I don't think the designer did 'pass the buck back to you'. I think he/she has done what we have suggested above ie. asked Louise to sit down and work out what she wants in the garden, what she likes etc. etc. A designer will draw up a plan based on the garden, the client's requirements and her budget. Until Louise knows what her requirements are, the designer is going nowhere. All the above advice is spot on. Take time to work out what you want in the garden, visit as many gardens as you can, look over fences and hedges in every street you walk down and get some ideas. Even get a few books out of the library on garden design. Having a garden redesigned is exciting but not something you can do over a cup of tea. It takes time and effort even if you are having someone in to do the hard landscaping.
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
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I don't think the designer did 'pass the buck back to you'. I think he/she has done what we have suggested above ie. asked Louise to sit down and work out what she wants in the garden, what she likes etc. etc. A designer will draw up a plan based on the garden, the client's requirements and her budget. Until Louise knows what her requirements are, the designer is going nowhere. All the above advice is spot on. Take time to work out what you want in the garden, visit as many gardens as you can, look over fences and hedges in every street you walk down and get some ideas. Even get a few books out of the library on garden design. Having a garden redesigned is exciting but not something you can do over a cup of tea. It takes time and effort even if you are having someone in to do the hard landscaping.