:::Hiring a Landscape Designer:::
Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 11:55AM Expert tips for creating a beautiful landscape
(ARA) - It may be cold outside, but homeowners are already dreaming of
creating beautiful garden settings around their homes come spring.
Landscaping success doesn't have to be hit or miss, and if it has been
for you, it may be time to call in a professional landscape designer.
Why? Because in the long run, hiring a landscape designer can cost
less than doing it yourself. You'll get a "doable" design created right
the first time, saving you the cost of repeated tries at getting it
right or planting the wrong plants in the wrong spots. A professional landscape designer envisions creative solutions to the most difficult outdoor challenges - problems they've more than likely solved before.
Plus, a high-quality landscape increases home sale prices up to
10.8 percent, compared to a home with a simply average landscape,
according to the Journal of Environmental Horticulture.
Here are some tips from professional landscape designers to create your dream garden.
First, consider your space and any "issues" that it has. Hiding an
unsightly air conditioning unit, adding privacy and changing boring
views to beautiful ones are issues that landscape designers face with many clients.
"As a certified landscape designer through the Association of
Professional Landscape Designers, I see the big picture," says
Boston-based landscape designer Maria von Brincken, APLD. "A designer
sees the problems that you see, and often the ones you don't, and can
offer solutions to create beautiful, functional and earthy-friendly
landscapes to add to your lives."
Next, do your homework. Tear out favorite pictures from gardening
magazines, and start making a file on what you would like for your
dream garden. While not everything might be possible for your garden,
it will give your landscape designer a visual starting point. Don't
forget about hardscape such as patios, decks and fencing; designers can
help with these also.
Take your time. Brincken warns of the temptation to impulsively buy
plants at a garden center and attempt a garden make-over. This can be a
costly gamble for those without experience. Many homeowners find that
it takes the help of a designer to create a well-planned landscape project that includes both plants and hardscape.
While there is a cost to hiring a landscape designer, it is
ultimately more economical to work with an expert to create a plan
specific to your yard. The project is completed in a timely manner and
within budget when you take your time and create a landscape plan.
Expect to spend about 10 percent of the total cost of the project on
the design.
Consider what you want to achieve with your landscape. "People are
busy, and they want to have an outdoor space that makes them feel
comfortable, not frustrated and worn out from gardening chores," says
Judy Nauseef, APLD, of Iowa City, Iowa, and president of the
Association of Professional Landscape Designers (www.apld.org).
"They also want to maximize their investment in their home," she
adds. 'Having a well-designed landscape gives the homeowner more living
space and also helps with resale value."
Research and reach out to a few landscape designers. Be sure to
interview several designers to find one who meets your needs and
personality. Review the portfolio or Web site of each designer, and
visit some of their work if possible. Finally, if you have a budget in
mind, share this with the designer up front.
Get ready to get dirty. "You can hire a landscape designer for a
range of services. You might choose to hire a designer for a two hour
consultation for ideas and suggestions that you might implement
yourself," says Patricia St. John, APLD, of Berkeley, Calif., and APLD
incoming president. "You could also hire a designer to give you a
complete design for your garden. When it comes to implementing the
design you have choices -- involve the designer while you hire a
recommended landscape contractor or even do some of the work yourself."
Also, you do not have to complete the whole plan at once. A
landscape can be installed over a period of time as well. Homeowners
can decide what areas are most important and start there.
Take the first step to a dream garden. With the help of a
professional landscape designer, you can create a plan that will work
for your landscape and you. Finding a designer is easy: visit
www.apld.org.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
- You should follow us on Twitter
