Design & Installation
How does my process work?
After initially connecting online or over the phone, I start with an on-site consultation, in which I tour your yard with you and we discuss your overall goals for the space. The visit is typically around one hour and I will spend time getting to know your desires as well as provide some initial thoughts or ideas. The consultation also helps us both to see if I am the right fit for your project. I follow up the consultation with an email that includes the notes from my visit as well as an estimate for a design or any other projects we discussed. If these projects are to be done in phases, I will also present you with the logical stages and we can come up with a timeline for completion, based on season and budget.
If you would like to move forward with the design, the next step is for me to create a 2D to scale rendering that I present to you. This involves me returning to your space for measurements and communicating with you further about ideas or questions posed at the consultation. The designs are sent to you in pdf format and include links to websites with information and photographs of the plants included. Before beginning this step, I collect a deposit of 20% of the design estimate.
After presenting you with an initial design, we will meet (either in person or virtually) to discuss the design and go over any changes that you would like to make to the design.
After which I edit the design and then present you with another draft. If you are satisfied with that design then we will move forward from there otherwise I will go back and make necessary changes until we both agree on the final design.
A few other notes on my designs and the process:
Design estimates are based on presenting one design, having a design meeting and subsequently one round of changes to the design. If there are additional rounds of changes, the cost of the design may increase based on my hourly rate.
I do not include measurements on the pdf that I initially send out as I find it muddles the view with too much information. However, if I will not be the one doing the installation, I will also provide you with a version without plant names, but with dimensions.
If I am the one doing the installation I will provide you with the plant list after the installation, if you will be doing the installation yourself I will provide you with the plant list after we have agreed on the final design.
Before the design is complete some of the initial work may begin, most often this includes removing plants that are no longer wanted, sheet mulching or other soil building techniques
Installations
I most often do the plant acquisition and installations of the garden designs myself. However, I also work with DIY clients, who I pass the design off for them to complete. I am also happy to work alongside clients during the installation process, if this is your desire further details will be discussed.
There are certain aspects of the installation that I don’t personally do, such as build wooden structures (i.e. raised beds, arbors, decks, fences), large hardscaping features (I do paths and landings, but not larger patios and walls), and irrigation. I do have a contractor’s license and the ability to subcontract this work and take on the role of project manager. Or you are welcome to find your own contractors to complete these tasks, in which case I will support you through the process and be available to answer any questions that may arise and visit the site as needed.
