‘I run a small firm, previously providing a garden maintenance business, but have gradually expanded my offer into design and build projects. Whilst I am comfortable in this transition, I am becoming frustrated by seeing my work being neglected by clients. Some seem unable to realise that plants need correct pruning and maintenance to achieve … Read more
With any article, I am only too aware of the constraints placed on any attempt to offer sound and practical advice in a short article. The question raised was that posed by clients who treat invoices as something to be queried and payment thus delayed. In that feature I concentrated on sole traders, and I … Read more
SHOW HOUSE GARDENS (The Science of Designing and Building Gardens for Show Homes) Over the years, I developed a system of working with Property Developers and major building companies that enabled me to create a business that was almost a ‘stand alone’ specialist firm – a Design and Build Landscape Company that became part of … Read more
I use the term ‘Million Dollar Gardens’ as I feel it evokes the Golden days when a million dollars was worth something really special. When a Hollywood actress could insure her legs or teeth for this massive sum. It always sounds more romantic than a million shekels, or roubles – even Pounds. By Million Dollar … Read more
Are you thinking of engaging a Garden Designer, Landscaper or Garden Contractor, and wonder where to start? You have reached a decision; you are definitely going to start looking for some Professional help to build your new garden. Whilst not expecting a Chelsea Gold Medal entry, you would like an easily maintained area in which … Read more
I could not think of a more appropriate title for this post – perhaps Designers Survival Guide might fit the bill! Just for the record, although I am ‘known’ as a Contractor and Consultant, nowadays concentrating on the latter (it’s an age thing!), I have designed some 250 gardens, including 37 RHS Show gardens, and … Read more
Between 1990 and 2005, I was the ‘Public Face’ of Bradstone, undertaking every Marketing and Point of Sale image for them, including a dozen or so Chelsea Show Gardens, two Hints and Tips style videos and DVDs, annual brochures showing their whole range of products and representing ‘Brand Bradstone’ in all manner of public arenas. … Read more
Whether it is a newly laid area of turf you have placed along the verge of a driveway, or a freshly planted bed next to a vehicular traffic way, the very last thing you want to see is the client (or his plumber, postman or milk float) driving merrily along, one wheel on the drive, … Read more