Design & Installation
How does my process work?
All projects start with an on-site consultation, in which we tour your yard together and discuss your overall goals for the space. The visit is typically around one hour. I will spend time getting to know your desires as well as provide some initial thoughts and ideas. The consultation also helps us both to see if I am the right fit for your project. I follow up the onsite 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 seasons and budget.
The next step is to create a to-scale rendering. I offer two options for the rendering, 2D and 3D. 2D is an overhead view depicting current and future features such as paths, planting beds, and specific plant selections with plant names labeled. For a 3D design you will also receive the 2D overhead view with plant names, but in addition you will receive multiple perspectives that show the heights of the plants and bloom colors in addition to showing structures such as your house for perspective for different angels . Both versions will be sent to you as a pdf file and will include an additional file with a plant list that includes botanical and common names of the plants as well as links to websites with plant pictures and information. I will provide you with estimates for both options. At this point I will return to your yard for measurements and also communicate with you further regarding more specifics of ideas discussed at the consultation.
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. I will then 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.
