Garden and Planting Design for Dorset and Hampshire
Latest News: Andrew Williamson wins at BBC Gardeners' World, Beaulieu
Andrew Williamson Garden Design has co-designed a small outside space in support of the charity Maggie's Southampton. Called 'Together', the space encouraged people to create a retreat of any size to use and share in times of pressure. It featured edge of woodland inspired planting, engaged all five senses and had a strong focus on biodiversity and sustainability.
“The 'Together' border is a magical space and I could see myself in that forest with stresses melting away.”
Ian Hodgson, Assessment Panel Chair
Winner of a Platinum Medal and Best Beautiful Border
“I loved the planting in this garden, it was so beautifully put together.”
Emma Crawforth, Horticultural Editor of Gardeners’ World Magazine
Welcome to Andrew Williamson Garden Design
I believe gardens should be calm and relaxing spaces, but through exciting planting combinations that provide year round interest, planting for biodiversity and wildlife, and the clever use of sensory elements, gardens can also have an energy about them and be fun for all ages.
Essential too, is that a garden is functional and delivers what you need, avoiding style over substance.
I like to create atmospheric gardens that are as resilient as possible to our changing climate and combine the best of what is already present with gentle design interventions that are considerate to client, environment and nature.
Whether it's creating planting plans to renovate existing borders or a concept design for an entire garden, if you have a project small or large, let's chat.
We understand not everyone is looking for a full garden design service, one that manages every detail for you all the way through and provides a full set of construction drawings, specifications etc. sometimes just a concept plan and mood boards is all you want to construct the garden yourself or hand over to your landscaper (we can make introductions if required) to take the project forward from there. If this describes you, then our Garden Concept Plans could be perfect.
Concept Plans
Process
Initial consultation - This is about spending time with you in your garden, learning about you and your space, and discussing your requirements and any ideas you have. Following this we'll draw up a client brief and provide you with a fee proposal.
Site survey and analysis - At this point, depending on the complexity of the site, either ourselves or a local specialist will return to survey the site - recording dimensions, existing level changes, services, utilities, buildings, structures, trees etc.
What documents you get - we'll provide you with the following:
Site survey.
2D drawing with description of each area, giving you an understanding of the purpose for each area and the mood being created.
2D annotated drawing with suggested elements, such as paths, patios, pergolas, specimen plants, and wildlife features.
3D drawings to help you visualise the garden from various angles.
Mood board giving indication of materials from an aesthetic point of view and the type of planting in mind.
Now what? - If you're planning on constructing your new garden yourself, you now have the inspiration and can start making plans. If you have a landscaper you want to work with, you can present these drawings to them and they'll take it from here. If you'd like to connect with a landscaper we would be happy to make introductions).
Planting - Often we'll deliver a Garden Design Concept together with a Planting Design, if you'd like to see more information on this then please see our Planting Design page below.
We like to create atmospheric gardens that are as resilient as possible to our changing climate.
Garden Design
I'm not currently taking on new projects for my full Garden Design service, which takes a project from start to finish through the entire design process.
But please do check out my Concept Plans service, which is very much open for new bookings, as this may be just what you need.
We like to combine the best of what is already present with gentle design interventions.
Planting Design
Whether it's combined with our Garden Design Concept Plan service and part of a full redesign of your garden or as a simple rejuvenation of your existing planting beds and borders, we offer a range of Planting Design options. With planting, sometimes all you want is a plan so you can then do the work yourself, we're only too happy to offer you this service and to be on hand should you need further assistance. We also offer a full Planting Design service that gets the whole job done for you so that you can be sat in your garden enjoying your new planting in no time.
Process
Initial consultation - We'll take time to understand what you're after, then draw up a clear client brief and discuss costs.
Site survey and analysis - Depending on the complexity, either ourselves or a local specialist will return to survey the site - measuring existing planting areas and any spaces to be transformed, testing the soil, recording existing levels and drainage and of course any planting you wish to retain.
What documents you get - We'll provide you with the following:
Site survey.
2D planting plan showing exactly how plants will be arranged.
Planting mood boards.
Planting schedule detailing the name, quantity and size of plants.
Estimate for plant supply.
Scope of works and specifications ready for landscapers to prepare the ground.
Plant maintenance schedule and care guides.
Ground clearance and preparation - We can introduce you to local landscapers who will be able to clear the site where needed and prepare the ground to our specification.
Plant sourcing and supply - We work with our network of local suppliers and nurseries, and where necessary those further afield, to source high quality plants for each project at highly competitive prices.
Planting - Given our passion for planting, we're very hands-on and on each project we set out the planting to our planting plan for a team to follow on behind and plant up - we usually work with an excellent Hampshire based gardener and his team but we're also happy to make further introductions for you to choose from.
Maintenance - I can help you appoint the right gardener to look after your garden going forward and would be happy to have regular contact with them and site visits to ensure your new garden establishes and thrives.
If you'd like to do the planting yourself, we can do a plan only for you, or we can help you with the whole process including designing, sourcing and planting.
We like to create exciting planting combinations with year round interest, while upmost in our minds is planting for biodiversity and wildlife.
