Landscape Design:

Landscaping  increases the value of your home and provides you with years of enjoyment.  Whether you plan to install yourself or have your landscaping installed by professionals, a plan is vital to ensure successful results.  If you choose a professional landscape designer, there are several steps you can take to prepare for your initial meeting. These steps will help you organize your thoughts for any landscape project from new home construction to a re-design of an existing landscape.

Provide the designer with a survey of the property and take an inventory of the site.  Try to decide what you would like the function of your site to be and think about any existing features that you would either want to keep or get rid of.  The designer can help you with these decisions. 

Also you should be aware of your budget. Keep in mind that the project does not have to be installed all at once. Installing your landscape in phases allows you to spread out the expenses and the amount of time you commit to the project. The big picture provided by the design plan will help you prioritize the project.

The Design Process:

Site Analysis:

The design process begins with an initial meeting with the client. The property is walked viewing the areas to be designed discussing factors such as desired function of the site, hardscape, existing plantings, lighting, watering, slope and location of utilities.   The client can view samples of work so that the designer can get an idea for the style of landscape desired whether it is formal, informal, cottage style, contemporary or perhaps a combination of styles for different areas.  After careful consideration of wants and needs for the location, digital photographs and careful measurements are taken of the site. The designer then gathers all the information needed for the plan through several site visits and creates a conceptual plan.
 

Conceptual Plan:

The designer will meet with you to review the conceptual plan. This plan will provide an overview of the project and will include a layout of functional areas, planting areas and hardscape. At this time you can further discuss any ideas you may have with your designer.    

Master Plan:

Upon approval of the conceptual plan, the designer will then prepare a scaled to size master plan (or blueprint) which will show the layout of plantings and hardscape as well as a listing of plant material, sizes and quantities and specifications.  Computer rendered imaging of your design will also be supplied so that you can see what your installed landscape will look like beforehand. 

Implementation:

At this point you may proceed with installing your project.  You may decide to hire out all or some of the elements of your project and your designer can help you with this.    After that all you have to do is enjoy your new landscape!