Landscape Designers?? I need help please.

I am working on the backyard now. I started working with my nephew this weekend, who between the two of us, came up with some awesome ideas, which will take time to incoroporate and build (done in stages through next summer). We pitched it to my DH who has a hard time "envisioning" what things look like, who suggested hiring a landscape designer to "put something together" but we would do the work.

I tried to put an ad on craigslist but it got deleted, I don't know why..another problem.

I made some phone calls this morning and the first I got back was from a local landscaper who works with a designer who told me just a mock-up - not to scale - of my backyard with plant suggestions would be about $500. Am I totally out of the loop, which is possible, or is this alot? By the way - he also said his "designers" prices are separate from any work he might do, so the $500 wouldn't come off of any labor/plant price he would do, if I hired him for the labor.

Thanks in advance!

Re: Landscape Designers?? I need help please.

My mom is a Master Gardener, she went to school for it here on LI and has done her whole yard for years.

Maybe see if you can contact someone in that program to see if they would help?

I could always ask her if she'd be interested in doing this for you. How much are you looking to spend on just the design? What town are you in?

Re: Landscape Designers?? I need help please.

yup.. most designers CHARGE you for just the design.. some won't charget for the design fee if you use them to do the work...

this sounds bad but just call up different companies and have them come out give you ideas and do designs (they are free unless you want them to GIVE IT TO YOU) and then just use those ideas and create your own and do the work yourself..

Re: Landscape Designers?? I need help please.

There's also software you can buy. I remember seeing something like 'complete landscape design' or something like that. That might cost $50-75, but it's better than $500.

Or try this--they make you sign up. I didn't get that far yet.
better homes and gardens free

Re: Landscape Designers?? I need help please.

We used Island Associates - they drew up a plan for us, we went in and viewed it.

If we wanted to buy it, we'd have to pay for it but we were definitely able to look at it.

It was a full color drawing. Maybe you can go that route with DH? Just so he has something to see?

Re: Landscape Designers?? I need help please.

When you say you have a lot of ideas, what elements do you feel you have a handle on? There's lots to consider, depending on how detailed you want to go:

Scale of plantings
Types of plants
Sun/shade exposure
Plant color
Plant texture
Shape of surrounding areas, shape of planting beds
Area challenges (poor drainage, etc.)
"Feeling" of the space
Useability of the area
Non-plant decorative elements
Hardscape (paths, pavers, rocks)

While I'm not surprised that people charge for this because it takes a long time to learn these things and become good at it, I'm a bit surprised at the price.

I have seen people on Etsy selling landscape designs, so that might be an area you want to try.

I did toy with the idea of doing landscape designs or "mood board" type drawings for a while but when I really thought about it, investing that much time in a client can be tricky so I tabled the idea. But if you think you might want to take it up on your own and just need some guidance, I'm sure we could all help with your questions.


eta:

Ok I did a search on Etsy and there's only one person that looks to have a high level of skill at the drawings and makes them custom:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72405032/newlywed-garden-design

Message edited 7/28/2011 7:55:33 AM.

Re: Landscape Designers?? I need help please.

Posted by greenfreak

When you say you have a lot of ideas, what elements do you feel you have a handle on? There's lots to consider, depending on how detailed you want to go:

Scale of plantings -
Types of plants
Sun/shade exposure -
Plant color
Plant texture
Shape of surrounding areas, shape of planting beds
Area challenges (poor drainage, etc.)
"Feeling" of the space
Useability of the area
Non-plant decorative elements
Hardscape (paths, pavers, rocks)

While I'm not surprised that people charge for this because it takes a long time to learn these things and become good at it, I'm a bit surprised at the price.

I have seen people on Etsy selling landscape designs, so that might be an area you want to try.

I did toy with the idea of doing landscape designs or "mood board" type drawings for a while but when I really thought about it, investing that much time in a client can be tricky so I tabled the idea. But if you think you might want to take it up on your own and just need some guidance, I'm sure we could all help with your questions.


eta:

Ok I did a search on Etsy and there's only one person that looks to have a high level of skill at the drawings and makes them custom:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72405032/newlywed-garden-design

Re: Landscape Designers?? I need help please.

I've always wondered about what plants the professionals recommend or put in the designs they do. Whenever I would watch HGTV landscape shows, so many of the choices were pretty hum-drum and nothing you couldn't walk into any nursery and buy.

There's nothing wrong with them necessarily but anyone who takes time to browse and read plant tags could get the same results. Good for us, if we're not paying for that expertise, you know?

I'd be really interested in hearing what choices you have recommended to you and some before and after pics

Re: Landscape Designers?? I need help please.

English & Country Gardens

25403 W End Drive
Great Neck, NY 11020

516-829-2421
Amazing work