Why do I need a professionally prepared landscape design?

  A hand-drafted master plan is any excellent tool for the homeowner who wants to implement the plan over a period of time, or who needs to give instructions to a landscape contractor to complete paving, planting or elements of the plan. A master plan will provide the direction and continuity necessary to produce a visually cohesive landscape that should be viable for many years.

A landscape plan is often more cost effective in the long run, as the homeowner avoids purchasing plants that fail to live up to expectation, or might be distracted by numerous impulse purchases that over time compete with one another, or perhaps are placed in a haphazard manner.

 On-site visits are often very effective. The designer is able to see quickly all of the issues and give advice that would be impossible on the phone or even from a photograph. Even skilled gardeners are grateful for a second opinion.

From the initial visit clients will then direct us depending on costs and what is practical for them to achieve. Often clients will ask us to work on one section at a time. That works well as long as there is some consistency and continuity. On-site visits often lead to drafted plans.

 We first meet with you at your home in order to evaluate the site, as well as your goals and needs. In order to produce a scaled drawing we need to measure and plot all existing features. We can prepare a preliminary plan that we will discuss with you before we complete the final drawing. If the site is not a complicated one, we can sometimes measure and produce a rudimentary plan at the initial site visit. The final plan can then be handed to you at the final meeting.

Our final plans are hand drafted and are quite detailed. They take into account all features of the site as well as mature growth.

Like all things in life these days most businesses must bulk purchase, mass produce or streamline their operations to turn a profit. This is especially true in a business that is largely seasonal and very competitive. Your local contractor or garden center may indeed provide you with a good product, but it is likely to feature plants or materials they readily have on hand and wish to promote. Be wary of companies that offer free landscape design services. If you want a well thought out landscape plan, you should be paying a fee.

 Landscape contractors often want to give their clients “instant landscapes” that look full and finished the day they are installed. Drive into almost any neighborhood and you can see the results of landscapes that are over planted and subsequently over pruned, often a headache 3 to 5 years later, or for the next homeowner. Companies sell many more shrubs and homeowners are initially pleased.

Fees are currently $50.00 per hour. There is a $225.00 initial site fee that includes up to 2 hours of design time. Many clients use the site visit for troubleshooting difficult areas, identifying or evaluating plants in an inherited landscape, staking locations for plants, or quick sketches.

 That is very difficult to answer without knowing more about the project. Obviously more detailed drawings and complicated sites will require more time. We can give you a more accurate estimate after we visit the site and have a better understanding of the issues and your goals. At that time you are obligated to pay us one half of the estimated design fee to begin the process. The remainder is paid upon completion of the plan.

Absolutely, yes!   The more homework you do in advance, the smoother and faster the process. We ask you for your plant preferences, as well as your dislikes. Homes you admire in the neighborhood or pictures from magazines are a good way to communicate to us a look that appeals to you. A list of plants you always wanted to grow – but don’t know where to put them – is helpful. If you have existing plants that you want to use, make us an inventory list. This is especially helpful when we are visiting in an off season.

The Plat of Survey will make measuring much less time consuming. If you mail it to us in advance of our appointment, it will make the initial visit much more productive.

Plans are detailed and to scale, with all plants clearly labeled. We also provide a proposal with the final plan which includes links to photos of all the plants used, a care and maintenance guide for all perennials, and costs for an installed landscape should you desire to pursue that avenue.

I have a long working relationship with Jesus Rios of RLS Landscape & Nursery Co. To learn more about them check out their website at https://rlslandscape.com

I also enjoy being on site when Jesus (say Hey-soos) and his crew are working.

I am very proud of my clients, many of whom know very little about plants, often armed with little more than a shovel and a tape measure. I think they must gain a lot of personal satisfaction from installing the plans. They control the outcome, and of course the costs. Homeowners also learn a lot from the plants as they handle them, observe them and nurture them.

I welcome questions as I want your project to be successful. If there is any question concerning substitutions or availability please contact me.