Landscape Design

[Jaguar]

I recently bought a house with a fairly small yard (.2 acre), that had been quite neglected by the previous homeowner. We've spent the last year or so trying to clean it up, putting in some new plants and things, but we seem to have a hard time getting it to look good. We seem to end up just buying whatever plants we like, and putting them where ever they fit.

So I've been thinking about hiring a landscape designer. I've looked around a bit locally and haven't had any luck finding anyone. All the companies around seem to want to do the whole package of designing, installing and maintaining
So I had a few questions:


What are some suggestions for finding someone who is willing to do just the design?
About how much would it cost to get a plan put-together?
Is this something that could be done over the internet, or is it really something that would be better done by someone locally?

Hope this is in the right forum, wasn't sure if I should put it in homeowner help or not.

[molly_adele]

I would definately suggest getting a landscape designer to help you plan 'the whole picture.' Then when you add plants as your budget allows, it won't look so piece meal rather than tieing the whole landscape together. Many of your design build companies should be able to create just a design for you, even though they would like to do the install too they should be able to work with your needs. I would say that with a site visit, taking measurements if a site plan can't be provided, a full design should take somewhere around 8 hours. At $75-$100 per hour, that can run you $600-$800. The revision process can cost even more. I would suggest that a local designer would be better than one over the internet. Knowing the lay of the land, how certain specimens grow in your climate, and getting a chance to see the site and surroundings with your own eyes rather than pictures is priceless. Technology is a wonderful tool though too...if you utlize it, I can help bridge those gaps of not being able to physically be on site.

Good Luck!

[msfxJeep]

You may try looking at the Association of Professional Landscape Designers website (apld.org) to find a designer near you along with additional information about the design process.

I don't do design outside of my area, but I do have some information on the process that you may find helpful. Private message me if you want me to email it to you.

[Olive Branch]

My company offers landscape designs for sites outside of our area. If you are stuck, and can't find a designer you are happy with we would be glad to help. With a little leg work from you we can create a great design that fits your needs.

Let me know if we could be of assistance.

[BuenPatron]

A good local nursery may be able to help you with a less expensive design, or at least tell you where to look.

[papercutter]

Are you in a rural or a metro area? I live in the boondocks, and even here I have several competitors. Seems odd that you couldn't find anyone.

Cost- hard to say. You get what you pay for. Hiring a designer is all about fit- either they "get" you and make you feel relaxed and confident, or they don't.

Internet design for homeowners... it can work with the right designer. You need to be pretty savvy about your site conditions, though, if the designer won't get to see them for him/ herself.

[Nebraska]

Relocated this thread to the homeowner help forum

[agla]

Landscapers take note. This is a huge marketing mistake a lot of guys make in my opinion. Instead of trying to get the design/construction/maintenance in one sale, sell the design first, then it is our job to lose.

[TheShrubber]

I recently bought a house with a fairly small yard (.2 acre), that had been quite neglected by the previous homeowner. We've spent the last year or so trying to clean it up, putting in some new plants and things, but we seem to have a hard time getting it to look good. We seem to end up just buying whatever plants we like, and putting them where ever they fit.

So I've been thinking about hiring a landscape designer. I've looked around a bit locally and haven't had any luck finding anyone. All the companies around seem to want to do the whole package of designing, installing and maintaining
So I had a few questions:


What are some suggestions for finding someone who is willing to do just the design?
About how much would it cost to get a plan put-together?
Is this something that could be done over the internet, or is it really something that would be better done by someone locally?

Hope this is in the right forum, wasn't sure if I should put it in homeowner help or not.


You sound just like my typical design client. You have some ideas, don't know how to proceed, end up plopping in some cute and cuddly plants that you got at the local garden center. Most of these homeowners will then get frustrated that the project didn't turn out exactly as they had invisioned it. Soon, these cute and suddly little plants start to grow! Soon, they have an overgrown mess to deal with.

Please think of this entire process as just that - a process. If you have the desire to build a house, you don't go to the lumberyard and buy a stack of 2x4's and just start building. There's a process that needs to be followed to properly buiild a home. Landscaping your home should be no different.

Whether you want your landscape designed and installed, or just designed shouldn't matter to a reputable and competent Landscape Designer. Do I want the entire project? Sure I do, but I'm happy to get the design out of the deal if that's all the homeowner wants. A good designer/ landscaper will not let his or her ego (and the all-mighty dollar) get in the way and insist on the install portion too. It's not about me, it's about making my client happy.

Some suggestions for finding someone who is willing to do just the design? Ask your friends and family (and neighbors) for referrals. Drive into a nice neighborhood and ask the owner of a house whose landscape you admire, who designed their landscape. Tell the landscape company that you're looking to do the design at this time. You can weed out a lot of companies on the phone by bringing this up early. You may have to meet several designers. You may even have to pay them a consultation fee ($75ish) to meet with them.

The amount of money you'll INVEST in this design will vary by the Landscape Designer. I would charge somewhere around $500 for a .2acre lot.

Can the design be done over the internet? I would prefer to meet the homeowner. I like to see their house, see the views from inside their kitchen and living room. The feel of the house as you're walking up to the front door is important. I like to develop a relationship with my clients so that we are designing this landscape together on the same plane. Meeting in person is my preference.

But, having said all that...

With plenty of photos, with clearly labeled views in many directions, and many emails sent back and forth, I have designed numerous projects via the internet. The homeowners have been pleased with the result, so yes it is certainly possible.

[jams001]

wow this is really good idea, i can pick up little useful idea to your post thanks a lot buddy!!

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[AZTLANLC]

I don't know but I feel I've been taken
I think there should be a rule on this forum for homeowners to pay a fee to join or at least have a time period before they can post.