About Gardenesque

What is involved in preparing a design?

• During an on-site visit many questions are asked and then I listen closely to ensure that I understand my client's goals, garden skills, interests, time, and budget.
• The site is carefully measured to assess its requirements and possibilities.
• These might include contour of the land, existing plants and trees, property orientation, sun, shade, drainage, climate and microclimates, property's hardiness zone, plant hardiness and reliability, plant size, color, and texture, seasons of interest, and maintenance costs.
• I select appropriate landscaping elements and draw a design to scale (hand-drawn or computer-drawn) that is consistent with the principles of landscape design (unity, scale and proportion, color, repetition, etc.) and present it to the client for approval. This part may be repeated, if necessary.
• Landscaping elements could include trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, decks, patios, gates, paths, walks, walls, screens, trellises, arbors, gazebos, statuary, ponds, specimen plants and other accents.
• Digital pictures are taken of the property and I can show what the 3-dimensional design will look like when installed.
• I usually complete a design in less than one month.
• In some cases my clients wish to implement the design themselves; in others, arrangements are made with a landscape contractor to perform the work.

Background ...

• Attended Harford Community College and George Washington University.
• Always attending lectures, courses, and symposia sponsored by many garden organizations to keep up with the constantly changing world of garden design and ornamental horticulture.
• Designing residential landscapes professionally for more than fifteen years.
• Member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) for 10 years.
• In 2000 I chaired the Garden Tour committee for the Town of Bel Air Cultural Arts Commission.
• For several years I was a committee member for the Town of Bel Air's Tree Committee.
• In 1994 an article describing my garden appeared in the Spring Home and Garden Supplement of The Aegis newspaper.
• In 1989 my home and garden received the Bel Air Appearance and Preservation Committee Award.

Services available ...

• residential landscape and garden designs, the fee ranging from $200 to $800,
• garden consultations, the fee ranging from $150 to $300,
• installation available through landscape contractors,
• gift certificates, and
• customized landscape planting and maintenance manual.