“When I am designing, my aim is to create tension and then gradually proceed into quiet.” – Jacques Wirtz

THE DESIGN PROCESS
When you decide to commission Anthony Skinner to design and construct your garden, the first thing he will do is to suggest that you collect – prior to the initial consultation - a series of photographs of gardens or aspects of garden design that appeal to you. He will also suggest that you make a ‘wish list’ of elements that you would like to see included in the design, such as water features, statuary, particular planting effects, privacy, entertainment areas, etc. A copy of the site plan, floor plan and elevation of the house and property will be requested as well.

Anthony specializes in the creation of conceptual plans which focus on the requirement of achieving the unity between house and garden within the design structure. One of his major strengths is the ability to visualize what the garden will look like in time to come. This is essential to achieving the harmonious growth of the plants as a group, and ensures that they will mature well together, like the elements a good wine.

INITIAL CONSULTATION
During the initial consultation, Anthony will get to understand your requirements and tastes, ideas, desires and dreams and generally get you to clarify exactly what you want from your outdoor space. Using the material that you have selected and collected prior to the consultation, he will identify the ‘look’ and ‘style’ of the garden that you are seeking to create.

Anthony will then take photographs of the site, take any measurements that he may require, discuss consultation and project fees with you, and he will then return to his beautiful and spacious studio to set to work creating a unique design especially for you.

CONCEPT PLANS
Anthony will prepare a plan that details the layout of the new garden design based on elements agreed to at the consultation – translating your wishes into a design concept. This plan will include all relevant hard landscaping details, including, driveways, pathways, screening and fencing as well as an overall planting plan.

When the plan is drawn up, Anthony will invite you to visit him at his Studio at Wairere Nursery on the Gordonton Road, to view the plan. The office is set in the stunningly landscaped gardens of Wairere, which enables Anthony to show you the living, three-dimensional examples of plants included in the design. Alternatively, the meeting can take place at his Auckland Studio in St. Mary’s Bay

IMPLEMENTATION OF DESIGN AND PLANS
Once you have accepted the design, Anthony can provide you with an estimate to implement it, which will include the selection of plants and fertilizers, placement and planting.

Due to his close association with the award-winning and reputable Nursery at Wairere, Anthony can provide you with high quality plants that he feels confident to recommend.

The hard landscaping will be carried out by a contractor of your choice, and Anthony will undertake to do project management and to liaise with your tradesmen to ensure that the integrity of the design is upheld.

Optionally, Anthony can help with the placement of the plants in keeping with his design, leaving you to do the planting if preferred.

On completion of the job, Anthony will provide you with a document detailing instructions on how to care for your stylish new garden.