To find a designer and maker of garden items who is in tune with the way you see your garden can be a difficult challenge. It is important to speak to designers and makers about their work and how (or whether) it can complement your garden's character. This can be achieved at garden shows (see Events) where you can see examples of their work on display and discuss their work in relation to your garden (see also Designers' Directory for a contact details of designers and makers of garden products).

Advantages of having products made specially for your garden:
The main advantage is that you can have the item made to complement the character and theme of your garden, rather than having to compromise on its size and other details of design (often the case with ready made products, which are made for gardens in general, so can lack character when in unique gardens).

Close discussion with the designer or maker will also enable you to keep as closely as you can to your price limits, as it is often much less expensive than is widely believed to commission an item.

Another major advantage is that the item is likely to be of very good quality, so will last a long time. A designer or maker is not going to want to produce work which does not enhance his or her reputation, so you can generally be assured of superior quality in commissioned features - a factor which can make them last longer than mass produced items.

Of the few disadvantages, probably the greatest is that the designer may work a long way from where you live, so you will have to either collect the product or pay for delivery. Another may be that you have to wait for the product to be made. However, as a gardener you will be used to waiting for beautiful things to happen, so this shouldn't be such a chore. When the item arrives, like a treasured plant reaching maturity, it should be worth the wait.

What do you want it to be like?

• Each designer and maker will give certain 'trade mark' characteristics to their work. By talking to the maker, you will be able to pick up quickly whether the product's character is in tune with what you are after for your garden. and whether these characteristics will fit in. This communication will also enable you to have a unique input into the finished piece, ultimately bringing into being an object which is decorative, functional and in keeping with how you want your garden to feel.

How much will it cost?

• It's important to approach the designer with realistic expectations. By viewing a catalogue or portfolio of their work, you can get some idea of their price bracket and whether it matches yours, which can save both parties a lot of time in the long run.

• As their work is often open to modifications for individual clients, it is important to clarify in writing the final agreed price of the finished product. Remember that prices quoted verbally may not include VAT (sales tax), so make allowances for this to prevent a nasty surprise.

Is it suitable for outdoor use?

• Ensure that the designer/maker has experience of producing items for outdoor use, as weather conditions over the years can place extreme demands on outdoor products. A look at their portfolio will give you some idea of their experience in this. Once an item has been made you are unlikely to have any comeback if the wood, for example, hasn't been seasoned properly, or a sculpture crumbles away under the weather of a few years.

• As the weather ages different materials in unique ways, it's also worth discussing how the material your maker is using will change over the years. Many designer/makers, particularly of wooden products will be able to advise you and even supply you with the materials such as seasoning oil which you may need to keep the item in top condition so that it lasts its lifetime - which may be several generations.