Specialty Gardens - Process - Residential Landscape Design

The preparations of Residential Landscape Designs are divided into two phases. These include the first phase, which is the Concept Plan, and the second phase, which is the Planting Plan.

Phase One – Landscape Concept Plan

Includes: Landscape Concept Plan, Construction Specifications Sheet, and Quantity Estimate for Materials.

Step One - Initial Consultation and Client Interview
I will arrange an appointment with you and your family at your home and determine what your landscape lifestyle is and how to best attain it using your ideas and priorities. We will discuss your likes and dislikes, personal taste, and what is important to you. For your landscape spaces to be uniquely yours, it is important for me to get to know who you are.

It is helpful if you have any articles or pictures to demonstrate what you find appealing or offensive in a landscape. Please have your survey plan and house blueprint available for the interview and it will be returned to you at our second meeting.

This step usually takes one to two hours to complete.

Step Two - Site Evaluation and Analysis
I will arrange to come back to your home at another time to compare your survey plan with what is actually in your yard. All items to be retained such as existing trees or features will be measured and exact locations noted.

An inventory will be done on existing plant material so that it may be incorporated into the planting plan. Photographs will be taken at this time to aid in the design process off-site. These will not be returned to you.

An analysis of the site including soil conditions, drainage issues, micro and macroclimate locations, and desirable or undesirable views will be prepared.

Step Three - Preliminary Landscape Concept Plan Preparation and Presentation

CONCEPT PLAN SAMPLE
Click thumb to enlarge view

Using the information provided during the Initial Consultation, a plan will be prepared to show the allocation of space in your yard. This plan does not detail plant material location or identification.

An appointment will be arranged with you to critique the Preliminary Landscape Concept Plan. Remember that you will be living here and all your concerns and questions need to be addressed at this stage.

Step Four - Revisions to Final Landscape Concept Plan
Revisions will be made to the Landscape Concept Plan in accordance with the changes expressed during our appointment. This plan will be the base used for the Planting Plan.

Step Five – Construction Specifications
A sheet of specifications will be included in this phase to demonstrate or illustrate a specific construction detail or procedure outlined on the plan.

Step Six – Quantity Estimate for Materials
Once the Concept Plan is finalized, an estimate will be prepared detailing the quantities of materials required.

Phase Two – Landscape Planting Plan

Includes: Landscape Planting Plan, Planting Specifications Sheet, and Project Portfolio.

Step One - Landscape Planting Plan Preparation

PLANTING PLAN SAMPLE
Click thumb to enlarge view

Plant material will be added and identified using the Landscape Concept Plan as a base. Quantities, Botanical and Common Names, as well as plant material size will be noted. All material shown on this plan is illustrated at mature size.

Revisions made to the drawing after the Planting Plan is complete will be charged at the current hourly rate.

Step Two – Planting Specifications Sheet

A sheet of specifications will be included in this phase to demonstrate or illustrate a specific planting detail or procedure outlined on the plan.

Step Three – Project Portfolio

A Project Portfolio will also be left with you which includes a Plant Material Legend, an Image Gallery of the plant material suggested, Descriptions of the plant material suggested, and a Plant Material Price Schedule.