Determining a budget is one of the most challenging aspects of a new landscaping project… and yet one of the simplest. The experienced landscape architect can help the home owner devise a budget, understand the likely costs of their wish list, and most importantly reconcile the two.
Read MoreAs the COVID-19 pandemic threatens us, in the midst of disruption and fear we are reminded that our homes are places of refuge and rejuvenation, our gardens sources of inspiration and strength.
Read MoreThis is the sixth and last in a series of posts describing the phases of our work: Installation Support. The purpose of the Installation Support phase is to answer questions, make adjustments, and provide any other guidance to ensure the new landscape lives up to our vision.
Read MoreThis is the fifth in a series of posts describing the phases of our work: Construction Documentation. The purpose of the Construction Documentation phase is to provide a landscape installer with all the information and direction needed to accurately bid and build the landscape design.
Read MoreThis is the fourth in a series of posts describing the phases of our work: Design Development. The purpose of the Design Development phase is to explore and refine our preliminary ideas, ensuring they are feasible both functionally and financially.
Read MoreThis is the third in a series of posts describing the phases of our work: Preliminary Design. The purpose of the Preliminary Design phase is to assign forms and finishes to the functions that were defined in the Schematic Design phase.
Read MoreThis is the second in a series of posts describing the phases of our work: Schematic Design. Schematic Design is the dreamer of the landscape architect’s process, the idealist. Its purpose is to find the optimal relationships among the functions and rooms of the landscape. It’s a treasure hunt, a jigsaw puzzle — and also a creative sprint.
Read MoreA great landscape design doesn’t just happen: it’s the result of a process. This is the first in a series of posts describing the phases of our work: the Pre-Design phase. And while Pre-Design is the least creative phase of our work, it’s surprisingly involved, and arguably the most important.
Read MoreFor landscape designers whose gardening education (either formal or informal) began with the Sunset Western Garden Book, the concept of climate zones is second nature. But for plenty of our clients, it’s a totally foreign concept. What is a climate zone, anyhow, and why should you care?
Read MoreFor a custom landscape design—a good one, anyhow—of any size and/or complexity, the design process will likely take months … and that’s just the start. So what’s an impatient home owner to do?
Read MoreEvery landscape designer hopes our carefully considered plans get installed faithfully to our vision—so what gets in the way?
Read MoreWhat goes into choosing the right plant for the right place? Here’s a glimpse into how a landscape architect approaches the art—and science—of plant selection.
Read MoreWith only a forecast of showers next weekend standing between us and Spring, now's your last best chance to take care of those winter to-do items and get your garden ready for peak season.
Read MoreChances are, in This Economy, your landscaping is going to cost more and take longer than you expect. But there's nothing that says you can't get your money's worth.
Read MoreFine gardens look their best thanks to fine gardeners.
Read MoreNew rebates reward home owners from Palo Alto to San Jose for capturing rain water.
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