DESIGN/BUILD

DESIGN PHILOSPOPHY
Good landscape design creates spaces of resonance and beauty that are a delight to experience. Using the full palette available to designers — land form, hardscape, structure, plant materials, light, scent, etc. — we create spaces that are individually suited to each situation so each element, whether new or existing, is carefully considered for its contribution to the mood and effect of the whole. And between these spaces we carefully design transitions and relationships to create a sense of flow and movement, with the juxtaposition of different types of spaces creating mystery and interest. Careful attention to details creates layers so there is a continual unfolding as one explores. The result is a landscape that is greater than the sum of its parts!

In a time of rapidly shifting climate a resilient landscape is necessary. Gardens that are well adapted to a site will need fewer inputs and be more able to withstand drought, fluctuating temperatures and other stressors. So, in addition to appearance, ecological functioning has become an important aspect of contemporary landscape design. There are many factors that should be considered. For instance, the hydrology of the site. How does water move, or not, through the site? Does it need to be redirected, captured, or slowed down? Also, existing and new plant material needs to be evaluated in this light. Native plants can be used to rebuild native plant communities, creating valuable habitat and knitting natural cycles together. A high level of ecological functioning creates a landscape teeming with life.

Every site exists within a larger context. This relationship is a subtle but important part of the over all design. Ecological restoration can happen even on a small scale.

MASTER PLANS
Comprehensive in scope, a master plan addresses your property as a cohesive whole — issues such as functionality, cohesion, sense of place, and flow as well as temporal experience, metaphor and allusion. In addition, more technical issues such as drainage, parking and slopes are also addressed. A master plan can be phased in over time.





Documents such as a plant list and bloom calendar accompany the plan drawing.




TARGETED DESIGN
For clients who need to address smaller areas or specific problems, we offer targeted design such as backyards, front yards, side yards, or adding new features such as a patio, rain garden, meadow garden, herb garden or artwork.

OUR DESIGN PROCESS
Creating good design always starts with you. By taking the time to get to know everybody involved through meetings and talks we are able to custom tailor each project.

Intake:
We begin with a meeting to define the scope of the work and clarify your needs, goals and preferences. Then we gather relevant information about the site through a comprehensive site survey. This survey includes as many physical and functional characteristics as practical as well as more subjective elements like the “feel” of the space.

Design:
The real design work now begins with the integration of your desires with the possibilities latent in the site. This is a process of investigation and discovery, an exploration of ideas, followed by the choosing and refinement of the best ideas. Layering in complexity with additional interweaving and connections adds richness to the design.

INSTALLATION
Our attention to detail and in depth knowledge of plants and materials insures that the installation of your design will be a success whether you want to install yourself or have Geographia do it. We do some work ourselves and also work with skilled contractors, plant growers and other professionals. We source quality, healthy plants and use only organic fertilizers and soil amendments to get your garden off to the right start.



By having us do a complete design and build you can be sure that the intent developed during the design process will be fully expressed in the finished landscape. Because the initial establishment of a new planting is so critical, we recommend that Geographia take care of your new plantings, at least for the first year. Of course, if you want to install yourself, we are happy to answer any questions you may have whether about planting or ongoing care for your new garden.

CONSULTATIONS
I am available for consultations for clients who have specific questions about plants, need maintenance tips, or would like help brainstorming some ideas. Consultations are billed on an hourly basis.

New Homeowner Orientations
Have you just bought a home and are wondering what's in your yard and how to care for it? Often new homeowners have questions about their properties. We do a walkthrough of the whole property with you, which includes:

• identifying and describing the habit of your plants, shrubs and trees
• recommendations for caring for them
• identifying the opportunities and constraints of the site
• an overview of the soil and light conditions.

Even clients who have owned their home for awhile find that this can be a valuable service!