How to Plan for Your Consultation with a Landscaping Professional

If you feel that your garden is in some serious need of saving, then hiring a professional landscaper is a fantastic idea. Homeowners seeking a landscaper’s services sometimes have no idea of what they would like done in their yard, however. Leaving critical decisions up to the landscaping artist also comes with the risk of paying for services and products they dislike.

While you may feel a little out of your depth when it comes to planning such projects, there are a few steps you can take to ensure you get the most out of your consultation. Planning well will allow you the confidence to ask the right questions and state what you would like to have done – you might even impress your landscaper with your organised ideas. Here, we delve into a step-by-step plan on how to prepare for your meeting.

Step One: Jot Down Your Lifestyle Preferences

No two households live the same way. Your household members, what you spend the most time doing outdoors, and your hobbies and daily activities all play a role in what your design should incorporate. Below are a few key points to consider and discuss with your landscaping professional.

• Household members, such as children who spend time playing or exercising in the yard.
• Outdoor hobbies like painting, reading, and birdwatching.
• How often guests are entertained in the garden and facilities required for this entertainment, such as a braai area.
• Pets that spend time in the yard, where they cause the most damage, and whether or not any toxic plants should be avoided.
• Whether or not you plan on growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Step Two: Decide on What You Dislike

If you are unsure of what you would like your garden to look like, then it may be easier to note features you dislike and would rather avoid. For example, if you know that you do not want a certain type of flower or décor object in your yard, make some notes of these to give your landscaper a better idea of designs to avoid. When it comes to your taste, you cannot be too detailed.

Step Three: Consider What You Wish to Gain from Your Outdoor Experience

If you have noisy neighbours or live on a street with tons of traffic, then stepping into your yard may be a little unpleasant. If you value privacy and peace, then you will be able to reflect this in your desired landscaping design through the use of large trees or hedges. Homeowners seeking tranquil sounds might consider water features or plants that attract birds. Think about how you would like to feel when entering your garden, and use this as a guideline in your layout.

Step Four: Finalise Your Budget

By doing some research, you will be able to get a reasonable estimate of what your project may cost. Set up a budget that allows for a little wiggle room, and talk to your landscaping artist about what can realistically be done with this sum.

Eager to get started? Here at Windy Willows, partnering with our clients on their landscaping projects is an absolute passion. If you would like to find out more about our consultation fees and services, do not hesitate to get in touch.