The "Designing for a Purpose Questionnaire" is on the next page. I have simply outlined the typical questions you should ask yourself before embarking on garden design, construction and then maintenance.

Garden Checklist

The checklist should typically cover the likely costs of design, construction, planting and irrigation in days per fortnight. Make a note of who is likely to be responsible for the maintenance of the finished garden, note existing problem areas, good areas and items in the garden you want to keep.

Proposed Overall Style

This is where you make your choice of the overall design. Eight choices are listed, which cover the main styles I have encountered in my travels: Formal or Informal, Cottage or Country House Garden, Woodland, Wildlife, Seasonal or Japanese.

Use of Garden

Basically, what do you want to use the garden for when it’s finished? Will it be a house extension, such as a dining room on fine days? Will it be used for entertaining? Is it an area for the children to play games or do sports? Do you want to grow your own fruit and vegetables?

Items to be Included

You need to choose which things you definitely have to include in the design. Such things as irrigation systems, electricity cabling and swimming pools can be hard to fit into a design after it’s complete, unless they have been allowed for at the design stage.

 

Family Details

A general overview of the family that will use the garden. Particularly, you should make a note of any allergies that may affect plant choices, any special likes or dislikes, and whether outdoor games will be played.

 

Once the questionnaire is completed, you can begin to survey the existing garden.