Long-Distance Design and Advice

The cost to fly us out to design your yard is probably prohibitive. But there are things you can do, and ways we can help.

You need to do some preliminary work.

Decide whether you want some minimal improvements, or a wholesale redesign. Decide whether you want minimal, moderate or intense upkeep. Decide whether you want intimate space or open space, play area or viewing area, a natural look or an English garden look, flowers or ground cover or food crops. Consider the layout of your property, including things that cannot move, streams, hills or forests.

You need to consider weather, climate, predators, and what your neighbors are up to in your design. I was unable to do much with one yard, because it was surrounded by unkempt yards, and natural brush. The animals, weed seeds, and even the light were so affected, that all we could really do was create a somewhat natural setting, with lots of ground cover. In another case, we were able to plant precisely the two fruit trees the woman wanted, in a very small yard, because the neighbor had fruit trees that would pollinate them.

If you already know what you want, and where, you don’t need a designer. The last five people I consulted with didn’t actually want to me to design their yards, and they rejected every suggestion. They just wanted someone to talk to, someone who would agree with them, or someone to see if there were errors in their own analysis. One wanted a few flower starts. I suggest joining you local garden club before you go to the expense of a consultant or designer. Once you have seen a few yards, traded a few flowers, and engaged in a few conversations, you will have friends, a support group, and a clearer understanding of whether you need a professional's service.

I recommend that every person spend some time wandering arboretums, landscaped public centers, and places like Minter or Buchart Gardens (both in BC, Canada). Go on a Spring Garden Tour in your own community. Take a virtual tour of the European palace gardens on the internet. These are great for generating ideas.

Then, if you still need us, draw us a scale, line drawing of your home and property, with major landforms noted. Attach a list of things you’d like to see done, and your objectives. And mail it to us. We will create a plan, and send it back. You are free to use it with your local installers, or modify it as you like.

Thanks,

Joel