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.