The design stage often takes several weeks, although the timing depends on the size of the garden and how much detail is needed. Once the design is agreed, the construction period will depend on the work involved, the contractor’s availability and the time of year. Smaller projects may move ahead relatively quickly, while larger gardens can take longer or be completed in phases.

The important thing is that you have a realistic idea of the programme before work starts. At Locorum, we explain the likely timescale early and keep clients informed as the project develops. If you already have a date in mind, we’re happy to discuss whether it is realistic before you commit to anything.

We're based in Hampstead and Highgate and work across North London, where most of our projects are. We regularly take on work further afield too, including South London and Oxfordshire. Distance is rarely the deciding factor — get in touch and we'll tell you honestly.

We aim to reply within one working day. It helps to tell us about the property, what you're hoping to achieve and any timescale you're working to, so our first reply can be useful rather than just asking more questions.

BNG commitments run for 30 years, considerably longer than most people expect. We produce a long-term management plan setting out what needs to happen and when, and our landscape maintenance team can deliver it. Having the same practice handle both means the habitat is managed by people who understand why each decision was made.

We work alongside qualified ecologists to carry out habitat surveys and produce the documentation planning requires. The survey establishes the site's baseline value, and the resulting plan sets out how the required gain will be achieved and sustained. Because we're designers too, we can shape proposals that satisfy the requirement while still producing a landscape that works for the people using it.

BNG is a legal requirement for most developments in England to leave habitats measurably better than they were beforehand. It means assessing a site's biodiversity value before work begins, then demonstrating a measurable improvement once complete. It isn't a matter of adding planting — the assessment uses a defined metric and the gain must be evidenced and maintained.

Our focus is ongoing care, because a garden benefits most from consistent attention over time. That said, we'll discuss one-off work where it makes sense — a garden being brought back under control before a regular schedule begins, for example.

Typically fortnightly through spring and summer, moving to monthly in autumn and winter. That rhythm reflects what the planting actually needs rather than a fixed contract — growth is rapid in warmer months, while winter work is more about structure and preparation. If your garden has particular demands, we adjust to suit.

Pruning, border care, weeding, feeding and seasonal planting adjustments, along with keeping paths, terraces and edges tidy. What sets our approach apart is combining design thinking with maintenance: rather than simply keeping things in check, we continually assess how the garden is developing and say so if a plant isn't thriving where it sits.

Yes, and a good proportion of our maintenance work is on established gardens. We start by getting to know the space over the first few visits before making significant changes, because it takes a full season to understand how a garden behaves. Often we'll suggest small refinements — adjusting a planting scheme, opening up a view, correcting a pruning regime that's been holding a shrub back — that make a noticeable difference without a redesign.

Start by looking at the designer’s previous work and whether their approach feels right for your home and garden. It is also worth asking how the process works, what you will receive and how the costs are handled. A good garden designer should listen carefully to how you want to use the space and be realistic about what can be achieved within your budget. You should also feel comfortable asking questions and discussing ideas openly, because the relationship matters when you are making decisions about your home. If you’re considering Locorum alongside other designers, we’re happy to explain how we work and what would be included in your project. There’s no pressure to proceed, and the initial conversation should help you decide whether we’re the right fit.

Garden design fees depend mainly on the size of the garden and how much design work is needed. A smaller project may only need a layout and planting plan, while a larger garden can require surveys, detailed drawings and support during construction. The design fee is separate from the cost of building the garden, so it helps to talk about the overall budget early.

At Locorum, we discuss this from the start so the level of design work is realistic for the project and, where appropriate, larger schemes can be phased. If you’re unsure what level of design support you need, we’re happy to talk it through with you. There’s no obligation to proceed, and an initial conversation can help you understand what might be suitable for your garden and budget.

A garden designer plans how an outdoor space should work and how it should feel to live with over time. This can include the layout and planting, as well as materials, levels and how different parts of the garden connect. The process begins with understanding how you want to use the space and what is already there. A good designer will also think about practical factors such as light, soil and the amount of maintenance you want, so the finished garden works in everyday life rather than only looking good on paper. If you’re not sure whether you need full garden design or simply help with part of the space, we can talk through what you have in mind and suggest the most suitable level of support.