Gather photographs of the garden and a few reference images showing the look you prefer. Explain whether it is the colour, texture or overall arrangement that appeals to you. If you have a sample, view it in the proposed setting rather than judge it only indoors or beside unrelated surfaces.
Photograph the existing ground, access and any features that must remain. London gardens often combine paving, planted borders and walls in a relatively small area, so the relationship between finishes is noticeable. Include damaged or wet sections and tell us whether old paving is to be renewed or a new area created.

