Design for Residential Properties
Pumpkin Brook Organic Gardening’s Landscape Design Service focuses on creating new or renovating existing landscapes with wonderful plant combinations, which will provide multi-seasonal interest. We have a special interest in working with native plants.
Using only methods and materials listed in the NOFA Organic Land Care Standards, our methodology takes into account the local ecosystem and benefits the whole web of life. Design possibilities range from a full landscape remodeling or master plan to the design of a single garden bed.
Here are some possible ways to work with us:
Design Consultation Site Visit
One hour minimum spent at client’s site to discuss existing gardens and landscape, future possibilities, and plans for improvement. The consultation will focus on your needs for the site.
Planting Plan for Individual Bed or Area
An initial design visit will be made to your site to study an existing garden or area for future development. We will discuss your vision for the spot and analyze site conditions. Possible plant choices will be discussed. Measurements, photographs, and a soil test will be taken. A typical planting plan can be developed in 5-20 hours.
On Site Design
Following a Design Consultation site visit, we can work with you on an hourly basis to redesign beds or areas of your property without creating a plan on paper. This approach will draw on our years of experience, horticultural study and hardscape knowledge. Site analysis and soil testing will be an integral part of our work. Plant lists for a given area may also be developed for a phased-in approach.
Master Planning Process
We’ll meet on site with you to help understand what you would like to have happen, what your priorities and preferences are, and what you’d like the result to be physically and emotionally. We will listen carefully to help you arrive at the best possible solution. Two to three meetings beyond the initial one at various stages of the process will be necessary to discuss ideas and approve progress.
We will prepare a contract for design services for your approval after the first meeting.
You will provide a base plan of the property (plot plan) showing the location of the house, utilities, septic and water lines. Otherwise, surveying may be needed at an additional fee.
Photographs will be taken and utilized in the development of the plan. We will analyze existing features and limitations of the site, such as sun exposure, aspect, drainage, microclimates, views and soils. Then a scaled base plan incorporating all of the above elements will be prepared.
From here, we develop the concept plan that locates various functional areas. Existing plants will be reviewed, identified and determined whether to be removed, relocated or incorporated into the new plan. At this point we’ll need your feedback to determine further priorities and ensure we are working in your preferred direction. Preliminary budget ranges will be presented.
The final plan will summarize all discussion to date, incorporating any changes suggested at the presentation of the concept plan. Updated budgets will be prepared, and we’ll be ready for your final approval. You will keep a copy of the final schematic master plan and all plant lists.
