Have you ever felt that parts of your yard just don’t look quite right, but you aren’t sure what to do?  Or maybe you’ve had the same plants and shrubs for a long time and they simply need to be replaced.  Is there a spot where nothing seems to grow?  Perhaps you’re building a new home or addition and have a blank outdoor canvas to work with.  These situations call for the services of a professional landscape designer. Many people do not realize that a landscape designer is the ideal person to help create a plan that can correct any current problems as well as enhance the space so that it is not only functional but beautiful.   Following are some points to consider.

Budget and Cost 

Hiring a landscape designer will most likely save you money in the long run.  The designing and planning is the most important step of any landscape project – big or small.  A well thought out plan avoids costly mistakes, such as putting in shrubs or trees in places where they won’t grow.  A professional takes into consideration soil conditions, sun exposure, drainage, watering needs, growth patterns and other factors so that plants will thrive. They also have experience with colors and textures of plants and plant material so that everything works together and adds to the beauty of your home.  In addition, you won’t find yourself going over your budget because a good designer will ask what your budget is, then design the plan accordingly.

Meet with the designer

In order to create a personal and customized plan, a designer will schedule several meetings to develop and refine the overall plan.  Some questions that should be asked are: How will you use your outdoor space and will those needs likely change?  Will you want the project done all at once, or done in phases? How much time do you want to spend on maintenance? What styles do you prefer?  A designer will have sketches and photos of previous jobs for you to look at.  You want a designer that will take into account your ideas and preferences, while also suggesting new concepts and possibilities.  Ask how the designer works with the other contractors on site (if any) so that the final product meets – or beats – your expectations. Even if you want to do most of the work yourself, you still need to have an overall plan.

A landscape designer will incorporate green and sustainable practices are environmentally friendly which will result in lower maintenance costs. These practices include methods such as composting, collecting rainwater, xeriscaping (a landscape requiring minimal or no irrigation once established), using recycled and organic products, and not using synthetic chemicals. Native plants should be used whenever possible and the placement of trees can provide shade to reduce air conditioning costs.

Call Gudeman gardens at 309-839-9448 to schedule a design consultation.

Are you less than excited by the state of your landscape? With the nice weather we’ve had lately, it’s tempting to head out to the nearest garden center to pick up a few shrubs and perennials to fill in some bare spots. But have you considered hiring a landscape designer first?

A beautifully functional landscape requires more than a few trips to the garden center. Unlike decorating inside, plants grow and change over time. Whether the space is large or small, we can use our design experience in laying out your space. You can still install the plants yourselves if you are on a budget, but you will have a plan completed by a professional giving you peace of mind that you won’t have to change things down the road.

We’ve all seen gorgeous garden beds, ponds, and retaining walls and perhaps you’ve tried to replicate the look – but what works in a neighbor’s yard might not work in yours. Sometimes, plants available one season might not be available the next, making it hard to unify your property into one space.

Plants sold in catalogues might not survive our winters as well. The amount of sunlight, soil type, a plant’s growth habit, and many other variable factors can affect the plant selections that will work best for you. Gardening is not like architecture, where once you put up a building it just needs general maintenance. Plants grow and change throughout the seasons and years, creating a constantly different garden. Our education and experience in horticulture and design brings perspective to how landscapes will mature over time.

The insight and time it takes to think about a property can save you money in ways that a one size fits all style can’t do. The value of a plan put to paper pays dividents in the long run, fitting the conditions of the space while also creating something unique and special for each client – not simply selling plants stocked in a store. We also don’t force our own style on you – yes we all like some things better than others – but it is your home and we will work with your likes and dislikes to help you feel comfortable with what you really want.

Whether your idea of a personal oasis is a lush, plant filled backyard with the sound of flowing water, or a shady patio requiring little maintenance, working with a designer can help you achieve the look that’s right for you, saving money over the long term by planning from the beginning.

Contact us today at 309-839-9448 to schedule a consultation.