The Claire Evans Garden Design Process

A thoughtful, structured approach to transforming your garden — from initial ideas through to a beautifully built and planted space.

I take on a limited number of projects each year, working closely with you to create a garden that feels natural, cohesive, and designed to last. Most projects involve a build investment from around £15,000+, allowing for a well-resolved and carefully executed result.

A collaborative, phased approach

Each project is developed in clear stages, allowing you to see your garden evolve step by step — from early ideas through to detailed design and build.

Phase 1 — Consultation & Brief

A detailed site visit to understand your garden, your lifestyle, and your aspirations
We walk through your space together, discussing how you’d like to use it and what isn’t currently working.

Following the visit, you receive:

A clear written brief summarising your goals
Outline of design fees and process
Initial direction for your garden

Phase 2 — Concept Design
Developing the overall layout and feel of your garden
Using site analysis and measurements, I create a concept design that establishes the structure of your garden.
This includes:

A scaled layout plan
Spatial arrangement and key features
Early material and planting direction

At this stage, the focus is on how the space works and flows, rather than fine detail.

Phase 3 — Developed Design

Refining the concept into a cohesive, resolved design

Once the concept is agreed, the design is developed further to define the layout and key elements.

You’ll receive:

A fully resolved masterplan
Material palette and key features
Integration of structure and space

The design becomes clear, balanced, and ready to move forward.

Phase 4 — Technical Design

Preparing detailed information for accurate construction

Detailed drawings are produced to guide the build process and ensure everything is properly coordinated.
These may include:

Setting out plans
Levels and construction details
Lighting and layout coordination

This stage ensures your garden is not just beautiful, but buildable.

Phase 5 — Planting Design

A carefully considered planting scheme that brings the garden to life
Planting plays a central role in how your garden feels — adding softness, movement, and seasonal interest.
The planting design is developed to complement the structure of the garden and the conditions of your site.

You’ll receive:

A detailed planting plan
Plant schedules and quantities
Guidance on character, seasonal interest, and long-term growth

The aim is a planting scheme that feels natural, resilient, and connected to its surroundings — not decorative, but integral.

Phase 6 — Build & Implementation

Bringing the design to life

You can work with your chosen contractor or I can recommend trusted landscapers.

During the build:

I remain available to support and guide
Site input can be provided where needed
The design is followed closely to ensure quality

The result is a cohesive, well-built garden that reflects the original vision.

What to Expect

Design is carried out in clear stages with opportunities for feedback
Timelines vary depending on the scope of the project
Build timing depends on contractor availability and season

“We’re so pleased with how the garden has come together — it’s completely transformed how we use the space.”

Ready to get started?

If you’d like to explore what’s possible for your garden, the first step is an initial consultation.

Get in touch to arrange a visit and begin the process.

Thanks Claire, that looks amazing! (My mother-in-law who is a big gardener is very excited, so I'm taking that as my signal...plus the pictures look great!)

JM 2024

The Claire Evans Garden Design Process

A thoughtful, structured approach to transforming your garden — from initial ideas through to a beautifully built and planted space.

​

Phase 1 — Consultation & Brief ​ A detailed site visit to understand your garden, your lifestyle, and your aspirations We walk through your space together, discussing how you’d like to use it and what isn’t currently working. ​ Following the visit, you receive: ​

A clear written brief summarising your goals

Outline of design fees and process

Initial direction for your garden

Phase 2 — Concept Design Developing the overall layout and feel of your garden Using site analysis and measurements, I create a concept design that establishes the structure of your garden. This includes:

A scaled layout plan

Spatial arrangement and key features

Early material and planting direction

At this stage, the focus is on how the space works and flows, rather than fine detail.

Phase 3 — Developed Design ​ Refining the concept into a cohesive, resolved design ​ Once the concept is agreed, the design is developed further to define the layout and key elements. ​ You’ll receive:

A fully resolved masterplan

Material palette and key features

Integration of structure and space​

The design becomes clear, balanced, and ready to move forward.

Phase 4 — Technical Design ​ Preparing detailed information for accurate construction ​ Detailed drawings are produced to guide the build process and ensure everything is properly coordinated. These may include:

Setting out plans

Levels and construction details

Lighting and layout coordination

This stage ensures your garden is not just beautiful, but buildable.

Phase 5 — Planting Design

A carefully considered planting scheme that brings the garden to life Planting plays a central role in how your garden feels — adding softness, movement, and seasonal interest. The planting design is developed to complement the structure of the garden and the conditions of your site.

You’ll receive:

A detailed planting plan

Plant schedules and quantities

Guidance on character, seasonal interest, and long-term growth