1. Enlarge a copy of your house survey to a 1”=10’ scale: *

This document should be in your house papers. Any Blueprint/copy shop or copy store (with oversized copiers) can do this. Having this for Kelly at the consultation saves you time and money. Kelly will draw directly on this enlarged survey with plant locations, their quantities, and notes customized to your garden style.

*If you have a larger piece of land (more than 2 acres), you may want to enlarge the survey to 1”=20’ for the initial consultation. And/or you may enlarge just the areas to be designed at a 1”=10’ scale. Leave a couple inches of white paper around the property lines for notes.

2. Find magazine pictures that make your heart go pitter patter:

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Even if the plants are from another region, the picture will help get your sense of style across to Kelly (and save time).  Enjoy yourself at a bookstore in the garden section.  Pull out a big stack of books and  magazines that look good and bring them to the cafe.  Keep sorting them down into three piles of "yes, no and maybe" until you've found the garden inspiration you want in your yard.  Tab them and have this "homework" ready for Kelly when she arrives. 

3. Create your “WISH” list:

This is a simple list of your plant likes and dislikes, spots to screen, where to place a: trellis, dog area, swing, patio, deck, outdoor dining space, playhouse, bench, pathway, secret garden, perennials, roses or camellia garden. Kelly can design these into your sketch plan. Note: you do not have to write down specific plants, you may jot down the feeling you want your garden to convey like manicured or flowing.

The average on-site consultation lasts 3 to 4 hours, therefore you need to prioritize the areas to work on during the visit: frontyard or backyard or courtyard. Upon arriving at the consultation, Kelly first checks the enlarged survey, then looks at your magazine pictures and your written “WISH” list. You both take a quick walk in the prioritized areas to point out what “bugs” you (like a neighbor’s garage or a big boring blank wall) and what views you want to enhance. Keep the talking time brief so that Kelly can concentrate on designing your garden. You then go inside to relax when Kelly begins to design. If the project is more involved or the weather is too warm or wet, another visit may be scheduled. When the design sketch is finished, Kelly comes inside to present your custom drawing and answer your questions.