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Design/Master Planning
- Processing information
- Creating a Master Plan
Installation
- Preparing the site
- Creating the Garden and
Perfecting the Design
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Design/Master Planning
-Processing Information - Time Frame: approximately 2 - 4 weeks depending on time of year.
Initially the client and Judi talk over the phone to determine what the project is, the goals, the time-line and general issues. If agreed upon, an initial meeting is scheduled to view the site as well as to discuss the details of the design process.
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During the first meeting with the client we walk the site discussing ideas for the property, we may show the client our portfolio to stimulate ideas. At the conclusion of the meeting, we have, through questioning and discussion, an initial impression of what the client is looking for in a landscape design and the client has an understanding of how we work and the cost. Judi then writes up a preliminary design contract outlining the specific criteria for the actual design and gives an estimate for the design work alone.
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Once it is agreed upon to move forward, we do our site analysis to establish a detailed inventory of site conditions. It is helpful to provide us with a plot plan at this time to speed up the measurement process. The site analysis may take one or two visits depending on the complexity of the site. Activities may include (but are not limited to) getting accurate measurements, taking photos of site elements and existing conditions, analysis of sun/shade, topography , drainage, and soil.
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-Creating a Master Plan - Time Frame: approximately 4 - 6 weeks depending on ideas for specific areas of the landscape revolving around conplexity and time of year.
Judi and her team first create one or two conceptual drawings taking into consideration the client’s needs and desires as well as the natural and man-made characteristics of the site. These plans are working drawing(s)or sketches drawn roughly to scale for the whole or for portions of the site in order to indicate the location of proposed site elements (i.e. planting beds, walkways, patios, etcetera) and existing features to remain. We meet with the client to review the concepts which are broad ideas around a central theme. We discuss likes and dislikes, plant material, hardscape, circulation patterns, landscape structures, etc.
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The Master Plan is then created which is a scale drawing reflecting the refinement of the conceptual plan(s), and the incorporation of functional and aesthetic changes identified during the discussions between the client and Judi. A detailed plant list, recommendations or contact information for ancillary landscape services, and/or an estimate of the cost of installation may be included with the Master Plan.
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Installation Process
As a design build company Moodscapes may install and/or coordinate the installation of the landscape. By tying the design and installation together we can refine the design as we install. With your trust and our expertise we can better ensure that the landscape we install is just what you want.
Moodscapes will assemble a team to provide you with the best possible installation. This team includes the Moodscapes personnel as well as outside contractors when necessary. Judi systematically coordinates the project from its conception to its fruition. If the design includes major hardscape such as a patio or a retaining wall or terrace, Judi will coordinate the services of a highly talented mason she has been working with for years. If the design requires a lot of earth moving, grading and or drainage she will bring skilled contractors from the area aboard. She organizes the schedule and supervises the work to ensure the highest quality installation.
Prior to planting the site the "hardscape" is installed to provide the structure, organization, and perhaps the circulation system to build the gardens around, to unite the landscape.
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-Preparing the Site
Before the installation of the planting beds can begin, soil tests may be performed in the designated areas to confirm that its chemical and nutritive properties are such that the selection of plant material for those areas will thrive in the surrounding soil for years to come. If natural fertilizers, compost or nutrients such as nitrogen or potassium are needed in order to achieve a balanced and life-sustaining soil base, we meticulously add them to the soil, always taking care to find the perfect proportions and the right amount of organic matter. Once the amendments are added and the soil is turned we are ready to start.
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- Creating the Garden and Perfecting the Design
Thus, begins the creation of the landscape. We begin by cutting out the designated areas for garden beds and planting the trees, if they are included in the design. The trees we plant are many times extremely heavy and unwieldy, for this reason, we always make sure we have enough space to work in so that we can be sure the tree is properly placed and that every precaution is taken to ensure a healthy planting. Once planted the trees provide structure and the necessary vertical elements for the landscape.
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At this point, all the shrubs and larger herbaceous plants are placed in their proper positions according to the design. This positioning of the plants allows us to perfect the design according to the patterns, textures, colors, and sizes of the plants to ensure a continuous flow and a connection through out the yard.
There always seems to be unexpectedly beautiful designs sprouting forth within the overall design. |
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Once the plants have been positioned, Moodscape’s team of experienced installers begins the planting process using professional planting techniques and each individual’s plant-care expertise. After the plants are in the ground, we add the perennials and any smaller garden element such as a bench or birdbath. We then spread mulch to ensure that the plants receive and retain enough water and are well protected from the cold. We also use mulch to minimize the germination of weeds.
We leave you with plant and maintenance information as well as our phone number to call at any time. We also check in with you periodically.
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