GARDEN DESIGN SERVICE
You and your site are unique and so too will be your garden design. We will work together with you to create an outdoor space that is practical, but which also warms your heart.
Whatever your ideal garden looks like, you can trust our design expertise and practical knowledge.
Let us take you through the design process
Free 30 minute ‘Meet & Greet’
Contact us via phone or email to arrange a ‘Meet & Greet’, free of charge, free of obligation! Kate, our designer, will come to your house. Together we’ll walk through your garden and discuss the options and cost implications. A detailed quotation will be sent to you per email. Expect this free consultation to last 30 minutes.
Site survey
When we begin a design, we not only look but also ‘feel’ the site. All sites have a ‘power spot’; a place that seems a little more interesting than anywhere else. Light fall, views, natural enclosures, noise or privacy issues, garden features, existing trees and plants are all elements which help form the initial design ideas.
We also take photos and measure up the site, so we can draw up a baseplan for further work.
Garden consultation
Finally, an allrounder to answer all your garden questions! A designer, landscaper, horticulturist and teacher in one. Ask all you like to know. You can expect practical advice and even demonstrations on how make the most of your plants and garden.
Garden consultations are provided in your own garden and go for around 1.5 hours. If you decide to move ahead with our design and/or landscaping service, we’ll refund the $250 consultation fee.
Design brief meeting
What styles, plants, colours and materials do you love? Is low-maintenance important to you? Do you like lush and green plantings or maybe flowers in all seasons? What about a garden for growing veggies, attracting birds or a private sanctuary… or maybe all of the above? Your options and practical implications will be discovered in this design brief meeting.
Soil analysis & report
We can provide soil analysis services to understand the growing conditions of your site. We test for soil type, pH and general quality.
We offer advice on how to improve the soil for improved plant establishment rates.
Note: This soil report differs from geotechnical report, that is often required when building a new house.
Basic Design package
At Living Senses Design, all our designs come with a range of mood boards to help you visualise the ideas. All designs are unique, especially since we believe you’re unique. We’ll design to the design brief and your budget to make sure you love it and it’s achievable!
You can opt for the ‘Basic Design’ package that comes with:
1x Design
Design moodboards
Planting suggestions
Materials suggestions
Design booklet
All design meetings & presentations
Full Design package
You can also decide to opt in for the full design package. this includes all of the items of the Basic Design packages plus extra’s
1x Design
Design moodboards
Planting suggestions
Materials suggestions
Artist impression (3D drawing)
Lighting plan
Landscaping map with grit page (for ease of DIY landscaping)
Design booklet
All design meetings & presentations
Construction drawings, planting plans, are optional, but often not required if our team does the landscaping. This way you’ll save funds.
Planting plan & booklet
Many clients know which plants and colours excite them but are not sure how to make them look good together. We often set out the plants in a creative way to ensure its suits the space. We can however offer a detailed planting design. Form, shape, texture, seasonal colours and water & sunlight needs are all taken into account in this design. As a bonus, you will receive a free booklet with illustrations of all the supplied plants, their specifications and maintenance notes.
Do you have an existing garden and only need plant suggestions? We can do that too! Contact us directly to book a free meeting and ask for a planting design.
Construction drawings
Special features like decking, stone walls, fences etc. can be tricky to build. That’s why we offer detailed, technical drawings to inform your landscaper. It has also proven especially useful for owners who build their garden themselves. We can recommend you the best stores and can provide laminated plans so you can work in all weather!
When our capable and professional team constructs your garden, we often won’t require drawings. Your designer is heavily involved in this landscaping to ensure the correct construction that is in line with your design and desired outcome.
Landscaping map and lighting design
When chosing a Full Design package, these drawings will be included in your chosen service.
‘Landscaping map' has clear descriptions to indicate areas, materials and more, to fully understand what’s required during the built. This allows landscapers to quote your job more accurately.
Enjoy your garden after dark with garden lighting! It’s easy to install and some systems can be controlled via Bluetooth. Our 'Lighting designs' are easy to read and tell you which light features to place where. We can also arrange certified electricians to install your lighting, solar panels and more.
FAQ
+ What type of gardens do you design?
We design gardens that you love and mean something to you! You are unique and your design will reflect this. Gardens can give great joy and even have a healing effect when designed thoughtfully. We take pride in designing gardens that become mindful outdoor spaces, healing gardens or even therapeutic landscapes. See our Portfolio for some of our projects.
+ What are healing gardens?
Therapeutic, healing or inspirational gardens are outdoor spaces that are designed especially for people with needs. These needs can be emotional, physical and/or mental. Hospital gardens are perhaps the best known ‘healing gardens’. However, residential gardens and public spaces can be designed to offer a place of solace and healing too.
Scientific research by Roger Ulrich and others has proven that green spaces positively influences the healing and recovery process. With rising levels of depression, anxiety, dementia, autism, the need to connect to nature is greater than ever before!
At Living Senses we believe in and promote the healing effect of gardens and nature in general.
If you would like to learn more about healing gardens and our Eco-Therapy services, sign up for our Workshops!
+ Why get a garden designer when I could do it myself? Or can a landscaper make a rough design for me?
As qualified designers, we have experience in what works, what has the most visual impact, and what will be easiest to maintain. We have experience in designing different styles of gardens, from cottage, urban lush, productive, perennial, therapeutic, formal gardens etc. All designs are made in close collaboration with you, making sure you’ll love it! With our landscaping experience your new garden will also be achievable for DIY build, your budget, climate and soil conditions.
Due to the nature of the different projects, landscapers often don't have the time or design background to sit down with you for a number of times. We believe it’s important that you are getting exactly what you want.
A masterplan design enables you to compare quotes from landscapers on exactly the same thing. Quite often landscapers prefer to work from these pre-designed plans and offer you better deal!
+ Do you offer an initial Meet & Greet?
Yes, absolutely! It gives you the chance to meet the designer and discuss your ideas with an expert.
This ‘Meet & Greet’ is free of charge with no obligation. It usually takes 30 minutes. Weekdays and weekends in daylight hours are available. Contact us via phone or email to book a time for your ‘Meet & Greet’.
You can also opt in for a Garden Consultation. For a fee of $250 Kate, the owner will come to you for approx. 1.5 hours. As an experienced horticulturist, designer and landscaper, she'll share invaluable tips and tricks to make your garden flourish. The consultation fee will be deducted if you decide to move ahead with our design and/or landscaping services.
+ Is there a minimum or maximum size garden you will design?
Throughout the years we’ve designed spaces ranging from small courtyards up to large country gardens. We have worked on both residential gardens and public spaces that our clients treasure.
We believe that every garden can be made special and meaningful. A small space can make a big impact and look larger if designed well. A large garden can be divided into smaller ‘garden rooms’ for intimacy. We’re here to assist you no matter the size of your garden!
+ How much will a garden design cost?
Design costs may vary due to the complexity of your site (e.g. slope, existing plants and features). However, different price ranges are available for the service packs on offer, such as planting suggestions for existing garden beds up to to full masterplan designs. This allows you to choose a service that suits your needs and budget.
Our clients have saved a lot of money by us sourcing plants and materials at wholesale prices (usually 25-50% cheaper than Bunnings Garden Centre and other major retailers). You can also use your garden design to get competitive and comparable quotes from landscape contractors.
Have you ever had plants die after you put them in the ground? With a professional site & soil analysis and planting plan, any future investment in plants won’t go to waste!
You can expect an open and transparent approach from us. Our aim is to make the process work for you and your budget. We support and look after our locals, pensioners and community organisations. Clients who provide house plans get a discount too.
Don’t hesitate to contact us today on 0437138219 to book in your free 30 min ‘Meet & Greet’ meeting!
+ Can I meet with you after hours?
Of course! We’re available 6 days a week, most days of the year. We often meet clients on weekends or after work hours. The 30 min free ‘Meet & Greet’ and site survey are best booked in daylight.
Contact us on 0437138219 for more information
+ What areas do your service?
The majority of our projects are located around Ringwood/ Lilydale and the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne. But we have also completed projects in Caulfield, Hawthorn, Sandringham, Mornington Peninsula and Apollo Bay (Great Ocean Road)
Please leave your details on the Contact page and we’ll contact you asap.
“Kate has designed a beautiful garden for us with great care and attention to detail. Her designs are works of art and the plans are very comprehensive. We have embarked upon this new adventure with Kate monitoring and advising alongside the landscaper. I just have to make sure my lighting design displays her creativity to the full.”
― Heathcote family / Heathmont
“Congratulations to Kate and her team, the stone seat looks absolutely fabulous. Stunning design and beautifully executed. Well done, thanks so much!”
― Watts family / North Warrandyte
“Dear Kate, thank you for the wonderful garden plans, you did an awesome job!”
― Fiona & Geoff / Ringwood East
“Many thanks Kate, we always feel better after a day working with you.”
― Susan & Charles / Heathmont
“Kate is a hard worker, has a creative mind full of wonderful ideas. She loves to pay attention to the little details that pull a garden together. She specialises in healing gardens and is extremely passionate about her work.”
― Amy / Hurstbridge
“Living Senses Design were so easy to deal with. The garden design presented to us was person centred taking on all the family members needs. We now have a beautiful garden which we constantly use”
― Elia family / Heathmont
“Hi Kate, the Hardenbergia is flowering and it looks spectacular! I love the flowers and the plants are really thriving. Thank you for your wonderful work!”
― Fehmida / Croydon North
“It was such a pleasurable experience and Kate's knowledge and passion was outstanding. I would highly recommend Living Senses not only for their professionalism but there personal approach and design know how!”
― Olga / Wonga Park
