It's a new season, our 26th, the calls are coming in for new landscape designs and those seeking to freshen their existing landscapes.
Over the years our skills have been honed and our procedures with a new client fine tuned. For me it all goes back to two elements; the details and listening skills.
We would love to be your landscape firm but that is not always feasible, be it distance, costs or a multitude of reasons.......this post is intended to bring our approach to you
I begin the design process with many questions via a six page survey. Seeing my position as an interpreter, pulling out what my clients like, dislike, hopes and dreams. Bridging those desires with good horticultural practices makes for a successful design
What is your architectural style?
Favorite colors?
What plants do you like?
No. 1 What is your homes architectural style?
Does your home have a distinct architectural style? Examples include Tudor, Cape, Revival, Traditional, Georgian........ If not, would you like to steer your home into a particular direction?
Why is this important?
A home and it's gardens should exist as one cohesive unit. We can learn from the history of particular styles and their original sense of place.
Examples; Georgian homes have straight lines and more formal tendencies, they are symmetrical. All ornamentation should follow in that vernacular. The same for plants. Great materials include boxwood, ivy and topiaries
Google 'Georgian Gardens' for further clues
A Cape Cod styled home is just the opposite; exuberant, informal, asymmetrical.
Plants include shrub roses, ornamental grasses, hydrangea.......
Belgian; simplicity, muted color ways
Contemporary
Traditional
Or a mix of both?
-are they properly sited? ex: sun, shade, partial
What extras are you interested in?
fireplace...seating area... containers...lighting...fountain....
When we have amassed all of the above information, and much more, we present a 3D pen and ink rendering. This format versus a blueprint beautifully conveys a landscape, a garden, at maturity.
Funny story......I was in England telling my friend Angela how we transformed our yard and how much I loved it. As horror slowly spread across her face she stopped me and asked why would you have a YARD at home?
Sensing a translation blunder, I inquired further......
In Britain, a YARD = DUMP. Ever since I refer to my GARDEN
In summary, hone in on the details, ask yourself these questions and source inspiration images. A portrait of your loves will begin to emerge.
No. 2
Look out strategic windows. How can those views be framed?
No. 3
Do you favor symmetrical or asymmetrical?
No. 4
Formal or informal?
No. 5
What are your favored color schemes? Least favorite?No. 6
List your favorite plants
-are they specific to your zone?-are they properly sited? ex: sun, shade, partial
No. 7
Are you willing to mix foliage colors or do you prefer all green gardens?Other questions to ask yourself
-are there any views to conceal?
-borrow and enhance?
-any issues; drainage, sinking, needed renovations ...
fireplace...seating area... containers...lighting...fountain....
Funny story......I was in England telling my friend Angela how we transformed our yard and how much I loved it. As horror slowly spread across her face she stopped me and asked why would you have a YARD at home?
Sensing a translation blunder, I inquired further......
In Britain, a YARD = DUMP. Ever since I refer to my GARDEN
In summary, hone in on the details, ask yourself these questions and source inspiration images. A portrait of your loves will begin to emerge.
In need of inspiration?
My pinterest pages are chalk full.....take a look
And many many more, follow me HERE.....
OR.....drop me a line, we would be honored to assist, local or long distance Debra@scentimentalgardens.com
Fondly,
Debra
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