DESIGN
Some considerations taken in the design process are; 
- How you will use the landscape and how to create spaces that are tailored to you by an in depth analysis of lifestyle and needs. Other considerations are what the budget is for the project and future maintenance.
For example, some clients desire strolling gardens with outdoor rooms and areas to be in. Some possibilities are: a play area, a pool or spa area, an outdoor kitchen or living room with a fire place, a kitchen garden, or a large patio to entertain many quests or a place to have privacy to rest or read. Others prefer to view their property from indoors and realistically will not use a multitude of outdoor areas. In this case emphasis is put on creating beautiful vistas from the inside while creating outdoor areas that are connected to the home.
- How the circulation will work, making sure it’s clear and well thought out without cutting through gathering spaces. Entrances are inviting and often enhanced with structure or some defining element.
- What the existing ecology, site conditions, intact natural areas and microclimates are.
- What the budget is for the project and for future maintenance
- Maintenance levels required.
- To make sure the landscape looks good and has some interest all year long. Often changing month to month with well thought out plant and bloom combination.
All of this helps us to make the most of your property and create the fit that’s right for you.
First meeting - Free Consultation
The design process starts with a first meeting . This is to go over the big picture of what you wish to accomplish. The goal here is to find out how you will use the property. What elements are wanted in the design? A patio for entertaining or relaxing on. A lawn to play on, a swimming pool, herb or vegetable garden. Also how many gardens or plantings do you want and are willing to maintain? There is no charge for this initial meeting unless it’s a consult only. Measurements and photos are taken and a base map is made.
Second meeting - Concept Drawings
A few different options will be presented. These are simple inexpensive drawings to give you some different layouts to consider. Now we can fine tune what is the best design for you by going back and forth as many times as needed to get the design perfect. The drawings will lay out the bones of the landscape. They will address where the living spaces, structures, circulation, parking, hardscape, buildings, gardens, views, walls, fences, lighting, etc will be laid out.
Cost for different scenarios will be discussed to see which ones best meet the budget.
Now that we’ve fined tuned the design a more finished drawing can be done if necessary.
Third meeting - Final Planning
Master plans, construction drawings, grading plan if necessary. Scope of work and estimate provided. Additional meetings may be needed depending on the size of the project.
INSTALLATION
The installation department is managed by Michael Goguen. Mike’s easy going nature and positive attitude make him a pleasure to work with. Most plantings and smaller construction projects are handled in house while larger construction projects are implemented with the help of one or more of our excellent network of sub contractors. All installations are organized and overseen by Jean.
 MAINTENANCE
.The maintenance department is managed by Rebecca Goguen. Rebecca is an avid gardener and plants person. She loves her job and runs a tight ship. We know our gardens will be maintained to keep the integrity of the original design. Maintenance can be equally as important as the design. We use environmentally sound and mostly organic methods and try to work with nature, not against it.
We often stay with the properties we design and maintain them over the years, because of this we are able to see the landscapes evolve and mature. This gives us insight as to what works well over time, like the success rate and habit of different types of plants and construction materials. This is helpful in the design process to plan for the future and avoid costly mistakes.
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