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The first meeting with the client is a consultation that takes the client through a decision making process, identifying garden needs and wants. During that meeting, I use a questionnaire, take a walk through the property, and perform a comprehensive interview to assess the site and discover the possibilities for the garden. Photographs and measurements will be taken. Another visit may be necessary to further analyze the site. After all the information is gathered, I develop the preliminary hardscape plan. That plan will include all hard surfaces such as walks, walls, decks, patios, driveways and structures. The shape of the turf areas and the planting beds are also included in this plan. The next step is the preparation of the planting plan. I use information gathered in the initial consultation, as well as any other pictures or articles that depict aspects of the client's desired planting scheme. When the planting plan is complete, a second meeting is scheduled to discuss the planting plan and to agree upon changes to the design. During this meeting, each plant and its purpose in the landscape will be discussed. If a particular plant is unacceptable, other plants that meet the same criteria will be discussed and selected. After the planting plan is approved, I compile a plant list, write notes and specifications for the design, and prepare the plan for final presentation. At the third meeting I present the final landscape plan and the supporting documents. I also advise on possible contractors and other resources. I believe it's important for the contractor to understand my landscape concept, so I allow time for a consultation with the contractor either by phone or on site. A follow-up consultation is also included for the purpose of fine tuning the landscape. It should take place after the landscape is installed. These last two consultations can be used creatively to help smooth the installation process if you chose to do the work yourself. Click here to download: Free Adobe Acrobat Reader (to download files below) Click here to download: How to Prepare a Site Survey Click here to download: Questionnaire |