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     Then, once these relationships between rooms are established, the design process turns to decorating these spaces with personal elements - trees, plants, statuary and watershapes - that have deep meaning and evoke strong feelings in our clients.

Concept Development:

     As the landscape element layout emerges, I simultaneously determine the species and placement of the trees and shrubs. At this point I can "see" every plant placement and the quantity of plants needed to fulfill the vision.

     The tree decisions are especially significant because I am using trees as landscape elements; as such, they become married to the actual structures and serve as the skeleton upon which I hang the rest of the plantings or aesthetic touches.

     All the structures and the planting are shown on my initial concept plan, which is then colored along with sketchs and perspective drawings of important view and lines of sight - these sketches are invaluable to communicating to both the client and the contractor what I am envisioning for the garden.

In addition I develop a suggested material list and plant list complete with quantities and container size recommendations along with color pictures of all the plants and materials I am suggesting be incorporated into the garden.

Next it's presentation time! I do a full walk through of the design with my client. A good 95% of the time, my clients get right behind this initial concept: By spending the time up front in the "gumshoe phase" of the process, I've been able to put a great deal of heart and soul (mine and theirs) into this initial design. And if there are changes, they tend to be fairly minor most of the time.

Once my clients approve the concept plan, it's a matter of introducing them to the contractors I work with on a regular basis.It is always my preference to work with builders I know as many of my designs have unusual or unique elements that, once require discussion with the builders.

      I always depend on his or her expertise and craftsmanship to bring concepts to reality, so I want the builder to be excited by the concept and thoroughly excited with their portion of the further development of the conceptual design as they near groundbreaking.

     As an experienced, hands-on-designer, I have confidence in my talent and creativity and in my ability to create a truly beautiful and buildable concept plan. But, a great concept plan is not a garden built: The only way to bring the concept to reality is through establishing a common vision for the client, designer and builder as a team fully dedicated to excellence.

     This synergy is essential if a project is to transcend the mediocre. When it works, the results very likely will exemplify the real power of passion.

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This is a reprint of an article originally printed in Watershapes Magazine - Volume 3 - Number 3 - April 2001