Pre and post construction landscape design

Pre-construction consultations are helpful in protecting existing trees and shrubs, preserving topsoil, and addressing drainage issues. After construction, you may be reconsidering your needs for space or screening, as well as replacing or adding plant materials or creating a new garden area.

Renovating old landscapes

Older landscapes often have attractive and valuable features that should be respected and can be preserved by judicious pruning or transplanting. Evaluating existing conditions is an important and cost-saving step before making major changes. Then, informed decisions can be made whether to prune, remove, or replace existing trees and shrubs in order to achieve the desired result.

Pre-sale recommendations

In this difficult housing climate, simple and inexpensive steps can be taken to create curb appeal and help a property sell more quickly. An investment of a few hundred dollars may be a wise and profitable decision that will also bring you pleasure in the interim.

Garden coaching and sourcing

Coaching

Coaching is an alternative for someone who has the desire, but maybe not the knowledge or experience they would like. It is client driven, and may encompass design consultation, nursery visits, hands-on planting assistance, and horticultural recommendations.

Sourcing

Landscape designers have access to a variety of plant materials found only in wholesale nurseries, as well as furniture and ornaments available exclusively to the trade. I am happy to search for rare plants, unique decorative objects and planters, and other items suitable for your site but not easily found in retail stores.

Sustainability

Most of us are becoming increasingly aware that attention to the environment is a responsibility we all share. I will be happy to discuss small or large changes that you can make to create a healthier landscape, depending on your level of interest and concern.

Examples

• Choose native plants that require less water and care, and attract butterflies and birds.
• Limit the lawn area to prevent runoff and decrease the need for watering and maintenance.
• Establish a lawn care program that requires fewer or no chemicals, and is safer for your family and pets.
• Use the placement of trees and shrubs to create natural “air conditioning” in summer and additional warmth in the winter.

Four season interest

In the Northeast, for approximately 6 months of the year our landscapes are often ignored. However, choices can be made that will provide interest throughout the year. Different colors and textures of evergreens; attractive bark, berries, grasses, or seedpods; spring bulbs; colorful fall foliage; all diversify and enhance the plant palette and draw the eye.

Outdoor “rooms” and screening

These can increase the living area of your home, and provide spaces for entertainment, meals, meditation, or a children’s play area. Screening materials can be attractive while providing privacy, or alternatively a borrowed view may be framed and enjoyed.

Planters

An attractive planter filled with lush multi-colored foliage or well chosen flowers can serve as a focal point, and can even distract from areas that aren’t at their peak. I can use your existing planters, or recommend others that will complement your property, to create a unique and pleasing grouping.

Flower and vegetable gardens

Flower beds look their best and are easiest to care for when plant selection considers bloom time and color, size, density, and sun/shade requirements. In addition to perennials, annuals, and vines, they may even include shrubs or a small tree. Although these gardens are never static, starting with a plan offers the best chance for a pleasing result.

Vegetable gardens are becoming increasingly popular. If you savor freshly picked produce and like knowing where your food comes from, we can discuss how to include some herbs, fruits, or vegetables in almost any garden.