Your Landscape Journey: A Guide to the Design, Installation & Aftercare Process

Welcome

Thank you for considering us as your landscape design partner. This guide walks you through each phase of the design, installation, and long-term care process so you know what to expect—and how we’ll bring your outdoor vision to life.

The journey of establishing an established landscape spans three main phases. 

They are: Design Phase -> Implementation Phase -> Establishment Phase

Let’s explore these phases in more detail!

Design Phase

Discovery

We explore your goals, preferences, and how you’d like to use your outdoor space. We’ll ask thoughtful questions and listen closely to ensure we understand your priorities.

Site Analysis

We assess sun and shade, drainage, soil, microclimates, and views. This helps us understand the opportunities and constraints of your site.

Design Vision

We outline a naturalistic design theme and key guiding principles like biodiversity, flow, and resilience. We may include moodboards or inspiration sketches to illustrate ideas.

Spatial Flow & Materials

We plan for movement, gathering areas, and material selections. Paths, zones, and hardscape ideas are developed based on site function and feel.

Plant Palette Curation

We curate thoughtful plant combinations for each planting bed, balancing aesthetics and ecological function. We’ll show you example photos and explain plant roles.

Final Layout & Budget

We confirm the layout onsite and provide a complete scope of work including labor, materials, plant quantities, and projected costs. If you choose to perform the install yourself, we will also provide step-by-step instructions & additional guidance.

Implementation Phase

Site Prep & Soil Building

We remove existing lawn or weeds, amend the soil when necessary, and shape planting beds as needed to set the stage for a successful installation.

Hardscape + Carpentry Installation

We (or our partners) install patios, pathways & custom structures to provide accessible & usable spaces.

Irrigation 

It’s time to ensure your new plants have access to supplemental water while they establish. The final layout & design of any irrigation system is informed by the plant design - including the varieties of plants and your yard’s unique features. For low maintenance drought tolerant designs, the irrigation system could take the form of temporary drip irrigation. Other designs may involve a more permanent in-ground system, or retrofitting your existing irrigation.

Plant Sourcing & Layout

We source healthy, high-quality plants. Then, each plant is placed where it will thrive. We’ll walk the site with you so you can physically experience the layout before planting.

Installation

You may choose to install the plants yourself or have us do it for you. Either way, care is taken to implement the design faithfully.

Establishment Phase

Design Establishment (Years 1–4)

This is a crucial time in your garden’s life. We manage weeds, observe plant behavior, and make small adjustments to support long-term success. During this time period there are often follow up plantings that will be installed, such as additional groundcovers, annual plants, or bulbs for seasonal color.

Annual Management & Editing (Years 5–10)

As your landscape matures, we refine the design through light editing and ongoing care. This helps the garden align with its original intention while evolving naturally.

Long-Term Stewardship

By year 7–10, the garden may require deeper edits or rebalancing of plant communities. At this point, the landscape is dynamic, resilient, and uniquely yours..