How do I find a good landscape architect?
Timinator
I am looking to make over my entire landscaping. I would like to do
alot of the work myself, but need someone to give me good ideas and a
plan to go by. Would I look for a landscape architect to plan this for
me, or would they even consider if they did not get to do the actual
work. I am willing to pay of course.
Englishla
You do not lacate yourself, but, you can find a good landscpae architect
through references of people in your area, garden centers or the local ASLA
chapter. You might also look in the phone book and make a few calls. Some LAs
do residential work and some do not. Many are happy to develop a master plan
that you would implement yourself. For a registered LA, expect to pay $50- 100/
hour for design time. For a non registered garden design er expect to pay $20 -
$45/hr. If you have a landscape that costs $50,000 to install, expect that the
design fee will be about $5000 (10%). Good luck
engl...@aol.com (Ann English)
Neil Stafferfton
In my opinion you would be just as well to buy a good CD-ROM and do it all
yourself as this is what a lot of designers use anyway.
Timinator wrote in message <35097F...@wans.net>...
Clint Eaker
In the Raleigh, NC area, I have found both kinds. Most landscapers
that have their own crew will insist that they do the installation since
they need to keep their crew busy. However, I have also found
businesses that specialize in doing exactly what you are looking
for. They will do the entire spectrum from nothing more than a one
hour consultation up to a complete master plan that can be installed
in a series of steps. A third option that may or may not be available
to you is a place that offers classes on landscape design so you can
do your own. We are lucky enough to have a gardening school in the
Raleigh area that teaches you how to do your own landscape design.
Check with a good local nursery. They should have some idea of
what's available in your area.
Good luck
Clint
Timinator <t...@wans.net> wrote in article <35097F...@wans.net>...
Stan Stansbury
Timinator wrote:
> Would I look for a landscape architect to plan this for
> me, or would they even consider if they did not get to do the actual
> work. I am willing to pay of course.
To me the decision on whom to hire depends on the questions you are
wanting help with. If you want help deciding on the "structure" of your
site, where to put the big trees, where the shrubs, etc., that's the kind
of thing landscape architects are trained to do.
If you feel comfortable making those sorts of decisions yourself, you can
get by with a much cheaper garden designer. If you are wanting a garden of
unusual, seldom seen things, you will need a professional designer, with
good resources. If you are content with a nice yard that looks a lot like
many other people's, then a local nursery will usually work up a plan for
you for free as long as you contract to buy the plants from them.
It's trite advice, but always make sure you see samples of the L.A. or
designer's work, and that you like the samples before you hire them.
Good luck with your project.
Dave Marciniak
> I am looking to make over my entire landscaping. I would like to do
> alot of the work myself, but need someone to give me good ideas and a
> plan to go by. Would I look for a landscape architect to plan this for
> me, or would they even consider if they did not get to do the actual
> work. I am willing to pay of course.
Easy question -
Sell your lawn mower, hedger, sprinklers, etc.
Now, do nothing for five years. Nature will deposit all manner of
interesting plants, flowers and trees exactly suited to your soil and
other particular environmental conditions. After five years, go out and
pick and choose what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of.
Nature does the best job of landscaping plus you've saved thousands of
dollars you wouldv'e wasted on some know-nothing yuppie opportunist.
netbandit
gooday, garden design/layout (landscape gardening) is not difficult you
don't need to be an artist, the only difference between gardening and
landscaping is where you put the rocks and water feature, and to get
involved with a landscape gardener you will PAY. there is software and books
available (maybe even from a library or someplace such) that will allow you
to see your design on the screen, not the same as reel life though, also
some of the bigger landscape centre may even have programs? some of these
centres have features on show that will inspire you.
do it yourself you really can't make that much of a mess, and it's more fun
and self satisfying, if you think your not sure about the shape of a garden
bed don't do a permanent edge until you are satisfied.
talk to me thru my home page at each stage if you want and we can discuss
any doubts you may have as you go.
<http://www.globec.com.au/~ntbandit/>
happy gardening
Dave Marciniak wrote in message ...