– by Colin Eaton, Garden City Tree & Landscape –
Here we are in the middle of our winter season and our landscapes are in a deep sleep mode. Some of you are enjoying the break from the outside maintenance while others are counting the minutes and awaiting the return of spring.
I am in full landscape design mode. Some of you may be asking: “landscape designing in the middle of winter?” I certainly prefer to be indoors at this time of year, but that isn’t the main reason I’m designing in the winter months.
Winter is the time of year when we receive the fewest design requests when we should be receiving the greatest number! It is the most important time of year to start the process for any major landscape work anticipated to be completed in 2016. Some of my clients are planning ahead now.
Here are a few reasons why I recommend starting the design process now:
• The landscape design process is so much more than deciding on soil and plants. The steps of meeting a client, determining their needs, completing a site evaluation and preparing a conceptual landscape plan can take anywhere from four to 10 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project.
• The construction process can take another two to six weeks to complete and before you know it, winter is back.
• A professional design considers the intangibles: the slope of the property, existing features, drainage, exposures, shade vs sun requirements, lighting, privacy and usage.
• A professional design provides a scale of the design allowing accurate estimating of materials and labour (i.e. there is no guess work).
• Technology today can provide 3D images of the completed design so you can see what the finished project will look like before breaking ground. If you don’t like the look of something, the design can change before excavation commences.
• Beginning the process now provides the unique opportunity to view your property at a time when it is experiencing the least amount of sun, heavy winds and the most rain. These three important factors are essential considerations when planning any landscape project.
By starting the process now, you are well on your way to ensuring a well-thought-out design that will provide you with years of enjoyment.
For more information visit www.victoriagardencity.ca.
