Garden Retreats | Get Started

GALLERIES:

TUSCANY

POOLSCAPE

KITCHEN

MAKEOVER

LABYRINTH

MEDITERRANEAN

SPANISH

WALLS & FALLS

THE LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROCESS STEPS – HOW IT REALLY WORKS
My role as the Landscape Designer is to ensure that you are successful in creating the garden retreat that you envisioned! Here is how the design and implementation process works:

ASSESSMENT STEP: Conduct an initial interview with you to fully understand your garden likes, dislikes, favorite colors and plants, utility needs, exterior and interior design of your home, the neighborhood and all the factors that will be used to customize the design of your garden. This includes:

o Completing a detailed questionnaire
o Measuring the site
o Photographing the site

CONTRACT STEP: Creating a landscape design quote which includes the total cost of the design and a contract that documents your requirements

DESIGN STEP: Create the first draft blueprint of your garden on a _ inch to 1 foot scale which means that for every 1 inch on the drafting paper represents 4 feet on the actual site. This includes a complete list of plants (botanical name, common name, descriptions, size, type, sunlight, and water requirements). A plant list report with photographs of the plants. An installation strategy document outlining the major components of the construction phase.

FINALIZE DESIGN STEP: Revise the design based on input from the review with the client of the first draft. Incorporate changes, new ideas and artistic adjustments per client’s request.

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION BID STEP: Obtain bids from reliable landscape contractors based on the design and plant material list. Interview the contractors and evaluate their work. I have a referral list of dependable landscape contractors that can be provided on request.

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION & INSTALLATION: This is where the hard work takes place to translate the blueprint into an actual living garden complete with hardscape, water features, structures, irrigation system and plants.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT & SUPPORT: The landscape designer is available throughout the project to support the homeowner in obtaining the highest quality results. Onsite or remote consultation with the contractor is available. Review of the design layout on the ground especially prior to pouring concrete or planting is available. Visit to the nursery with clients is available to select plants close up.

PLANT SUBSTITUTIONS: The landscape designer is available to make adjustments to plant material based on client preferences, nursery stock availability and contractor inputs.

ANNUAL VISITS: The landscape designer enjoys making garden house calls annually to check in on the health and well being of the garden. Once you have a Garden Retreat installed, it becomes one of my extended family gardens for life.