BATH: 01225 789 990 BRISTOL: 0117 261 6162 EMAIL: office@crescentlandscapes.co.uk
Previously Brett Hardy Landscapes
FAQ'S
Welcome to our FAQ section! Here you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our landscaping services. We understand that taking on a landscaping project can be daunting, so we are here to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions. We look forward to helping you beautify your outdoor space
How do I work with the Garden Designers?
Your personal garden designer will be with you every step of the way through the design process. Once our initial detailed on site survey is completed, they will be in contact with you to introduce themselves.
Share your ideas with them and they may come up with suggestions you haven’t considered. This collaboration is needed to ensure everything is incorporated into a bespoke creative design you’ll love.
The first stage of the design process is the sketch rough concept design. This is to ensure that we have captured what you want into the design and that we are working within your expected ballpark build cost. This is the time to make changes as it isn’t possible once the final design is complete. The rough concept stage ensures we are all on the same page and is part of the exciting evolution of your garden design.
Once you approve the sketch rough concept design, we work towards a full detailed design presentation. This includes a cost breakdown of your investment with a fixed price for us to build it.
If you have any questions, then just ask. Our designers will guide you through the process every step of the way.
Can I see a sample of materials?
Yes, of course. Our designers will be very pleased to show you samples.
How long will the garden design process take?
It generally takes about 2-6 weeks from when the survey is completed depending on the time of year and how large and complex the design.
I can’t read plans very well and worry that I won’t understand the design?
That’s not a problem. We recognise that many people struggle with this. That’s why, as well as the full colour plans, we always provide 3D photo like images when presenting so you can really get a feel for what the finished garden will look like.
In addition, we create an inspiration mood board for our presentations so you can get a good feel for what we are proposing.
Can I just get a garden designed, but not build it?
We are a complete garden design and build company, so we take on designs for the gardens we hope to build and landscape as a full package. The designing of your garden is the first part of the process.
You can trust that when you use our own specialist garden landscaping teams, they collaborate seamlessly with our designers’ hand in hand. You will get the absolute best results to your specified budget.
By using our build teams, you will also get the hassle free quality service that you expect.
For our design stage, there is a professional design fee to pay for our qualified garden designers, surveyors and background costs to undertake the design project to the highest standard.
How much will it cost to makeover my garden?
We will give you a ballpark rough figure upon our first zoom call or visit.
The build cost depends on how much hard landscaping work you want in your space.
Gardens with walls, retaining levels, slopes and extensive paving will cost more than areas of grass and planting.
It is essential to get a budget from you though before we start the design process. Otherwise, we could design something that you fall in love with, but you are not comfortable investing in. We aim to design to your budget and are realistic about what is achievable from the start.
We charge a design fee for the first stage which is dependant on the size of your garden. When the design is completed, we always offer a fully itemised fixed quotation of the garden build cost so there are no hidden extras.
How will you know what sort of garden I’m looking for?
Initially we arrange a date for a Consultation. Prior to this you will send us photos and complete a detailed questionnaire so we can prepare. At this initial Zoom Consultation we talk to you about your requirements and ideas, your investment budget and show you examples. Let us know what you like and dislike. Show us your own ideas too. And if you don’t have a clue yet- we are here to inspire and help. That is what our designers are for. It’s about making your dream garden come true.
How and when do I pay?
We take payments in planned pre-agreed stages as we complete the work for you. We will lay this out in our design presentation proposal.
Do you work in the winter?
Yes. In fact, it’s probably the best time of year to have your garden done. You are probably not going to be using it and will want it to be ready for when the weather improves!
Can you plant in the winter?
Yes, if the ground isn’t waterlogged or frozen. Traditionally, it was the time of year when gardens were planted before the advent of pots enabling all year round planting.
What is Soft Landscaping?
This is about looking after the green things that are living. This includes your plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, hedges, turf laying, garden maintenance, seeding and grass cutting etc.
What is Hard Landscaping?
These are hard manufactured features in your garden that need to be built like areas of paving, concreate, walls, raised borders, gravel, water features, pergolas, decking and ponds etc. Full garden makeovers will need a mixture of both hard and soft landscaping in their garden designs.
What will happen when it rains?
Most of the time we can undertake different tasks that are not weather determined. Ultimately sometimes though the great British weather is too bad, and we have to come back the following day.
This is why it is often difficult to give exact start and completion dates for our builds until much closer to the estimated date. We will keep you updated regularly though.
If I want my garden ready for summer, when should I start planning it?
Earlier rather than later. If you start in the autumn and winter, you’ll know you’ll be in plenty of time to get your design and build right rather than rush into it. We normally work on a 3 month or more lead time for our garden builds.
How long will it take to build my garden?
It depends on the size and complexity of your garden. We will have given you an expected date to start and expected finish date when we complete your design and build proposal. Usually, we are fairly accurate with this, but if there is added work required by yourselves or unforeseen issues during the build stage, it might go on a little longer than planned.
What if I can’t picture what you are building? Can you lay it out?
Yes. We will provide you with full plans and 3D photo like images during the design stage so you can really get a feel for what the finished garden will look like. Additionally, you can ask your team leader or project manager when work begins, and they will be very happy to explain in more detail every step of the way.
Do I get a warranty?
Yes. We do provide a one year guarantee as standard which covers everything that we do as you would expect from a reputable member of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL). A garden isn’t really something like a car or washing machine- it won’t break down.
However, we do guarantee that we build our gardens to a very high standard and that is why we also offer a free follow up visit after about one month to check you are happy and everything is performing as it should be.
However it is your responsibility to maintain your garden and planting, so we cannot be responsible for wear and tear, and failure by you to look after the plants.
How do I look after the plants and turf once you’ve gone?
You’ll get a full individual comprehensive care guide for everything that we put into your garden. It’ll list out what you need to do to protect your investment.
What areas of Bristol & Bath do you cover?
We are design and landscape gardens in the surrounding areas of Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire within about a 25K radius. This means we work in numerous locations like Bradford Upon Avon, Bathampton, Chippenham, Keynsham, Saltford, Emersons Green, Longwell Green, Hanham, Coalpit Heath and everywhere else in between.