Larsen Landscape | Blog

YES, THE OWNER’S OPINION COUNTS

The first question we always ask is “Is there anything in particular that you don’t like?”  This is followed by, “Are there elements that you really do want?”

This is because those are the two most important things in any design.  Once these two factors are known, then the actual art and science of designing a landscape can begin, with a high percentage chance of everyone involved being thrilled with the result.  Without those two questions, it might come out great, but we really don’t know.

There are still more questions before any thought is given to layout.  Are young children a factor?  This usually involves trying to get some lawn into

Garden Path and Gazebo

the mix, or the most popular item for kids from actual experience, a curving walkway through the property that they can ride their toys on.

Is there going to be a lot of entertaining?  Does the client like to cook?  An outdoor kitchen could be a key feature on one side of that spectrum, or at least a serving bar.  People at parties like to wander to little surprise areas and talk to their friends, so a gazebo tucked away in the corner partially hidden by some small trees, perhaps with a water feature would be worth considering.  Or, maybe just a garden with a park bench, preferably with a walkway so everyone’s shoes stay dry.  We have designed some properties with 5 or 6 such features, and then gone to a party at the same house, and these places definitely gets a ton of use.

Landscaping Impact on Life

In my opinion, landscaping does have an impact on the way a person approaches life.  When does it cross the line into pure luxury?  I guess that really depends on what a person’s concept of his or her own quality of life is.

Personally, I think a person who works hard in life should have at least a comfortable patio to relax in once in a while, one that has a couple of trees nearby, some flowers that come and go with the seasons to keep some

Patio in Wood Ranch CA

interest in it and I don’t think it is going too far to have, perhaps, a small water feature to muffle the traffic noise if nothing else, not to mention a couple of comfortable chairs and the occasional bottle of wine.  I’ve also heard it said that avid gardeners tend to live really long lives on average since they are always looking ahead toward the future (“This sapling is going to provide shade here someday and those new roses I just planted are new hybrids that are supposed to have an unbelievable scent – I’ll find out in the Spring – I think I’ll try that new cross-bred citrus tree and find out if the fruit really is better than Navels.”)  This might be subject to test, but I do have several clients, very interested in gardening, who are well into their nineties.

I just thought I would write down a couple of thoughts on the matter since we have all been assaulted lately by the various media who seem intent on convincing us that wanting anything not absolutely essential is wrong.  I seriously doubt that any of those very reporters are planning to move into an old trailer anytime soon.