The Design Process

Philosophy

The creation of a design, whether small or large is a process.  Each garden has a character of its own, whether it is a courtyard, town, or country garden. I work very closely with the client in order to create a garden space that reflects their particular tastes, desires, and requirements. In this process I combine both the ideas of the client and the characteristics of the land to create a design that includes seasonal interest, plant selection and arrangement, garden construction, and soil and site analysis.

Our Initial Meeting

The first meeting is to identify your needs and goals for the gardens and landscape.  We will walk around the inside and outside of your house to get a sense of the qualities of the different areas around your home. If necessary a second visit may be necessary to walk the grounds outside the home, weather permitting.  After our meeting I will mail to you an overview of the site including recommendations on soil preparation and cleanup.  I will also include a cost analysis along with a contract.  As soon as you sign and return the contract, I will begin work.

Measuring and Analyzing the Site

Site plans of the home and surrounding boundaries of the property provided by the client, with landmarks, help to simplify the process of design.  If not available I will measure the house and the areas to be landscaped including major landmarks to be able to proceed with the drawings. 

Preliminary Drawings (Early Sketches)

We start by creating a base plan for the property by identifying trees, major landmarks, exposure to sun and shade, soil conditions, and usage spaces.  We will then sit down and go over these plans and make any changes that will become the basis for the final plan.  If you have any specific trees, shrubs, color preferences – please include them here.  Please make a list so that I can take it with me to develop the plan. Here is where I can make any recommendations for a contractor and/or mason for installation of the plan.

Master Plan

With the rough sketches (preliminary plan), and knowledge of what it is you envision for your landscape area, I will develop drawings including pathways, plant areas, sitting areas, patios and whatever you would like to include in your plan.  Suggestions for plants will be included in this plan.

Intermediate Meeting

We will review the Master Plan for any changes and refinement.  Please respond to the specifics and add any suggestions and changes.  Remember this is your plan; I am only helping you to create it. 

Final/Maintenance Plan

You will receive a copy of the Master Plan along with a Maintenance Plan for the plants in your garden.