Frequently asked questions and responses.
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What can Mark Hardy Design do for me?
I will work with you to design a unique garden for your property. This includes developing an overall style for the garden, space planning, hard landscaping design, planting scheme, furniture choices & styling.
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What kind of clients do you typically work with?
I typically work with design-conscious homeowners who take pride in their homes and enjoy making them their own. People who appreciate good design, thoughtful details and want their gardens to feel every bit as considered and welcoming as their rooms inside.
My clients aren't necessarily passionate gardeners, nor do they need an extravagant budget. I work with homeowners across a range of properties and budgets, finding ways to create a garden that works well for their home and the way they want to use it. What my clients tend to have in common, is they want a garden that will improve everyday life. Whether that's entertaining friends, spending time with family or simply designing a beautiful outside space to call their own.
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How much does it cost for Mark Hardy to design my garden?
The cost to design your garden will vary, depending on its size, site complexity and your own wants & needs for the space. I design gardens which are individual to each client and their property, so no two briefs or design schemes are the same. Please get in touch so we can discuss your project in more detail and I can advise on likely design fees.
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Do you charge for Design Consultations?
I charge a fee of £290 for an initial design consultation. This fee is to cover my time and travel costs. If we go on to create a garden together, I reimburse this fee by deducting it from my first design invoice.
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Do you also build the garden?
Imagine you want to build your dream house or renovate an existing property. You hire an architect to design it and find a contractor to build it. Garden Design works in much the same way - I design the garden and help you find a Landscaper to build it.
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How much does it cost to build a garden?
The cost of building your garden will depend on its size, the complexity of the design and the ratio of hard to soft landscaping. Working with a Garden Designer is the best way to navigate this, so your garden can be designed to meet your budget expectations. There are many factors which will influence the cost of building your garden - we can discuss these when we meet.
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How involved do I need to be in the project?
This is completely up to you. Some clients hire a Designer to produce a garden design and manage the build process themselves. Others like to ‘hand over the keys’ and have the project managed completely by their Designer. Discuss options with me at the start of the project so I can give you the support you need.
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Will you maintain the garden once it has been built?
I will prepare a handover guide for your new garden which includes guidance on how to care for new plants and hard landscaping materials (such as natural stone or new furniture). Should you require help with ongoing garden maintenance, I can arrange this for you with a local gardening company.
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Do you supply the trees & plants?
Yes, I am able to supply all proposed trees, shrubs and plants for your garden. These are carefully sourced from trusted nurseries across the UK and delivered to your new garden. I will then plant these with my gardening team.
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Who is Mark Hardy and what are his qualifications as a Garden & Landscape Designer?
I trained in Garden & Landscape Design at the prestigious Inchbald School of Design in Chelsea, London. I graduated with a Distinction and was awarded The Dean & Founders Prize for Garden Design. Since then I have worked as an independent Designer in London, Kent and across the South East of the UK.
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Does Mark Hardy Design work on listed or heritage sites?
I design gardens for all types of properties, from contemporary homes to period and heritage buildings. The architecture and character of your home will always influence my approach, ensuring the garden feels like a natural extension of the property, complements its surroundings and reflects the way you live.
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How long will it take for Mark Hardy to design my garden?
It typically takes around 6-8 weeks for me to design your garden. This timeline can vary either way, depending on your brief and expectations. I often say ‘there is no such thing as an instant garden’ and your project could be a year in the making. A beautiful garden is a long-term investment, and while it should look wonderful from the outset, it will continue to develop, mature and improve with every passing year.
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Can you create a no maintenance garden?
All gardens require some level of maintenance, especially if they contain trees & plants. But I understand clients are busy people and don’t always have time or interest to maintain a complicated garden. I will design and plant your garden so it is in line with your needs and expectations, avoiding delicate planting or materials that need excessive care. We will explore this as part of a design consultation.
