This is a description of the design process for a full landscape design. The process may vary according to client and project needs.  A partial design may require only some of these stages.

Click on a plan to enlarge it.

Initial Consultation
During this first meeting, we will tour your property together and I will want to hear your thoughts and desires concerning your project.  I may ask you to fill out a questionnaire prior to this meeting to optimize our time together.  Photos of landscapes you like from magazines and garden books will be helpful.  Any observations you’ve made of the site are useful also.  I will give you my initial ideas and suggestions. This is the beginning of a collaborative effort to develop a plan that fits your personal style and goals for your property.  I will explain the design process by showing you plans from other projects.   I will mail or email you a summary of our meeting including my initial recommendations for your property, along with a contract for you to sign if you decide to continue with the design process. The consultation fee of $150.00 for this meeting will be deducted from the total design fee if you decide to pursue the design process.
  

Base Map
Next is site measuring and inventory. I will take measurements for a base map, and analyze your site for microclimates, vistas to emphasize, unpleasant views to screen, adverse conditions such as high winds or too much sun exposure, health of existing plants, and soil conditions. I take into account the architecture and materials used in and around your house in order to create a design that will achieve a unified whole. This detailed analysis will enable me to build on the strengths of your property, and look for ways to turn  problems into assets. Any house plans or a site survey that you have would be helpful at this point.   I incorporate the information I have gathered so far into a base map. The base map will show existing site features, including a footprint of your house.

Concept Plan
With overlays on the base map, I will begin to define how spaces will be used on the property, and how they will relate to one another. These are refined into one or more concept plans. A concept plan considers the general form and placement of features such as paths, planting beds, patios, decks, and focal points. At this stage, I usually don’t consider specific plants to be used but rather am developing the overall direction the design will take.
 

Now  we have a meeting where I present the concept plan or plans developed thus far along with sketches and or photos to help illustrate my ideas. We will discuss the features you want to develop and your preferences. Often contractors are brought in for competitive bidding on the installation of hardscaping after this meeting, and a estimated budget for the project is established.  Usually most of the cost of a project is the hardscaping (patios, walls, fences, arbors) so it is difficult to establish a firm budget prior to the contractor bids.  Decisions can be made at this point if the plan needs to be revised or phased in over a few seasons.

Hardscaping Plan
I create a Hardscaping Plan defining the placement of patios, decks, paths, and other surfaces, as well as overhead outdoor structures, such as arbors and gazebos, in a scaled drawing.  I indicate the proportions of proposed structures to insure they are in scale with their surroundings. I also recommend materials to be used.

Planting Plan
This plan denotes specific plants and their placement. The number of plants in each grouping, with botanical names, and adequate spacing to allow for mature growth, are included in a scaled drawing.  Depending on the complexity of the site, the hardscaping and planting plan may be combined.  All of my plans are hand drawn for maximum flexibility and creativity.

Sketches
One or more sketches are included to illustrate focal areas. As a designer, I find that sketches are an important communication tool.  They enable clients and contractors to better visualize the finished design.