These plans are shown to the client when you are satisfied that you have a workable plan that takes into account the views of the client ate original meetings together with the results of your site analysis. Here is an example. Note that no detail is provided about species used or quantities. The aim is to make sure that the client is happy with the general layout and use of space. Your aim should be to gain approval for the workup of the final detailed plan.
Although not shown here, concept plans can benefit from the provision of annotations on the design. Notes such as “this zone screened from neighbours by clipped hedging”, “secluded contemplation area ringed by perfumes species”, “fern nook”, “wildlife corridor with species native to the area” and so on. These notes can help reinforce that you have paid good attention to the client’s needs from the outset.
These notes also help enormously when it comes time to develop the actual planting plan. Clearly, you will not move to that stage until client approval for more work in given. That may take some time so the notes help refresh your memory redesign intentions when you come back to the plan.
Tip: Color is perhaps the most important element in these conceptual plans.