About our Services Landscaping Styles Gardening Features About our Services Advisory Visit If all you need is friendly gardening advice and seek a professional opinion then this can be arranged by appointment and will be charged for at a competitive hourly rate. Preliminary Consultations This service is free of charge with a view to submitting a quotation/written proposal for any landscaping work that may be required. This meeting will entail an exchange of ideas to discuss your gardening requirements during which time we will assess the current condition and potential of your garden and explore numerous design possibilities to determine an appropriate theme. To help you in this endeavour, a comprehensive landscaping portfolio will be provided illustrating different design techniques and ideas. Garden Design The main purpose of the design will be to produce a scheme which is both practical and imaginative using proven methods and design techniques to create all year-round interest. Remember that garden design is a free art form, an individual expression of one's person ality and creativity using one's imagination and vision to create a harmonious atmosphere and a natural ecological balance. Every Garden Design should have a main theme that all the elements of the design must relate to. Simplicity is the key to successful garden design and once you have established an appropriate garden theme you must consider the fundamental elements of good design: Unity, Colour, Form, Texture and Climatic Suitability. Complimentary plants are linked together to provide a harmonious atmosphere which is appealing to the eye and sensitive to the environment and wildlife. In choosing a theme you should observe the unique characteristics of the house and garden, the architecture, it's setting, soil type, orientation, views and prevailing winds, local building materials and techniques as well as drainage conditions, local climate and surrounding environment. This process can take some time and numerous design possibilities need to be explored and scale drawings produced either on the drawing board or on the computer. The cost of a professional plan will depend on the size and nature of the project and the designers hourly rate. Full-scale Drawing This will necessitate an accurate survey and pencil drawing of the property to determine the exterior dimensions of the house and garden, to note the location of any other structures such as tennis courts, swimming pools, tool sheds, etc., as well as the position of existing trees and plants identifying any alien invasive vegetation which needs to be moved. This is then translated into a full-scale drawing with corresponding plant index. The Garden Designer will produce a scheme within the budget constraints of the project. The desired style will be highlighted by features linking the environment to the architecture. Plants or objects that accentuate form and texture, or line of building. Verandahs, pathways, steps, courtyards and retaining walls should blend in with the surrounding. Practicalities such as children, pets and recreation should also be provided for. The cost of this service will be determined by an hourly rate for which a professional fee will be charged. On completion of the drawing, a written quotation is submitted calculating the total cost of the project from start to finish - itemising the costs of labour, plant material, building materials, management & supervision and transport. The garden can be done in it's entirety or in stages thereby spreading the cost over time. Operational Procedures On-site preparation This is a time consuming and critical exercise and must be carried out under the strict supervision of the designer or contractor who is in possession of the plans and familiar with the details thereof. Flower beds must be clearly outlined and prepared, loosening existing soil, adding compost and relevant fertilisers. Unwanted sub-soil and builders rubble must be removed from site. Hard Landscaping / Construction Construction should begin on any retaining walls, pathways, rockeries, steps, etc., using good quality materials and built to specification and design. Once construction is complete the planting process may begin. Soft Landscaping / Planting It must be ensured that every tree, shrub, perennial or ground cover is correctly placed because each plant has different requirements in terms of sun/shade, water and soil type. It is essential that instructions are followed clearly and precisely when positioning them. Holes of varying sizes must be prepared using the correct amount and type of compost and super phosphate and watering accordingly. Turfing A lawn can be established from seed, grass runners or by laying instant turf depending on your budget. The type of grass chosen should ideally be a versatile low maintenance, hardy grass and suited to local climatic conditions. The grass should be planted on an even surface of decent top soil, rolled, watered and fed regularly. The lawn forms an integral part of any garden and therefore it should be treated with care. Maintenance This is a professional service aimed at improving and maintaining the garden on a regular basis. This service offers you the following: Pruning Tree Surgery Fertilising program for plants and lawn treatment including top dressing, composting and mulching Transplanting (Relocation of existing trees and shrubs) Soil Aeration Redefining borders The cost of this service with be on a daily basis with an addition al cost for equipment hire and materials. Irrigation Surface or underground systems can be installed using conventional methods and equipment or state of the art technologies at your request. Other services Enchanting Gardens will also assist with environmental planning and rehabilitation projects to restore and preserve indigenous vegetation and grasslands, as well as the identification and removal of alien invasive species and replanting projects with the re-introduction of native trees and plants endemic to the local geographical area.   [back to top] Landscaping Styles Formal Historically this type of design is associated with period architecture and evokes feelings of grandeur, but can be used to compliment modern or contemporary building providing a low maintenance alternative for people with busy lifestyles. These gardens are normally very symmetrical in design and comprise corresponding borders and pathways. Strong architectural elements and features as well as form plants that are strategically placed to highlight focal points. This type of design might incorporate knot gardens, hedging, ornamental ponds, fountains and architectural statues or sculptures. Informal This type of design is normally associated with country or cottage gardens, with an emphasis on natural flowing borders comprising trees, shrubs, and perennials and ground covers as well as herbaceous and bedding plants which provide colour and interest all the-year-round. The quintessential english country garden conjures up images of an enchanting garden. A cobble stone pathway lined with lavender, archways and pagodas covered with clematis or rambling roses. Secret Gardens that evoke special feelings and childhood memories that inspire and trigger one's imagination. Indigenous This is a relatively new concept and fundamentally important form of design which helps to preserve our environment by planting only indigenous trees and plants which help to sustain an ecological balance and provide a natural habitat, food source, or sanctuary for wildlife. This type of garden will appeal to nature lovers and might incorporate a woodland, wetland or grassland area. Natural dry stone walls built in the tradition al way and weathered rock are desirable for retaining purposes and natural features that will blend into the environment.   [back to top] Gardening Features These form a integral part of Garden Design and depending on the style & nature of your garden, your garden should encompass interesting features which are both functional and decorative. Here are some examples of Garden Features & Products which have been supplied and installed by . Enchanting Gardens: Rockeries & Sleeper Steps Authentic or artificial railway sleepers can be used to link one area of the garden to another with adjacent rockery to retain soil and incorporate soil pockets for complimentary plants. Water Features Choose from standard or custom built water features and ponds. These can be precast, gunited or lined with butyl liner for maximum water proofing and protection. There are formal & informal shapes with fountains or cascading waterfalls, streams and wetlands. Filtration and submersible pumps can be installed for water quality and cleanliness. Paving Patios and pathways in cobblestone or flagstone designed to your specifications in various colours patterns and sizes. Gravel can be used as an inexpensive alternative to cover driveways and informal pathways. Dry Stone Walls This is a natural, comparatively inexpensive and alternative way to retain embankments or terrace gardens. We specialise in the construction of old fashioned dry stone walls (no bricks or mortar!!) Garden Edging We also supply and install garden edging either natural stone or imitation cobble and log rolls to help define pathways and borders. Garden Ornamentation Choose from a selection of sundials and plinths, bird tables and baths, grindstones, wrought iron and C.C.A. treated wooden arches, ornamental statues & ceramic sculptures. We also have access to garden furniture and gazebos.   [back to top] To make an enquiry now, click here to go to our Enquiry form and contact details.

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