About Deer
Thinking About Your Garden
The Design Process
The first step is a meeting to look over your garden and for me to hear you speak. It is a chance for me to understand what you like and dislike about the present space and your goals and dreams for the garden. You may find reviewing the items in the questionnaire below helpful in preparing for the meeting. Another way to prepare is by marking pictures of gardens in books or magazines that stir you. At this first meeting I will give you my preliminary ideas about the garden, as well as an estimate of design fees. Before proceeding further together, we will sign an agreement about the terms of the assignment.
The second step is concept drawings which I prepare based on return visits to measure and think about your property. The concept shows how the space will be divided, where grade changes might be made and paths and terraces built, and what types of plants might be installed. We meet to review my ideas, look at pictures of plants, and see how they mesh with your goals.
The third step is final drawings, which are detailed in specifying location and materials for hardscape, types and sizes of plants, location of lighting fixtures, and so forth. These drawings include as much detail as needed to show masons, carpenters, and gardeners how the garden should be put together. At this point the design is finished.
The next phase is installation. I can arrange for estimates for stone work, planting, and other parts of the installation, and oversee the work.
After installation, I can review with you an appropriate maintenance program for your garden.
Questions to Ask Before Planning a Garden
How do you plan to use the space?
Do you have children? Of what ages? Is this their main play space?
Do you have pets? Do you walk your dogs elsewhere? Do you have outside cats?
Do you entertain frequently? Large events or small informal ones?
What activities would you do in your yard? Grow herbs or vegetables, grow flowers for cutting, display works of art, do sports, barbeque, play with the kids, read, watch birds?
Do you want to attract wildlife (birds, butterflies, etc.)?
Do you need outdoor storage space for trash, garden tools, pool equipment, parking, etc.?
What are the views of the garden from inside the house?
What the views from your garden into other properties?
Do you need to screen out certain views or traffic/airplane noise?
How many hours per week do you like to spend maintaining your garden?
Are you planning to use a garden maintenance company?
Do you prefer a more formal garden space or an informal one?
Do you want lighting in the garden? A water feature?
What are your favorite colors? (And least favorite)
Do you have favorite plants? (Or ones you dislike)
Other thoughts?
All Rights Reserved