The vernal handbook doesn’t specify spring cleaning solely as an indoor activity, so while you’re busy checking off toy purge and closet organizing on your to-do list, perhaps this year it’s time to dive into a project that’ll allow for more garden-fresh oxygen in your lungs and bragging rights in your repertoire, a makeover of the yard variety. Picture Perfect Landscapes & Designs specializes in design-build projects of any size, but their focus and expertise also extend to delivering quality work and high customer satisfaction. “Our strength is in our employees,” Don Washburn, owner of Picture Perfect, shares. “Some have been with us for many years, and they take great pride in their work.” That dedication and skill are what bring their clients back time and time again and what solidifies Don’s team as the experts in preparing you for a productive and informative meeting with a landscape designer as you gear up for a springtime lawn lift.
1. Bring pictures of ideas and looks you like, such as colors, shapes, sizes of entertaining areas, etc., along with a list of goals for your project. It’s just as important to share pictures of what you don’t like as well.
2. Your city office can provide a survey of your property, which will show easements, setbacks, and possible areas where structures aren’t allowed. This is beneficial to bring along to your meeting.
3. If you live in an association, check any restrictions you may have.
4. Have a budget in mind and be willing to share it. This is one of the most challenging things for an owner to do, but it will help the designer tailor the design and materials to that budget and work to create a schedule to complete it in stages if needed.
5. On average, a design meeting takes about an hour, so set aside enough time to discuss the project and don’t expect it to start right away. Most reputable companies are booked out in advance, so start planning early or in the off-season.
6. All decision-makers in the home should attend the meeting, but before that, they should discuss the project to ensure they share the same vision.
Don also points out that it’s very important to research the company you’re meeting with. Designers should have a degree in horticulture or landscape design and understand construction details, and the company needs to be fully insured and licensed.
Bring pictures of ideas and looks you like, such as colors, shapes, sizes of entertaining areas, etc., along with a list of goals for your project. It’s just as important to share pictures of what you don’t like as well.