If you are looking for a free landscape consultation, the advice you receive will be worth just that. There is a great deal involved in receiving a great consultation that you may not have thought about.
Landscape Designers must have knowledge of:
- plant material-cultural requirements, mature growth size, growing habit
- grading
- solving drainage problems
- solving watering issues
- principals and elements of design, also what interior decorators use (repetition, unity, focal point, color and texture, balance, etc.)
- constructing walls, pathways, pergolas, fountains, ponds, etc.
- low-level lighting
- chemicals for outdoor use
- proper times to plant, prune, transplant, fertilize, apply pesticide
Some homeowners feel $100 is not worth it. I will tell you why it is. A landscape plan is not always needed, however, it will save you many hard earned dollars if you don’t know what you are doing. I try to help homeowners with the consultation first before having to draw up a plan.
These are some basic service call costs
- Plumber-$65
- Computer repair-$75
- Refrigeration repair-$60
These are just average prices for the service individual to come out and look at your problems.
Let’s look at how Diana Gardner-Williams 1 hour Landscape Consultations work
- Email or call if interested
- Diana will email or snail mail 2 pages of questions regarding your landscape. For example, do you have domestic animals not fenced in, sun and shade areas, will you sell your house in the next five years, what time of year do you host annual parties?
- Return to Diana along with any pictures and schedule an hour long appointment
- When Diana reviews your answers she then gathers all books and other materials to have at the appointment. Ideas will be generated from the information you have provided before the appointment.
- Diana will take notes for you at the appointment for you to keep
- This $100 landscape consultation most likely took 2 1/2 hours. 1 hour at the consultation, 1/2 to review your answers, and 1 hour driving time.
Consultations can also cover:
- Memory gardens-for loved ones ashes or a place for reflection
- Outdoor weddings or rehearsal dinners
- Improved curb appeal for homes on the market
These landscape design ideas are referred to as ”Intellectual Property” and to many designers, are their livelihood. If you are skeptical about the designer you are calling, ask for references or check their website.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of how my consultation process works.
Happy Planting! www.dianadigsdirt.com
Diana Gardner-Williams
Landscape Design and Installation
