More than two years ago, this column was about “How to Work with a Landscape Contractor.” I reviewed the differences between landscape contractors, landscape designers and landscape architects — and the choice of the right professional for the work to be done. (Refer to the list of online resources in today’s column.)

Recently, a Herald reader recalled that column and wrote:

“I’m now in the market for a landscape designer… to do my front and back yards, except I’m not really sure how to get started. Could you possibly give me any pointers on what to ask them, what to expect of them and what kind of info I need to give them to let them know what I’m looking to accomplish?”

These are good questions, very much worth some thought and preparation. While it is important to recognize each property’s unique features, there are some guidelines that can help you develop a productive approach to the task — and save lots of money.

Reveal your plans|

This is the first consideration. The landscape design should support your intended uses of your property, so tell the designer about those uses. While you should remain open to the designer’s ideas, you know your interests and wishes and the designer does not (at least not at first).

There are many possible outdoor uses of a residential property, depending on its size and the occupants of the home. Here are leading questions:

How important is outdoor dining? How many people will you want to serve at once? Will you need a patio or deck, or a built-in barbecue? How accessible should the cooking/dining area be to your kitchen?

What priorities do you and your family place on sports and recreational activities? Which activities will require only grass, e.g., an ad hoc playing area for pétanque? Which require special facilities, e.g., a putting green or a swimming pool?

Do you want to dedicate space to a small children’s play area, with climbing apparatus, a swing and a sandbox?

Do you have small pets that need special facilities, e.g., a dog run, an aviary, a coop or a hutch?

Or will you focus on relaxing with a cup of coffee or glass of wine, strolling through the garden to observe the opening of flowers and perhaps reading the morning newspaper? These call for well-placed benches and wide pathways.

Serious gardeners often zero in on weeding, deadheading, dividing and stepping on an occasional snail, and just might not need that bench! (Just kidding! If you are one of those gardeners, make a point of sitting down once in awhile to enjoy your garden. Watch a hummingbird for a minute or two!)

Avid gardeners might also want a greenhouse, cold frames, raised beds, compost bins or dedicated tool storage. If you defer the addition of these or other special facilities, you should still integrate their locations and space into your overall landscape design.

Inventory your preferences |

Begin by identifying any existing plants that you might want to keep. A mature tree, for example, can be an irreplaceable feature of your garden. Keep in mind, however, that some trees are poorly located, too big or poorly grown, and should be removed. If you wouldn’t plant a new tree where an existing tree is growing, don’t let the existing tree influence the design of your new landscape.

Remember, too, that many shrubs and some smaller trees can be moved to accommodate your new design. This can be a job for your contractor, because root balls can be quite heavy.

Then, be prepared to tell your designer about your gardening preferences. Many people want nothing more than “low maintenance,” but that can amount to a request for permission to neglect plants that will almost certainly do better with routine care. Instead, think positive thoughts.

Do you want plants that provide fragrance, or year-round color? Do you want a cutting garden, to have bouquets for your home? Do you want to grow herbs and vegetables for the kitchen? Do you enjoy container plants (possibly including bonsai)? Do you have specific plant preferences? e.g., roses, irises, dahlias, orchids, succulents? How about wildlife, both those you might want to attract (songbirds, butterflies, hummingbirds) and those you probably want to discourage (gophers, deer)?

Specify the products you want |

Be clear and upfront about what you want a landscape designer to deliver. What you want might or might not correspond to a designer’s “standard” service. Here are items you might specify.

• Assessment of the property’s soil, drainage and exposure to sun and wind.

• Preliminary site diagram, showing existing features, problem areas, special circumstances.

• Specifications for grading, hardscape, irrigation, lighting, as needed.

• Plant specifications, with recommendations for installation and maintenance.

• Final site diagram, showing all recommended hardscape, planting beds, plants, irrigation, lighting, etc.

Once you have assembled all this information, you will be ready to interview landscape designers. Landscape architects and landscape contractors are licensed. Landscape designers are not licensed, but they should provide references on their designs for properties such as yours. Call those clients, ask a lot of questions and, if possible, visit their gardens to see the designs.

Request a written proposal that details the work to be done, the schedule for checkpoints and final products, and, of course, the designer’s fee and payment schedule. Prepare yourself for fees of close to $90 per hour. Minimize “sticker shock” by doing as much as possible of the planning work listed above.

Resources|

• American Society of Landscape Architects: www.asla.org (click on “Firm Finder”)
• Association of Professional Landscape Designers: www.apld.com (click on “Certification”)
• California Landscape Contractors Association: www.clca.org (click on “Contractor Search”)
• California State License Board: www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers (see the publication, “What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor”)
• Green Gardener Certification Program: www.greengardener.org (click on “Landscaping Resources”)

Source: www.montereyherald.com