The Garden Gal

"There are designs, and then there are designs." I strive for the latter. If I don't take a personal interest in your landscape, then I'm not the designer for you. In every new design I take on, the goal is not to finish it; rather, it is to achieve a practical, aesthetically pleasing, and logical design that is equally reflective of your personality as it is achievable within your budget.

In some cases, I might be asked for "just a quick plan." I like those too, but I  will always offer you more than just a simple plan. No matter the size or scope of the job --whether it is for curb appeal/resale or five acres -- you will be presented with a plan that is unique in at least one way. A landscape that is not intriguing or that leaves you with a positive memory is one that has not been designed correctly and professionally.

1. Preliminary Meeting: The first meeting with you -- after having agreed to hire me for a full design --consists of discussing the scope of the work, sharing some basic conceptual ideas with you, and taking a site survey including measurements and digital photos. 

2. Conceptual Plan: Within about a week, I meet with you to show the preliminary (or conceptual) design of your new proposed landscape. In many cases, a conceptual before-and-after photo rendering may be shown. If significant changes occurred, another meeting may be requested by the designer.

3. Planting Plan: Once the conceptual plan is accepted, and only if necessary, another meeting may be requested to give you another presentation of the primary perennials, shrubs, and trees that will be incorporated into the plan.

4. Final Plan: The final conceptual design will incorporate the full planting plan, planting notes, design notes, two copies of the design, and any additional information and pictures pertinent to the design and its implementation.

Please download and fill out the Design Menu prior to meeting with me.

Low Maintenance Designs

Busy schedules and limited quiet times seem to dictate the need for "low maintenance" gardens or landscapes...even for designers with a passion for gardening. This is what I strive for in most landscapes. The trick, however, is to create a palette of "plants that don't need you" but draw your attention in all four seasons.

Xeriscaping

Simply put, "xeriscaping" is drought-tolerant landscaping. Literally it is Greek for "dry landscaping." It is a term that originated in Colorado where a task force was set up to address the water shortage crisis. It is the practice of landscaping with plants that need low to no water and little care. In turn homeowners are compensated with water conservation, reduced yard waste and work, and most of all beautiful and lush gardens that are guided mostly by nature with a little help from the homeowners.

Hourly design of plants only is available for any size landscape. Situations that may necessitate a planting plan:

• Rejuvination of old planting beds
• New installation of pool 
• Special occasions such as weddings or seasonal festivities
• Container planting schemes

I create curb appeal from the moment the prospective home buyer stops the car. I coordinate an arborist to clean the trees, borrow patio furnishings and focal pieces, create eye-catching arrangements, dress up the beds with clean mulch...and assure the landscape looks equally great from inside the house.

For those having recently moved here and need an overview of our climates and plants, I help orient the new home owner to our area, linking them to nurseries, specialists, and stores.

Initial Visit

The initial visit is FREE. However, should the first half hour lead into a full consultation (see below), then the visit will be billed at  $85 per hour. Should this visit lead into a contract, the fee is waived. Additional travel time of 45 minutes or longer will be charged at a reduced rate.

Design

A professional design consists of a complete conceptual hardscape and softscape design that the do-it-yourselfer and/or construction contractor will use to install the landscape(s). Designs range in price from $500 and up depending on the size and complexity of the property or garden. Many designs, however, are better done at an hourly rate ($85 per hour): spot designs (partials), planting plans, hardscape only, quick drawings, etc. 

Consultation

A consultation visit -- to aid you in determing basic design strategies, selection of plantings, and/or to provide you with basic sketches -- shall be billed at $85 per hour. Travel time may apply.