FAQ's
Do you work on smaller projects?
Yes, small projects are sometimes the most challenging. Making all your needs fit within a confined space often requires an experienced eye, to create a workable outdoor living space. Even in minimal space, you can still create some element of a sustainable landscape. For instance, citrus or fruit trees can be espaliered or trained to grow on a wall, many herbs and vegetables can grow fine in containers.
Is all your work residential?
While new and existing homes both offer different challenges, I am happy to work with homeowners on any type of project, whether it is a bare lot, re-landscape, hillside, or even an intimate patio. I have done several large-scale multi family units, both apartments and condos. Even today many corporate environments are seeking a "green" attitude or removing most lawn and reducing their water needs. I've done a variety of these projects too.
Do you do the installation/construction?
I specialize in landscape design. After a successful number of years in this area, I am happy to provide you with referrals to installers, builders, and contractors who are also specialists at what they do. I have a complete list of landscape contractors who I can depend on to do an outstanding job on the project's execution. My designs are very detailed; the contractors I refer are well versed in the complexities of my drawings.
How do you keep your clients involved?
The initial consultation provides the client an opportunity to express their needs and desires for the site. Soon after, I provide a limited variety of concept layouts, for their review and input. From there, revisions will be made for further client review. Once accepted by the client, a final plan is created and presented. And then after some time passes and the landscape begins to mature, I like to schedule on going visits to review the project and answer client's questions as well as give suggestions for adjustments. In some smaller projects, I get actively involved with corrective pruning and some maintenance.
What are the lead times for a design to be completed?
Most designs can be completed within a thirty day turn-around but, are always dependent upon the client's availability for plan review and decision making.
What makes you different from other San Diego landscape designers?
Unlike designers representing a nursery or a builder with product quotas, I am unlimited to the materials I can specify. So ultimately, I work just for you. My designs are a reflection of your lifestyle and your dreams. I am dedicated to helping you build the ultimate outdoor space you've always wanted, for years of enjoyment.
What are the most common ways to reduce water consumption, and what are my options to eliminate my lawn?
This is a very timely subject as nearly 85% of my designs are renovating existing spaces to reduce water needs. Based on a client's use of the area, I've done everything from using decorative gravel, bark mulch and decomposed granite pathways in conjunction with additional drought tolerant plantings and creating new outdoor rooms or destinations within a garden. The removal of lawn is a new phenomenon and new and exciting options are still forthcoming. Lawn is ultimately the highest water use component of the landscape, and gives back the least in terms of any sustainability.
Will you design using only Native Plants?
Certainly, Southern California's Mediterranean climate is best suited for plant materials that have adapted here over time. Many nurseries now specialize on only native plants. These are plants that will survive on minimal care and water after they have been established, which may be 12-18 months time. Using California Native plants combined with unique succulents and interesting ornamental grasses is becoming more of the norm. Homeowners today are well aware of future water shortages and anticipated increase costs.
I'm interested in Edible Gardening, is this something you can design too?
This is a growing trend as more individuals realize the cost of transporting fresh foods to our dinner tables. I've done projects where nearly every plant choice was based on some output, whether an herb used in cooking such as Bay Laurel or Rosemary or a vine such as Kiwi to screen out neighbors, it all has a purpose. We all need to become 'urban farmers' to some degree. Future generations may become dependent on their own ability to produce some element of their diet in their home garden.
Is there anything you don't do?
Well, yes, I won't compromise my position of a landscape designer who feels some responsibility for selecting the right materials that will work in any given environment. I really don't believe a site in Alpine should utilize tropical plants given both the heat and the cold. And I wouldn't suggest adding an outdoor fireplace in a fire prone area. All design is based on some logic and has some rational. And again doing design, I don't lay sod or actually plant the new shrubs. I also insist that the contractor providing the plants layout the irrigation design based on my plantings plans.
