A professional landscape design not only makes your garden more beautiful and enjoyable, it’s practical too. It increases property value, creates a first impression of your home or business, can screen out noise and create privacy. And, it can literally lower the temperature by providing shady retreats.
Good landscape design is part science and part art. And unlike interior design or architecture, the materials we deal with are living! They change shape, size, and appearance over the years, and from season to season. Walls and furniture never change, but plants do! And sadly, sometimes we lose a few. What makes landscape design interesting also makes it challenging. A professional designer will combine their knowledge of the science of plants with artistic talent to create a truly beautiful space designed to meet your specific needs and desires.
Have you ever walked through a garden that made you feel calm and peaceful? Maybe a shady woodland garden or plants that brought back memories of your childhood home? Every garden has the potential to develop its own spirit or soul, evoking certain emotions and creating a sense of place.
By using texture, scent, color, playing with light and shadows, highlighting views, or adding elements such as art or water, a well thought-out design can become your personal oasis and breathe new life into a tired property.
Finding the right landscape designer
What to look for in a garden designer? Someone who listens and asks questions about you and your family. Someone you can connect with and speak freely with. Ask to see some of their designs and photos from finished projects. Invest in an initial consultation with them before committing to the entire project, then decide if they are the right one for you. Even if you decide to go with someone else, you’ll have some new ideas to consider for your garden.
Planning your landscaping project
In order to get the most bang for the bucks you sink in to your landscape, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your first meeting with a designer:
- Think about how you want to use your outdoor space. For example, outdoor dining, evenings around a fireplace, a place for kids to play on grass, or a secluded and quiet place to sit and relax.
- Decide how much maintenance you are willing to do or hire someone to do. Things like fertilizing, pruning, and mulching need to be done regularly to keep your garden healthy and looking its best.
- Decide how much you want to spend. Be realistic about matching your wish list to your budget. If you can’t afford to install it all at once, it’s common practice to install in stages. Discuss budget openly with your designer so they can design a plan that’s within your means and meets your expectations.