![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/825fdaa3-dbe8-421b-ae94-e477f61f8627/68c21b68-7592-4c53-8606-afd355c1a74c_rw_3840.jpg?h=76033f5576395d16dd235f3c6a4c7784)
Initially we take stock of the property as it currently is, annotating every important structure and plant.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/825fdaa3-dbe8-421b-ae94-e477f61f8627/3cfa8bfc-3a9e-4c75-8118-09fd8e864b04_rw_3840.jpg?h=7d73c837fbcf67fef37029f922cf6267)
We have to understand what conditions we are dealing with. I do a site visit and gather data and information. If needed, soil tests are taken.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/825fdaa3-dbe8-421b-ae94-e477f61f8627/8984ae80-e6ab-4417-a205-27d7e639893d_rw_3840.jpg?h=bb3e711dfc27d7496732861afd9e4c6d)
For larger projects, we split it into smaller areas that we can address in various detail.
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For a space to feel well-planned, we have to consider human wish-lines; how we like to move in a space.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/825fdaa3-dbe8-421b-ae94-e477f61f8627/a51a361d-9562-4f61-9c86-42033bab270c_rw_3840.jpg?h=736bfa3e412fa1ec99df8992e4155dab)
The concept design is a basic sketch ironing out the general idea. It tackles the challenges but also aims to fulfill other needs and wishes of the property owners.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/825fdaa3-dbe8-421b-ae94-e477f61f8627/a93d185f-e1c3-48ae-a52e-c0a941a65b1e_rw_3840.jpg?h=5378dffd882929a73e5dbbaf208e5ab9)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/825fdaa3-dbe8-421b-ae94-e477f61f8627/09d3f7d3-f387-4c3d-90c8-e60a3fdfc0df_rw_3840.jpg?h=eaa62ed355d76f2e69e572e0536c83b7)
When the initial concept is approved, we move into a more refined and detailed landscape plan.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/825fdaa3-dbe8-421b-ae94-e477f61f8627/210024f4-b982-42b2-92ba-fe8164d271da_rw_3840.jpg?h=362131ded80e1ff4a62df505ded73995)
Select areas may warrant an elevation drawing to clarify details of the plan.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/825fdaa3-dbe8-421b-ae94-e477f61f8627/ca9f3ca0-53ac-4579-96f6-627036e5a7c9_rw_3840.jpg?h=8fa0ce847523b99d82ee4252de1de0ca)
Using Pinterest, I build shared mood boards that doubles as a source for plants but also for furniture and other garden assets.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/825fdaa3-dbe8-421b-ae94-e477f61f8627/3841ac6f-c73e-495d-a20c-13917e80bdc6_rw_3840.jpg?h=ab05eef997a4f7364cd8775089de0d59)
Each area of focus may get its own mood board.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/825fdaa3-dbe8-421b-ae94-e477f61f8627/5ad356ef-684a-486d-b396-cfc6cebfad0b_rw_3840.jpg?h=29a69a08ccebebeb4b0556694a6348ec)
A plant diagram shows where the plants are intended to go.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/825fdaa3-dbe8-421b-ae94-e477f61f8627/e444295d-5cb1-49c4-84db-c8d602ac466d_rw_3840.jpg?h=8a7484a0127954a31140633b3d0802a6)
A plant diagram is drawn for each area.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/825fdaa3-dbe8-421b-ae94-e477f61f8627/a53c4a0f-c579-47cd-99e5-f21ae4224a56_rw_3840.jpg?h=c49d786683311eb500cb64ad459a01e7)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/825fdaa3-dbe8-421b-ae94-e477f61f8627/09367c74-6e73-4b45-9d20-40cdf137f300_rw_3840.jpg?h=1a7ad6d0db5611faa7ad94bff1a04af2)
Each plant diagram has a corresponding plant list, complete with sources.