Why should I work with a landscape designer?
Quality landscape design is more than strategically placing pretty plants around a house. A well thought-out garden space is a harmonious composition in which your lifestyle, seasonal change, architecture and interior design and the level of maintenance you prefer are carefully taken into consideration. Improving your landscape is an investment that positively affects the quality of life of the people who live with the design each day. It is important to get it right. Professionally trained landscape designers combine artistic and creative skills with horticultural knowledge to help realize your garden ideas and goals. This combination of expertise will save resources, time and money. Barbara is certified by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers.
I have lots of ideas. How will I be involved in the design process?
Barbara’s objective is to help you take your ideas and grow them into the landscape of your dreams. To do so she works collaboratively to determine which services best suit your needs, budge and timetable, based on your goals for outdoor living space. Barbara has also worked successfully with architects, engineers, soils specialists, arborists, builders and interior designers.
What is the difference between a landscape designer, a landscape architect and a design-build landscaper?
Landscape design and landscape architecture are similar art forms. The ideal designer for your landscape will be the person most compatible with your taste, lifestyle and budget.
In general, landscape design involves the design of residential or small commercial landscapes and gardens that require aesthetic and horticultural skills. Because training and expertise vary widely, it is important to look for a designer whose practice conforms to The Standards of Practice of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD). I am certified by APLD and I am also a certified horticulturist.
Landscape architecture involves the application of more complex architecture and engineering solutions. Landscape architects have a degree in landscape architecture that typically includes limited horticulture education. They are licensed by the state and are qualified to develop construction-ready plans with construction details for complex retaining walls, decks, water features and drainage. The fees for their services are much higher than those for landscape designers.
Design-build landscape contractors typically implement the plans of landscape designers and architects. They may or may not have staff members with design or horticulture training.
I don’t think I will be able to afford to do everything at once. Can I install the design in stages?
Absolutely. Many of Barbara’s clients have asked for landscape plans are accommodate installation in stages. Barbara understands the importance of ensuring that the garden looks good throughout an extended installation process. Clients are offered budget guidance for planning such longer term projects and these clients are supported throughout the process.
How much should I spend on landscaping?
Quality landscaping offers an excellent return on investment, ranking as one of the top home improvements. According to MONEY magazine story on home renovations, landscaping has a recovery value of 100% to 200% if it is well done and harmonizes with foliage nearby.
With housing values dropping in many areas, homeowners are seeking to enhance their home’s value with attractive, well-planned landscaping. According to a Michigan State University study, high quality landscaping adds 5 to 11% to the home’s price.