WHY IS A DESIGN NECESSARY?
For most of us, landscaping is not only a beautiful enhancement of our homes but is also enjoyable and exciting! But beware: Getting Spring Fever or getting in a hurry; rushing to your local nursery, buying your favorite colors and “plants on sale” often produces less than desirable results. Why? No planning! When we fail to plan, unfortunately, many of the plants just bought may not live or flourish in the given space, resulting in time and money lost. Plants have their own unique characteristics which include sun/shade exposure, spacing, soil and drainage requirements, maturity size, maintenance considerations, wildlife presence (deer), to name a few. Furthermore, not knowing where to place the new plants to properly function as well as be aesthetically pleasing is a whole new problem. Even worse than having unsatisfactory results is having spent more than anticipated because a budget was not created. For these reasons, it is important to have a well-designed landscape plan that identifies how space is to function in a beautiful and artistic manner on budget.
It also addresses the client’s needs, desires, and wishes which can be implemented in phases over years to come. During the design phase, much time will have been spent researching, idea gathering, and planning. To maximize your return on investment, it is necessary to have a landscape design plan. Other benefits of good landscape design include adding considerable value to your home or business. Real Estate professionals value good landscape design; especially when selling a home. It has often been said that it is difficult to sell a home without good curb appeal. Much data has been gathered from the Real Estate market as well the Home and Garden Television (HGTV) that agree to the value that good landscaping provides. Chris Lambton, host of HGTV show “Backyard Transformations” says a good landscape plan and design can increase the value of a home by as much as 10 to 12 percent. An investment in your landscape not only yields a nice return on investment but helps you enjoy the property while living there.
THREE PHASES OF DESIGN
Base Plan
A site visit will be required to draw a base plan. This will be an informal sketch of an existing building(s), property lines, utilities, driveways and walks, existing vegetation, and overall layout. Measurements are taken and the distance between structures, property lines, and other notable landscape features are recorded.
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Concept Plan
The second phase of the Paradise Landscapes Design Process will be the creation of a concept plan. The professional team will use the horticulture training received with twenty-five years of experience, and artistic background to create a one-of-a-kind landscape. No cookie-cutter landscapes
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Final Plan
The final step is a beautiful, scaled, hand drawn design in full-color format created by Paradise Lanscapes. The Final Plan is generally will be created on a 11x17” sheet of Bristol art paper. I will use copic art markers for a brilliant color display. Color will bring life to the drawing and help the client visualize the long result.
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Design & Build
Base Plan
A site visit will be required to draw a base plan. This will be an informal sketch of an existing building(s), property lines, utilities, driveways and walks, existing vegetation, and overall layout. Measurements are taken and the distance between structures, property lines, and other notable landscape features are recorded. A site analysis will be performed that includes, but not limited to, building architecture, landscape style, soil type, drainage considerations, sun/wind exposure, irrigation requirements, level of maintenance, and wildlife presence. We will consult with the client about their landscape needs, desires, and budget. Equipped with this information, a scaled drawing can be produced.
Concept Plan
The second phase of the Paradise Landscapes Design Process will be the creation of a concept plan. The professional team will use the horticulture training received with twenty-five years of experience, and artistic background to create a one-of-a-kind landscape. It is important to remember that no two landscapes will be the same. No cookie-cutter landscapes, due to each site’s unique characteristics, challenges, client’s desires and budget. Included in each concept plan will be seven principles of landscape design and a plant palette that consists of native and well-adapted plants for South Central Texas climate. This plan will generally be presented on a 11x17” paper with 1:10 scale in a black and white format.
After completion of a concept plan, I will meet with the client to discuss the plan, options, and budget. Any revisions will be made at this time. Upon client’s approval and acceptance of concept plan, a final plan can be drawn.
The Final Plan
The Final Plan from Paradise Landscapes will be a beautiful, scaled, hand drawn design in full-color format. The Plan is generally will be created on a 11x17” sheet of Bristol art paper. I will use Copic art markers for a brilliant color display. Color will bring life to the drawing and help the client visualize the end result. The final plan will be accompanied by full-color plant photos indicating size and use.
Start with Landscape QuestionnaireVIEW ENLARGED FINAL PLAN The Paradise Landscapes Process
Do you charge a design fee for the Concept?
Yes, Paradise Landscapes, does charge a design fee. The fee includes the time and expertise necessary to produce a professional landscape plan. The initial site analysis, three phases of design and consultations will generally require 8-12 hours. My average design fee is $500. Of course, this fee will vary, based on the size and complexity of the job.
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