When we first meet with clients, we ask them what they envision for their yard. Usually, they have some ideas, but are unsure of the overall picture or how to accomplish it. We believe there is no cookie cutter landscapes and one size does not fit all. Each landscape is unique, based on the client’s dreams and needs. To fulfill the client’s vision, we believe the first step is to complete a design.
In order for the design to be successful, it has to have input from all parties: the designer,
adults, children and any pets that use the yard. Lots of questions are asked to determine the final look of the landscape, how the space will be used, how much maintenance, and the budget for the project.
Asking questions in the beginning saves time and money later. If you know that you do not like maintenance, then you do not want to install a water feature or big beds of annuals. If there are children, they probably want grass where they can play soccer or pitch a tent and watch the stars. The dog might enjoy a tree stump.
A good design will save you from planting the wrong tree or shrub in the wrong place. That cute 1 gallon ponderosa pine you picked up at the garden center will grow into the roof of the house if it is planted too close. A design will help you with views that you want to block or frame. If you want to block the neighbors from seeing what you are barbecuing for dinner, planting Dwarf Alberta Spruces would not be a good choice.
Not everyone has a budget that allows them to complete the landscaping all at one time. Sometimes, it takes two or more years to complete. When this is known in the beginning, a design will lay out the work in the proper sequence. It will keep you from tearing out part of the project and starting over again. You do not want to plant trees where the access to the back yard is located before you move materials into the back yard for the paver patio and barbecue.
There are numerous reasons for having a good landscape design. Before you begin your landscape project, if you are unsure how to proceed, spend some money for a good design. It will be money well spent to get the dream landscape that you want to enjoy for years to come.
