Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Garden Concepts landscape look like?

We take pride in the fact that we don't really have a "look." That said, there are some things you can depend on seeing in our work. The design is invariably influenced by the client's wants and needs, as well as the site itself. Our designs are more about creating spaces rather than decorating a house. Other than that, our portfolio includes lake front sand-dunes, prairies, formal and informal gardens.

What do you mean by "landscape"?

The landscape of course includes plants. But it includes much more. Our projects frequently include paving, masonry, grading, carpentry, water features, lighting and irrigation. Sometimes more. Our best results come when we manage as much of the project as possible, from start to finish.

How much does a landscape cost?

It depends on what your expectations are. Remember that, all other things being equal, it costs just as much to implement a bad design as it does a good one. We believe wholeheartedly that what begins with good design also ends with good design. At Garden Concepts, design fees are based on the scope of the project and the time we expect it to take.

What do I get for the Design fee?

The design fee includes a Concept Plan and Budget Study, along with all the legwork it takes to get there. No documents suitable for implementation by others are created at this point. Once we receive a commitment that you will proceed with the project, we will create any working drawings we need. We will work with you to sort out priorities and proper sequence.

But ____ says they will design it for free!

Do you really think it is free? A "free" design is not necessarily as "free" as you think because the cost to produce the design is carried in their overhead, so you will be paying for it somewhere along the way. Along with that you will be paying for the three or four (or 5 or 6!) jobs they did not get.

Also, if the provider of the "free" design is taking a chance on being hired by you, how much time do you think he/she is willing to invest in the design? We spend the appropriate amount of time it takes to produce a good design and we charge you only for the work on your property. It is the fairest, most equitable way for a quality outcome.

Of course we believe that the quality design that we provide speaks for itself and has a value beyond that available in "free" designs.

Can we design the back yard this year and the front next year?

Many of our clients choose to install their landscapes in phases, often over the course of years. Whether the phases are determined by your budget, a planned home remodeling project or something else, we will help determine the appropriate sequence. As for the design, in most cases a better, more cost-effective result is attained if we design the whole landscape at once.

What if all we want are some bushes and lawn?

Okay. We can give you the name of someone better suited for that.

What about maintenance?

You've made a big investment, and you really ought to take care of it. We know it is your garden, but we always feel a certain ownership of all of our projects. It is in our best interest that your garden be maintained properly. For these reason, we will make sure that you are set up with someone capable and conscientious.