Why do you need a landscape design or plan?
|
|
Great landscapes begin with great ideas. It is the job of the designer to listen to your ideas,
observe and evaluate the site conditions, then blend it all together using his or her creativity,
training, and experience. A design is not just a drawing on a piece of paper, but is actually a
process of information gathering, good communication, and creativity.
The end product of this process gives us the landscape plan. It can be something as simple as
staking out a simple job, perhaps a free hand sketch for medium size projects, or an elaborate
master plan, with details and specifications for large or multi-phased landscapes.
Our definition of landscape design is a broad one. It goes well beyond plants alone. It might
include walks, patios, decks, arbors, drainage, sprinklers, lighting, and more. Maybe you’re
thinking you’re not ready to get into everything at once, so why bother with a design? Only by first
looking at the big picture, considering all your future goals, can we best focus in on what you want
to do this year. The plan ensures that you can build your landscape one step at a time, at whatever
pace you can afford, without concern that you’ll do something now that you might regret later.
|
|
What style of landscape do you want?
|
There is no such thing as a standard design style. Each is unique. Designs can be formal,
contemporary, historical, natural, or wild, depending on your desires. Perhaps you want specific
features or concepts incorporated in your landscape. “Outdoor rooms” for instance, can be
created with a combination of patio, surrounding shrubbery, an overhead structure, and your own
beautiful outdoor furniture. Or maybe you want a “cutting garden” or a “low maintenance”
landscape. Your designer can help determine what will work best for you.
|
|
How do you get a design or plan?
|
Just give us a call, and we’ll begin the process. We’ll answer your questions and listen to your
needs. Then it goes something like this:
1) First, we set up a meeting. Our designer will come to your home, and listen to your thoughts as
we stroll around your property. There is no fee for this initial appointment, and it will be scheduled
whenever is convenient for you - even on Saturdays and Sundays.
2) During the meeting, we’ll learn as much as we can about you and what you expect in a new
landscape. We’ll offer some suggestions, and some basic concepts and ideas as well.
3) Once we’ve determined the scope of your project, we’ll recommend what type of design help
you require. For simple projects, a verbal description may suffice. For something a bit more
complex, we may do a freehand sketch to convey our ideas. For larger jobs, a scaled landscape
plan may be best (at a cost of $100 and up), involving measurements, photos, drawing board time,
additional meetings, etc. The cost of this professional design is refunded if you choose us to install
your landscape.
4) Finally, we’ll provide you with a free, written, preliminary estimate. This estimate typically
contains line items for each facet of the work you’re contemplating. If everything seems in order,
you’re ready to move to the Installation Phase.
|
|
|
