Every good property design is the realization of somebody's goal and collaborative effort. My son, for example, wants to get straight A's and be a basketball player. So, of course, this means its now our goal too as his parents. Our goal as a quality landscape design/build firm is to see our customers smile when the job is complete. To make this happen, we need you to ask yourself a few pertinent questions before we start:

• What general look do want to achieve?
~ progressive (mix of colors, textures
and variety)
~ formal (clipped and more conforming)
~ natural (all or resembling so)
~ combination

Note: Keep your eye out in magazines or neighborhoods and take notes or clippings.

• How much maintenance will you do and how much will you
hire out?
• How will your ideas fit your home and neighborhood?
• What places in your yard might something special be appropriate
or desired?
• What future construction or changes could happen with your house?
• How will we proceed in our spending? Immediate budget and long-
term monetary commitment.

STEP One
Talk to us as one of a few possible contractors. Initially we can share with you what we feel makes an exceptional property -- good design integrated properly with existing features. Only a professional will be able to listen to your general criteria, take notes, and start to develop an understanding of your intentions and the potential for your property. This is key, because beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and we are all different. Factors such as permanent features, flexible features, sun conditions, soils, moisture levels and area sizes are all major considerations. Throw in climate, textures, plant availability, color choices, wind, wildlife, etc., and it can be a bit overwhelming. Gardening is supposed to have the opposite effect, and we make it happen. Make sure you see good pictures of work completed or have asked for references. After initial 1 hour consultation you may or may not hire someone to do design work. Ask about the cost of design and about a second meeting. Sometimes just a proposal is needed.

STEP Two
Call back one (or two) professionals you feel comfortable with. Did he/she listen well, take notes, have sensible ideas concerning present conditions, functional objectives and maintenance schedules. Has he/she shown you pictures of completed projects. Has he/she had attention to detail and shown conceptual abilities concerning structural features, plant and materials? Choose to work with someone you feel is qualified. Someone you can trust to complete the work discussed without having to prod or supervise. This decision is important, and will ultimately affect your satisfaction with the project. Try to decide on a single contractor after the 2nd meeting. Can the contractor do the work in an acceptable time frame?

STEP Three
Discuss all the specifics of your plan and priorities, for this season and for the future. Decide what services you would like to pursue first, and we can then talk about budgets, estimated time of completion and we will set a time for our next meeting if necessary.

STEP Four
Now the scope of the project is agreed upon, and proposals may be ready to sign. Changes can still be made of course and we can note anything that will have to be changed at the drafting table in the coming days. We will settle on fees for design work and schedule physical start dates. A deposit at this time may or may not be needed depending on the start date.

STEP Five
The butterflies in your stomach will soon be fluttering in your garden, so relax, we will take good care of your dreams!