The Design Process

The planning process
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Thinking of creating an amazing sanctuary for your family and guests to enjoy? From a small courtyard to a large covered outdoor entertaining area with pool, deck, firepit, and fencing, Foliage Landscaping have local peninsula knowledge of the climate and microclimates as well as what local trends are inspiring projects right now.

1. Shaping Ideas and Objectives
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Our initial meeting focuses on shaping your ideas and wishes. Together we discuss design parameters and style preferences, your practical requirements, site conditions and budget objectives. With most projects, we will recommend a landscape plan. This gives clear and precise details on how your landscape will look, what is included and what you are investing in.


2. Design Brief and Preliminary Design
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After our initial meeting, a design brief will be presented along with the cost.
At our next meeting, at our office in Tyabb, we present the preliminary design, stating recommended material, colours and example layouts of hardscapes and softscapes.
Once you have had time to absorb, study and discuss the design concepts and make any changes, we move into refining the details of the design and specifications. This is your chance to make any changes before the next step in creating the masterplan. We now shape preliminary landscape plans and project specifications into creating the masterplan.

3. Presentation of Masterplan
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Our final meeting in the design process is to present the masterplan along with examples of materials such as paving, edging and fence material. The 2D CAD Masterplan will be complete with 3D perspectives including a detailed plant schedule with plant names, quantities and pot sizes, hardscape material schedules such as paving, decking and wall treatments.

It shows precise layouts of all hard & soft landscape areas of the proposed garden including locations of relevant components such as swimming pools, paving, driveways, pathways and garden beds.
Options such as 3D imaging and video fly-through can also be incorporated into your design.

The investment
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We will provide you will a detailed quote relating to your design. We will meet to present the quotation so we can guide you through the construction and cost process.

Construction
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We adhere to best practise policy. The construction phase is just as important as the design phase. By implementing this important phase, Anthony will ensure your design comes together to achieve the creative vision.
Our experienced and conscientious construction team work with passion to bring your design to life. Your property assets will be protected from day one with the team ensuring all areas have the necessary coverings to avoid any wear and tear. The nominated team leader, in charge of the construction operation for your landscape, is in direct contact with Anthony throughout the entire project. Anthony will be onsite daily to oversee the entire process.


Champagne service
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We will present you with a quality landscape. Protecting your assets from preparation, your property is protected from unnecessary spoil due to daily landscape works. Our clean-up process is carefully considered, throughout your project, your yard will be tidy and our team support a non-smoking site. Our team will present you with a sparkling new landscape, so you are not left with the clean-up. The one job you are left with is to pop the champagne bottle!


 Frequently  Asked Questions 
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The preliminary design (also known as the Concept Plan) presents the initial ideas for layout, flow, and overall aesthetics of the landscape. It allows for review and adjustments before finalising the design. 

The Masterplan is the final, comprehensive drawing that incorporates all changes. It details hardscaping (paving, walls), softscaping (planting areas), features (pools, fire pits), and utility locations, providing precise layouts and specifications. 

Construction drawings are highly detailed technical plans, including dimensions, material specifications, structural details, and utility connections. At Foliage Landscaping, these are prepared only when required for building permits, such as for decks or pergolas. 

A 2D CAD Masterplan provides precise measurements and layouts, ensuring clarity and accuracy in planning your landscape design. 3D perspectives (or renderings) complement this by offering a realistic visual representation of the proposed space, materials, and overall aesthetic, helping you make informed decisions and ensuring the design aligns with your vision before construction begins. 

A plant schedule is a detailed list of all the plant species specified for a landscape project. It typically includes the botanical name, common name, quantity of each plant, and the pot size or mature size at planting. 

A site visit is conducted in most cases, allowing the team to assess your property, understand site conditions, and discuss your needs in the context of your outdoor space. This ensures the design and recommendations are tailored specifically to your project. 

Our designs are entirely original and highly customised to your outdoor. We believe every property and client is unique, so we avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Our process involves understanding your specific lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and the unique characteristics of your site to create a bespoke landscape design that perfectly suits your needs and complements your property. 

Site analysis in landscape design is a crucial first step to evaluate a property's existing conditions. It involves gathering essential data about the site's physical attributes, environmental factors, and surrounding context, as well as taking levels and measurements to inform accurate and sustainable design solutions. 

Opting for a professional landscape design plan is highly recommended if you desire a cohesive, functional, and value-adding outdoor space, especially for complex projects or if you lack design expertise, time, or vision. While DIY can save upfront costs, a professional plan often leads to superior results and long-term savings. 

Sustainable landscape design prioritises environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, and long-term ecological balance. These considerations ensure your outdoor space is not only beautiful but also benefits the planet, reduces maintenance, and saves resources.

The design phase of landscaping often presents various hurdles, from site limitations to managing client expectations. Professionals address these challenges through thorough analysis, clear communication, creative problem-solving, and adherence to best practices, ensuring a successful and functional outdoor space. 

The landscape design process transforms your outdoor space step by step. It starts with a client consultation and a possible site analysis to understand your needs and the existing conditions. A preliminary design is then done to present initial layouts, which are refined into a detailed Masterplan document outlining materials, plants, and design elements. This Masterplan documents guide the implementation and execution of your project, turning your vision into a beautiful and functional reality.