysis and initial consultation. This gives us a chance to properly understand yourself and the garden, and explore what's possible before committing to a full design. The cost of this initial work can then be deducted from the full design fee if you decide to take the project forward.

11) Do you only work with big-budget gardens?

Nope. Projects come in all shapes, sizes and budgets.

The important thing is finding an approach that makes sense for the garden and what you're trying to achieve, rather than working to a predetermined formula.

12) How long does a garden design take?

It depends on the project, but I'd typically aim to turn things around within a couple of weeks.

More involved projects can obviously take longer, particularly where there are several stages of design development. I'll give you a clearer idea of timings once I understand what you're looking to do.

13) What do I actually get at the end of the design process?

That depends on the project and the level of design input you're looking for.

Depending on the brief, this might include detailed 2D plans, sketches, 3D models created in SketchUp, planting plans, planting schedules and care information, written reports.

The aim is to give you everything you need to understand the design, make decisions and, where appropriate, get the work built.

14) Can you work with a small garden?

Absolutely.

Small gardens can have just as many — if not more — design challenges than large ones. Layout, proportions, privacy, planting and how you use the space all become particularly important when there's less of it to work with.

The size of the garden or area that needs looking at isn't really the issue.

15) Do you only work in Norwich?

No. Grounded is based in Norwich but works across Norfolk, Suffolk, London and beyond.

If you're further afield and think the project could be a good fit, it's always worth getting in touch.