Garden landscaping: prepare your project

A garden project starts with how you want to use the space. You might need a place to eat outside, a clearer path to the house or planting that suits the time you have for maintenance. Describe these priorities before choosing materials. Giving each company the same information makes its proposal easier to compare with the others.

Describe the space and how you use it

Prepare a sketch, approximate dimensions and photographs. Note the areas you want to keep and those you want to change.

• Show access routes, steps, slopes and any narrow passages.
• Identify existing trees, planting, terraces and equipment.
• Describe sun exposure and areas where you have noticed standing water.
• Explain who uses the garden and any access needs.

These observations help prepare a site visit; they do not replace a technical assessment.

Plan for ongoing maintenance

Ask which plants suit the site and what care they need. Discuss watering, pruning, fallen leaves and the size plants may reach. Make the expected maintenance part of the discussion, rather than judging a proposal by its initial appearance alone.

For paths and terraces, ask about cleaning and repairs. Retaining walls, outdoor electrical installations and changes to water drainage need assessment by the appropriate professionals. Ask them which checks are needed before work begins.

Compare what each quote includes

Check that the proposed scope is comparable. Ask for the materials, quantities, preparation and installation work to be identified separately where relevant.

• Ground preparation and removal of existing materials.
• Supply and installation of paving, edging and planting.
• Watering or lighting work included in the project.
• Removal of waste and cleaning at the end of the work.
• Maintenance, follow-up visits and work excluded from the price.

Ask the company to clarify missing items and optional extras before accepting its quote.

Discuss budget and scheduling

Set out your budget and separate essential work from optional additions. Ask how changes or unexpected site conditions would be priced and approved.

Agree on the proposed schedule, access arrangements and any stages of work. Availability, deliveries and weather can affect the organisation of the project; a date should be discussed with the company, not assumed from a general guide.

Prepare your request on e-devis.ch

Describe the work, the site's postcode, approximate areas and preferred timing. Relevant photographs or a sketch can help explain the project.

You can submit a request without creating an account. The administrator reviews it and decides whether to send it to approved companies matching the work and postcode. Your contact details are not public: only authorised companies that buy access can view them and contact you. You remain free to compare the quotes received and choose a company.