We recommend allowing at least a month to complete measurements, site planning, schematic designs, material discussions and selections, and planting design. The overall pace of the design phase depends heavily on the client. The one month timeline assumes the client is able to make timely decisions so the design process can move forward smoothly.  It's also important to note that the design process follows a specific order.  For example, we can’t begin the planting plan until the schematic design is complete, since the size and shape of the planting areas will affect the plants selected.   The design phase is a lot of fun, so we always encourage clients to take their time, explore the possibilities for their home, and make thoughtful decisions that complement their lifestyle and create a garden they want to come home to.

Starting construction before finalizing the design and budget is not recommended, as it can lead to many headaches later on including slow progress, higher-than-expected costs, and difficulty retaining a reliable crew.

We are here to help you with the planning and preparation so you don’t have to worry about any of these issues.

For large projects which include making updates to the house it’s best to involve a designer in the process as early as possible.  Ideally the landscape designer is brought on at the same time as the architect, allowing the landscape plans to be incorporated into the architectural plans for city submittal and permitting. This helps minimize holdups during construction and inspections.

For homeowners who are only updating the landscape you should plan to start working with a designer a few months before construction begins provides enough time to design, budget, and prepare, which helps reduce construction time, minimize disruption, and avoid unexpected costs. After all, it’s always cheaper to make changes on paper than in concrete.

When quoting a new project, we estimate the projected number of hours based on similar projects of a comparable size and scope.

Please contact us to schedule a site visit, where we can walk through your property and discuss your vision or any issues you'd like to address with the existing landscape.

We typically bill hourly to help keep design costs low, so you’re only charged for the actual hours worked. We provide detailed monthly breakdowns of time spent on your project. However, if preferred, a flat-rate design package can be provided upon request.

We offer several rendering options depending on the existing site conditions. For projects involving major design changes, we can provide 3D models, while smaller or simpler changes are typically illustrated with Photoshop renders.

While we do not have in-house contractors, we are happy to provide recommendations for trusted contractors and builders who can bring the designs to life.

We provide plant establishment guides along with detailed maintenance information by species to help homeowners care for their plants. While we do not offer weekly maintenance services, we can provide seasonal plant shaping and care upon request. For large trees and hedges, we’re happy to connect you with a trusted arborist.

We do not file permits on behalf of clients. However, depending on your neighborhood, most common landscape permits can be quickly and easily filed online by homeowners. For specific guidance, we recommend contacting your city’s building department.

We source plants from a variety of trusted local growers, carefully considering the project location and weather conditions to help ensure the plants adapt more easily. We also personally visit our growers to select the healthiest plants and maintain our high quality standards.

No one knows your property better than you do, so we work closely with our clients to build upon their vision and address any concerns with the existing site conditions, creating a home that truly fits their lifestyle.

Some contractors offer financing options, and there are also third-party construction loans available that you can apply for.

Some homeowners choose to build their projects in phases, which makes planning ahead essential. It’s important to prioritize what should be built first and what can be installed later. Careful planning that considers accessibility and protects zones likely to be damaged if installed too early can save both time and money. We’re happy to help you develop a strategic game plan for phased construction if you choose this approach.

For clients who have already hired an architect but need additional help with the garden, we can supply background drawings to be incorporated into the architect’s plans for City submittals.

If your project has already completed permitting but you're looking to elevate the planting design, we can work with your approved plans to make softscape adjustments and help source plant materials. Additionally, we’re happy to recommend trusted contractors and builders to execute the landscape installation.

We specialize in drought-tolerant and sustainable gardens, using a wide range of water-wise planting palettes that include California natives as well as plants from regions with similar dry climates, such as the Mediterranean, desert, and Australia. For clients looking to make their gardens as sustainable as possible and support Southern California water collection efforts, we can also help incorporate water collection techniques like rain barrels, rain gardens, and permeable pavers into the design.

We book projects on a first come, first served basis. Please contact us to check availability.