Landscape Design Basics

Or When Plants and People Collide

Client Interview

In preparation of any landscape there are some things that must be taken into accountThe first begins with the client’s or owner’s needs and wantsA good place to start is with a client interview

The Clients

Meeting With The Client

Who is your client?How many people are in the family?Any pets?What are their interests and hobbies?What do they do for a living?How much time do they plan on spending in their yard?Do they entertain frequently?

Determine The Client's Needs

How much patio space do they require?How much lawn area do they need?Do they require landscape irrigation?Do they need built-ins – grill, refrigerator, sinks, etc.?Do they need a pool or spa area?Do they need any fencing?Do they require a secondary parking pad for RV or boat?

The Style Of Landscape

What style of landscape are your clients looking for?FormalInformalRusticCottage gardenShade gardenSun gardenPerennial garden

Country gardenHerb gardenJapanese gardenCalifornia native gardenMaze gardenVegetable gardenMeditation gardenCutting gardenRose gardenTopiary garden

The Style Of Landscape

Tropical gardensParterre gardensSpecies-specific gardensCollections gardensBorder gardens

Gardens for the handicapped

Raised beds Texture and scented

gardens for the visually impaired

Wish List

Develop a wish list for the client Ponds or fountains Outdoor lighting Paving materials – stone, brick, gravel, etc. Statuary Outdoor furnishings

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Determine the client's budgetHow much money does the client intend to spend on their landscape?A good rule-of-thumb is to plan on spending 10% of the propertie’s appraised value on the landscape

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Very often the client has no idea what the potential costs areThey are often shocked or surprised when they find out But – a well designed, properly installed landscape can add considerable value to a property

The Site Analysis

The next step is to perform a site analysis Several things at the landscape site should be identified and located on a site analysis mapMeasure the entire site to develop a base planInclude: All doors and windows Drip line of the house eves

The Site Analysis

Include anything that will remain in the landscape redevelopment including: All existing hardscape (patios, patio covers,

decks walkways, driveways, planters, etc.) Utilities (gas meter, water meter, electric

meter, cable TV, air conditioning units, etc.)

Pool, spa, Jacuzzi®

Plumbing equipment (hose bibbs, irrigation valves, backflow prevention devices, etc.)

Any trees or shrubs that will remain in the new development

The Site Analysis

Locate all views – both desirable and objectionableDetermine the soil typeDetermine traffic flows around the lotDetermine areas of shade and sun Determine prevailing winds Determine any changes in elevationDetermine NORTH

The Site Analysis

The Site Analysis

The Base Plan

A base plan is a drawing that will ultimately be used to create the finished landscape designA base plan is a drawing done to scale, ex. 1/4” = 1’, etc.The base plan should include everything on the site analysis that will be kept with the landscape

The Base Plan

Lines of Force

Helps determine focal pointsAids in locating strong visual points for: edges curves Accent plantings

Intersections, etc.Of walks, patios, mow strips, etc.

Bubble Diagrams

Bubble diagrams are used to help develop basic area uses, include: Traffic patterns through the landscape Turf areas New hardscape developments, including:

patios, outdoor cooking areas, dog runs, work and storage areas, etc.

Basic plant needs, including: shade trees, seasonal color, hedges and screens, etc. (refer to handout: A Summary of Plant Usages in Southern California Landscapes)

Bubble Diagrams

Bubble Diagrams

Bubble Diagrams

Concept Drawings

Usually the first set of drawings presented to the clientUsed to diagram several forms of entries, patios, walks, etc. Can include elevation drawings to show vertical space and to help explain the designer’s ideas and visions

Concept Drawings

Allows the client to select a basic development that best suites their needsBegins to establish more specific plant types, hardscape materials, etc.Upon approval of the concept drawings the final drawings are next

Concept Drawings

Elevations

Elevations

Elevations

Elevations

Final Drawings

The final "working drawings" presented to the clientScale drawings showing specific hardscape materials, plant materials, etc.May include irrigation and drainage plansMay also include any detail drawings where necessary

Final Drawings

Scale: ¼’ = 1”

Final Drawings

Final Drawings

Plant Symbols

Plant Symbols

Hatch Patterns