Stem is a local garden design practice working in the Dorset area and beyond. Working alongside interior designers, architects and craftspeople our aim is to design and build inspirational spaces.

Consultation

When a potential client is thinking about having their garden redesigned, we arrange a time to visit with a portfolio of our previous work. In this preliminary meeting we aim to build up a picture of likes and dislikes: how the garden would be used, as well as preferred styles, materials, and plants.

If you decide to go ahead, we draft a brief for approval and include a quotation for the design process. Each of the stages has a fee specific to each individual garden.

Throughout each stages of the design and planting process, we work closely with our clients to ensure any decisions are made in cooperation with the clients desires and needs.

Survey and site analysis

A survey of the site is needed to create an understanding of the garden, areas of light and shade, ground conditions and any microclimates within the site. We consider views from the windows, views that might need blocking out or sounds that need disguising. All this information is recorded to help us build a picture of the garden in its current form and how we can change the space into something new.

Outline Plan including hard landscaping

This is a scaled hand drawn plan, based on the client brief. It will show the layout of hard and soft landscaping, any routes around the garden and the types of materials we would be looking to use.

In drawing up the plan, we follow up with a meeting, where we work with the client to help make decisions about the planting, in line with their presences.

Planting plan

A planting plan is drawn up specifically for the clients garden taking into consideration any restrictions such as shade, soil type etc. We use mood boards to give the client an idea of how the plants will look once planted.

Once a plan has been decided on, this is used for pricing up and ordering. We work with local nurseries to provide the best possible material for the best price.

Tendering and monitoring

Local craftsman and builders are chosen to implement the design. Occasionally a client may already have builders they prefer to use, in which case we work to support the process via a site management service. We offer to stay on site to answer any questions about the design to keep things on track, and ensure design plan is being followed carefully. This ensures that the design stays within budget and on time.

Maintenance

Once a design has been installed and in place, we can support you in looking after the garden. We can maintain the garden to ensure it continually improves with time, and under our care you can sit back and relax.