Frequently asked questions

I’m here for as much or as little as you need. I can do a design only, design and full install, or anything in-between.

A landscape design consists of the initial (free) phone call followed by a (paid) consultation. Then I measure the space and get to work on the design. In most cases, the final product includes a hand sketch of the area with plants identified by location, a plant selection chart with specific detail, and 3D renderings. If there are design choices, there will also be a presentation outlining those options.

The short answer is not specifically. The renderings are to scale with a plant count, so in general, spacing is relatively easy to discern; but as I always say, design is fluid: it’s not a mathematical calculation. Often times when I am out in the field, working with the installers, I arrange the plants for them to plant. I often find I like to tweak things just a bit. If I am not doing the full install and that work is being done by the homeowner or a regular landscape crew, they will come in and follow the plan using their best judgment.

As I mentioned above, design is fluid. That is why home builds have designers and contractors, and the same principle applies to a yard renovation or install. Sometimes we have to do a rework on the fly, and if I am overseeing the install, I can respond to those issues. Sometimes when I am present and watching it evolve, I decide it would be better to make a change. That is all part of the design process. As an example, I did an elaborate install involving 4 patios, 2 streams, a kitchen, and more. The landscaper shot the initial grade of the land and we planned accordingly. Once we got into the project and dealt with rock and fine tuning the grade, the step down to one of the patios had to change. If left to the landscapers devices he would have made 2 steps. For continuity, I wanted each patio to have only one step down. We were able to adjust the install to accommodate this aspect. Additionally, I found out the pond company never installed their water lines under the patio in conduit – and in 20 years, they had never had a problem. For the small price of $100, I asked that all lines be encased in conduit for ease of replacement if ever needed. As it turned out, they had a break in the water line 3 months after install, and the repair was fast and easy because I insisted on conduit. The company thanked me over and over saying I saved them ten of thousands of dollars of rework, as a major patio would have need to be redone. The president of the company said going forward, all of our jobs will not have water lines encased in conduit. The experience I bring to the table for a full install can be hard to quantify. Quality results are made up of tiny decisions along the way. I pay attention to stone placement, stone color choices while laying out random stone, how deck board spacing intersects the railing, and probably a thousand things a homeowner may never notice, but it is this attention to detail in an install that results in a fantastic end product.