Services

Consultation

Many homeowners enjoy gardening but find themselves overwhelmed by the complexities of designing a garden, selecting appropriate plants and finding a way for all the desired elements to work together. Barbara can make the task more manageable by explaining how to apply the principles of landscape design to an individual site, and by being available for additional consultation throughout the process.

One of most common questions asked is, “Where do I start?” For most people it is neither realistic nor affordable to create an ideal garden in a single installation. Barbara offers suggestions for practical approaches to suit individual budgets and timelines, including ideas to ensure that the landscape looks good between phases of development.

Site Analysis, Planning and Research

There are many factors that influence the character of a landscape site. Barbara’s professional evaluation of a location covers the basics of measurement and notation of soil types, drainage, potential equipment access, climate and views. Site features, such as large trees or waterways may inspire design ideas. The architectural style and size of the house and other buildings on the site may provide a framework for designing a garden. The site analysis includes consideration of the effect of community codes and covenants. The appearance and nature of the surrounding neighborhood, yards and landscapes may also influence choices.

An extremely important part of the site analysis and research is determining how a garden is to be used and maintained, both currently and in the future. Sustainability and cost of maintenance must be considered early in the design process.

Custom Landscape Design

A well-designed garden is a valuable property investment. An ideal landscape should serve many diverse functions, from providing privacy, style and mood to developing space for relaxation, entertainment or play. Barbara can guide homeowners through this challenging process, which involves both identifying uses and needs and prioritizing goals.

Appropriate design options will vary depending on the needs and budget for the project. The design package may include scaled and CAD-generated conceptual, layout and planting plans. These plans may be supplemented with sketches, photos, plant lists and plant maintenance descriptions. Barbara’s design expertise can also be used for selecting outdoor furniture or sculpture and placing these elements in the garden.

Contractor Referrals and Project Coordination

Barbara has developed strong relationships with several landscape installation and maintenance contractors. These contractors are familiar with Barbara’s specified sources for stone, gravel, soil, compost, edging, and lighting and irrigation materials. They share the goal of a more sustainable approach to landscape design and construction. If desired, Barbara can provide full support for coordinating the installation of the design, including reviewing and negotiation bids and researching specialists. Barbara will also work with landscape contractors of the homeowners’ choice.

Homeowner Coaching

Barbara enjoys sharing her knowledge with others. She is experienced in providing homeowners with training in the following horticultural activities:

Sourcing, Purchasing and Staging Plants

Gardeners in the Pacific Northwest are blessed with ample rain and a relatively moderate seasonal range of temperatures. Local nurseries offer a vast selection of plant material – so much that the choices are often overwhelming or confusing. As a certified horticulturist with training specific to plants commonly available here, Barbara can share her expertise to help her clients avoid expensive mistakes.

Barbara has established relationships with some of the best nurseries for native, climate-appropriate and unusual plants in the Seattle area. She is available to purchase plants for her clients and to stage them in the garden for homeowners to plant.