Landscape design process

Our Design and Installation Coordination Process:

PHASE I - How we work with you during
the Design Process:

1. Initial Telephone Consultation:

An opportunity to discuss your project goals, your wishes, timing and budget and for me to discuss our services and offerings. Together we determine if it is a good fit to move to the next stage.

2. Consultation Meeting On-Site:

We meet to discuss your vision and wishes, and how you want to utilize and live in the landscape space.
I provide initial/broad recommendations and bring along my iPad to share and discuss various design elements, materials and completed landscape projects to help convey some potential approaches. Together we could also review photos of appropriate plants and start to develop a plant palette list for future consideration.
Prior to our consultation I encourage you to spend a little time reviewing photos on houzz.com or Pinterest and create an ideabook or page with the landscapes, gardens and plants that appeal to you. This is very helpful process that provides me with a glimpse into what appeals to you, and results in a more productive consultation.
A fee applies for the on-site consultation, please connect with us for details.

3. Landscape Design Proposal:

After the Consultation meeting I create a detailed design fee proposal specifying my deliverables, my process and estimated Design Fee range.
Phase I incorporates the Conceptual Designs, Material and Plant recommendations, Planting Plan/other drawings and associated tasks through to the final Master Plan Drawings.
Once our proposal is approved by you, I ask that you complete a detailed Questionnaire.
A preliminary schedule is discussed and a portion of the fees is requested to commence the design phase.

4. Site Analysis, Measurements/Survey:
The next steps:

We meet to review and clarify the scope of your project and review your completed Questionnaire.
I analyze the site conditions, such as sun and shade patterns, etc.
For landscapes with varying elevations and slopes, it may be necessary to utilize an outside resource to conduct a site survey that provides us with accurate site map with measurements, placement of structures, trees, etc. and the landscape topography.
Less complicated/flat landscapes with minor slopes can usually be measured by our team.
Once measurements/site analysis is completed the site map serves as the foundation for our scaled base-map layout and design drawings.
We develop all drawings in Vectorworks, a CAD (Computer Aided Design) software program.

5. Conceptual Design:

One or more conceptual 2D design drawing approaches will be presented to communicate our visual landscape design recommendations to incorporate the hardscape areas, planting areas, any recommended elements, structures, etc.
3D/perspective drawing renditions can also be created if needed/desired to further convey the conceptual designs.
Concept drawings will be accompanied by an “image board” to further convey the conceptual approaches, styles, plant themes and material recommendations.
During our next meeting we review the designs and discuss any modifications and refinements. And welcome a collaborative approach.
Once a Concept Design Drawing is approved, we move on to the Plant Palette recommendations and the Planting Plan drawing.
The Design Phase I includes irrigation zoning and if desired the design of low-voltage lighting plans.

6. Master Plan Drawings:

The final step in the Phase I design process is to specify details on the drawings for all material and element that will be incorporated in the landscape.
These final drawings will provide what's needed for Landscape Contractors, other installers to prepare their installation bids, and when necessary, be provided to structural engineers and others for construction details and permitting, etc. as needed. (fees to manage/over see this process would fall under Phase II below).
The details provided in these final drawings will vary from project to project.

PHASE II - How we can assist and support you during
the landscape installation stage:

7. Construction/Installation Coordination and Support:

When you are ready to implement your project, Dig Your Garden is available to assist in the bid process and can recommend our preferred licensed landscape contractors or other installers as needed, that we often collaborate with.
We encourage our clients to keep us involved throughout this process as needed, to address/answer any questions that inevitably arise during the construction/installation phase and also to ensure that the integrity of the design you approved is carried through to achieve the intended results.
We are available to identify/recommend/secure the various landscape elements, such as furnishings, pottery, low-voltage lighting fixtures, fire pits/tables, BBQs/built in kitchen equipment, water features, etc.

We typically estimate and secure all of the plantings, followed by directing their placement when the contractors are ready to receive and install the plants.
Dig Your Garden works with several landscape contractors and other installers who offer excellent customer service, quality work and great references. We have developed solid working relationships and collaboration with many.

See a detailed listing of the LANDSCAPE SERVICES we provide.

"Eileen, I just had to write to express my sincere thanks to you regarding your work on our landscape design. We knew we would only be happy with a garden that grew from a superior design. Through your thoughtful, artistic and sensible design, we achieved our goal of a top notch landscape. We now feel that our front yard garden is truly an extension of our home and expresses our passion for living. We can't thank you enough for how wonderful we feel each day enjoying our new landscape."

- Matt C., Mill Valley, CA

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