Design matters

One of the biggest hurdles in garden design is the small matter of the budget. . . be warned, landscape work can be deceptive in terms of spending.

Consider the excavation, removals, labour and materials that are involved in any given project. Paving and other outdoor materials are usually displayed at a “per meter squared” price, but don’t forget to consider the base or sub-grade that will be layered below to create a solid foundation, and the cost or time involved in order to lay the surface correctly. The supporting materials which will never be seen below the surface may be regarded as a hidden cost, but are an essential element of any garden that will stand the test of time.

Some people will have a figure to which they wish to limit their spending while others may require a couple of quotes from contractors in order to establish a figure. If you have a guideline budget figure, a contractor will be able to guide you on the choice of material that you can afford. Don’t be afraid to consider the project a long term effort, where funds can be allocated over time in order to achieve a desired finish.