How to Find a Landscape Designer

A friend told me she’d interviewed a couple landscapers for a project at her home and was very disappointed. “All they wanted to do is throw a couple azaleas at me and go,” she said.

I love plants. But I wouldn’t want them thrown at me. Poor plant. And I wouldn’t want a landscaper without a good understanding of plants and design, messing up my garden.

It is possible to find very talented landscape designers and architects, but to avoid ending up dissatisfied, ask a few important questions first.

Landscape Architect Duane Marcus of Atlanta, Georgia, suggests you take these steps and ask these questions before hiring a designer:

1.  Look at portfolio of actual work completed.
2.   Is the designer’s style compatible with your ideas?
3.   Meet with them and see how it feels. Are they open to listening to your input or just want to crank out generic design or force their own style on you?
4.   Get references and go see the work in person.
5.   Have they been working/living in the area long? Have they had time to learn the local growing conditions?
6.   Ask if the person what design training or experiences they have.

Marcus said that it is not uncommon for companies to offer landscape services without a good understanding of the growth habits or cultural needs are of the plants they are using and without any design training. He also suggests shying away from landscape companies who offer free design services.

A great way to start the process is to look around your neighborhood. Landscape Architect Billy Goodnick, of Santa Barbara, CA, suggests if you know of landscapes you like, simply knock on the door and ask who designed their gardens. I love that thought.  Word of mouth is great starting place.  But not enough.  Still do some checking into their background and make sure they get your vision.  Also, you might cruise Angie’s list a bit looking for rave reviews.

I don’t want to play favorites but I’d feel remiss if I didn’t give a nod to folks involved with PRG who are designers.  PRG contributors, and some good friends to our page,  offer landscape design services. I love them all, but urge you to follow Duane’s suggestions. Just because I think they are great, doesn’t mean you will.

I can say, all people I will list are very knowledgable about plants and well-schooled in design. I urge anyone to comment and post further suggestions about the process of hiring a landscape designer. I also urge folks to suggest companies or people who you’ve had great experiences with, especially if they work in Pennsylvania or close to us in nearby states.

Acclaimed natural landscape desinger Larry Weaner, from PA, designed this space.

First, nods to the PRG contributors; Roberta Bogash of Greenworks Design and Horticulturalist/ Landscape Designer Wendy Bender Brister.  Next nod, to old friend and great PRG supporter, George Weigel.  As many of you know George, many of you know my new friend and landscape designer Erica Shaffer from Highland Gardens.  Finally, another new friend and native plant expert, Judy Bono. If you need help contacting anyone, feel free to contact me.   Maybe I’ll link another post to this with a short bio on all of them shortly.

Because of their training and experience, good landscape designers can look at your yard and see possibilities and offer solutions to problems that you wouldn’t think of. Creating a stunning garden requires a deep understanding of all the plants in the design. Designers know intimately the growth habits of plants, their leaf types, how they look year round and importantly, they know what the plant needs to thrive in your garden. Drawing on their knowledge can prevent unwarranted plant death and save on costly mistakes.

It is way worth the effort to ferret out talented people who can maximize the beauty of your yard and help you increase your enjoyment of your gardens and your home.