LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROCESS

We meet on site to view the garden and get a sense of the client’s needs and wishes. This will include a review of the landscape goals as well as any concerns. If the client wants to incorporate food and medicine plants, we will review the areas of health and wellness the client may want to give special attention to. Following this the client is provided with a contract outlining what is included in the design package along with the estimated cost of the design work.

A topographical survey or mapping of the site is carried out by surveyors or myself, including house, boundaries, existing features, trees, grades and all measurements required for the design. A site analysis is undertaken to accompany the survey, noting factors that will influence the design such as drainage, soil types, equipment access, micro climates and views. The architectural style & colours of the house and neighbourhood are noted. Municipal bylaws, codes and restrictions are also reviewed.

The first phase of the design process will be to develop a scaled concept plan that covers the whole property in a “broad stroke” design. The concept plan is helpful for tying the overall idea together while the details are worked out for each component of the plan. The general areas, design style, plant or colour palexttes and project phasing will come together and presented at our next meeting. Together we can discuss the plan and estimated timelines and make any adjustments it to keep it in line with your vision and budget.

Following this initial concept plan and discussion I will incorporate any changes you would like to see and from there develop the construction drawings, planting plan, as well as any other details required for the installation of the plan or for permit applications. Some clients wish to install the landscape in phases, and detail design drawings may be produced as needed to follow the order of operations for installation. Details may include grading plans, planting plans, hardscaping layout & details, woodwork details, section drawings or elevations. The contractor can then install the landscape following these plans.

The plans are put to tender to recommended contractors. I am available to guide the client in choosing the right contractors for each project or to co-oridinate the install.

I can advise throughout the build of the project, inspecting work and ensuring that the garden is built to the highest standards. I am present to lay out the plants in their proposed places as sometimes small adjustments are helpful onsite to achieve the most harmonious results.

After the landscape design stage has finished, Melissa can provide guidance on plant maintenance, harvest and processing.