Weaving the Design - Review

Wow! It’s been a long time. Life can definitely get in the way. So, here we are, ready to take two steps back and one step forward…

We were in the process of dissecting the design process, breaking it all down into really small steps, starting from the very beginning, having already asked a lot of questions of the client and developed project goals. Fast forward, we’re now immersing ourselves in the site, spending about two hours collecting data, walking, thinking, pondering, brainstorming. Tedious, yes. But, on a nice day with the birds singing and the sun warming our backs, the work doesn’t get any better than this. We’re in the zone.

Asclepias verticillata

​We evaluate the following:

• plat or survey
• lawn space
• trees
• sun and wind exposure
• soil moisture
• drainage
• planting beds
• transitions
• structures
• privacy
• maintenance
• budget

We begin to sketch a new layout with hardscapes (patios, decks, walks), lawn, and planting beds. And we take a ton of pictures to save us another trip.

---

​I want to pause and emphasize here that one of our goals is to always minimize lawn and Plant More Natives. We’ve already discussed the many benefits of this approach during the initial consultation so we’re now ready to review the data and goals, gather any additional input from the client, make some decisions, and refine our rough sketches.

​We plot the home and hardscapes, size the (small) lawn, and mark the transitions. Every other space is left to natural succession or planted with trees, shrubs, and perennials. We’re designing a lush beautiful landscape. But, we’re also providing food and shelter for bugs and wildlife so they can help us keep pests in check. We’re shading the ground to eliminate mulch, retain moisture, and prevent weed germination. Ultimately, we’re reducing maintenance hours and our carbon footprint.

We’re now ready to develop and name plant combinations for our enormous beds.

Phlox paniculata 'Robert Poore'