What we do
“For me, when it comes to designing a garden the relationship with the client is as important as understanding the spirit of the place. It isn’t enough for me just to design a good garden. I want it to be an enjoyable, inspirational process for everyone”
GARDEN & LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Garden design is about making dreams a reality. But it is also very much about practical considerations. The old adage of ‘form following function’ is at the heart of what we do; creating beautiful, inspiring gardens that work on every level for the people who live with them.
Our wealth of experience means that while we are frequently surprised by the gardens we work on, we are rarely left without an answer. Whether it be coordinating 80 cubic metres of topsoil through the side return of a Hampstead garden, via a flight of 18 steps, or creating a two acre lake on an estate in Leicestershire.
Experience wouldn’t mean anything without the ability to listen and interpret the client brief, and to positively challenge our clients too in order to explore the full potential of every site we work on.
And great ideas mean nothing without the ability to find the right people to deliver, the capacity to apply skilled project management to ensure costs are controlled and quality assured, and access to some of the best plant nurseries in the UK and mainland Europe.
THE PROCESS
Our process starts with a ‘no commitment’ site meeting – or online chat – to discuss your aspirations for your garden and to establish the level of service you require. This is followed by a fee proposal, and then work begins in earnest.
We commission a site survey (if one doesn’t already exist) and then create a 3D virtual model of the proposed design. This really allows the client to fully immerse themselves in the concept, in a way that flat plans can’t really achieve.
Once the concept is agreed the relevant detailed drawings are produced to enable a contractor to carry out the work, along with planting plans and plant specification. We can source these plants using our network plant nurseries, before setting out for planting.
Communication is the key to making this all run smoothly, whether it be with client, contractor or the lost lorry driver who phones in the early morning to ask for delivery directions.
By intentionally keeping our business compact, and managing carefully the number of projects we take on, we are able to keep projects running smoothly, on time and on budget.
OTHER THINGS WE DO
In addition to design and project management services, MWG work with clients such as Portman Estates in London providing landscape consultancy services.
We have developed concept landscape master plans for clients such as the National Trust, and won awards for our commercial work, where our clients include Bettys & Taylors Group and Rudding Park Hotel and Spa.
