Landscape gardener what is normal

[Bringbackspring]

Hoping for some advice. I'm having my garden landscaped. I've saved up the money for 3 years so its a big deal for me to finally be able to get a proper garden instead of the wasteland we currently have. Its the first time I've ever contracted in tradesmen to do something so expensive. I'm not really sure what the etiquette is though on upfront deposits/money for materials.

I've had a quote of 12k which is just about in budget. They want approx 5k deposit to purchase materials. Is that normal, or will I never see them or my money again? If it's normal I'm happy to pay it. Just trying to do my homework first. Thank you!

I hope you got more than one quote (get it itemised too)? As much for checking the cost as to ensuring that you are asking for something doable or that there might be things you hadn't considered. Have you seen the completed works of the contractor you're thinking of? As to payment up front I'd guess that would differ amongst contractors.

Thanks for your reply @sbplanet I'm trying to get multiple quotes but its difficult where we live as there isnt an abundance of options. We've ended up doing a few smaller jobs based on just 1 quote but there wasnt so much money at risk there.
The quote is really well itemised, it lays everything out very clearly and the communication on choice of key materials has been good. The contractor has quite an active FB page and I recognise some of the properties where they've done work.

Yes sounds normal to me.

Everyone we use, happy for money on completion, as the only time we were asked for money up front, on checking, we had a lucky escape. I'd pop round to previous gardens and ask to see insurance etc. Sounds over the top, but once nearly badly bitten, definitely not going to be caught out again. I'd pay on stage completion immediately though.

Asking for £ for initial costs like paint etc is fine, just re confirm the rest will be paid on completion of all works. Outlay for products needing to be ordered etc is usual.

" The contractor has quite an active FB page and I recognise some of the properties where they've done work."

I might be tempted to pop around and look more closely, and even speak to the occupiers. When we had ours done (we're SW) it was a sort of spur of the moment after some previous attempts at quotes had 'expired'. The chap is from a few doors down and is a landscaper - more that than a landscape gardener - and we managed to get him in. We paid as we went along, but I did keep changing things as it went, so costs changed. It was mentioned more than once that the job might have been easier if I'd decided what I wanted at the beginning! Lol. I didn't say that I didn't know how good a job he might do and also didn't know what I could afford! And then when we'd had one half mostly 'destroyed' and preparing for landscaping I realised I couldn't leave the other half as it was...
Anyway, absolutely everyone who visits comments on how nice it is, and we love it, even if it cost rather more than I would have spent if I'd known how much it would be from a quote at the start! I know I wouldn't have had it done. ROFL.