Ahhhh…..October and November…and the hot, hot (hotter this year!) days of July are finally behind us and the Fall Season of renewal is upon us! These are also the best months to start planting new yards or finally getting around to tearing out “the old nasty stuff” and starting fresh. Planting in October and November provides the perfect temperatures to help give your plants and trees a healthy start without extreme heat, cold or monsoon rains (hopefully!)The first most important step is to you, with attention to the landscape and the years of growth to come. This is where the benefits of hiring a Professional Landscape Designer comes into play. With the “Right, Well Thought-Out Plan”, you won’t end up spending double 3-4 years down the road when half the plants are dead, overgrown or just plain ugly!
A good Landscape Designer will know what works for you, your personality and needs.
In addition to designing the landscape with attention to detail, proportion, balance, texture, color, sun exposure, maintenance, and longevity of the landscape, they can also help you
remodel or update an existing older Exterior with the proper selection of paint colors, hardware, lighting, gate design, hardscapes and fire, Bar-B-Q and water features.
A Professional well designed Landscape should only grow more beautiful with character and age if properly designed, installed and maintained.
When initially hiring a Landscaper, it is important to see pictures of different types of landscapes they’ve created and installed along with client references.. (Beware! A lot of landscape contractors lack design backgrounds – Ask!)
The “Design Enlightened” should take the time to “Ask Important Questions” about you, your lifestyle and outdoor needs, such as “Do you live here full time?”(a biggie since this will determine what plants are right for you to enjoy when in town) “Do you entertain?”, “How many guests?”, “How much outdoor furniture do you have or want?”
This determines your hardscape needs and layout. “What type of activities do you enjoy?” Maybe you require a basketball court, putting green or pool. “do you have any children or grandchildren?” Perhaps you’ll need a spot for a trampoline, swing set or built-in sandbox! “do you have pets?” Along with children, this will guarantee plants that are “pet and children friendly.” Do you have allergies?” “What colors do you like or don’t like?”" Your maintenance needs?” All questions should be addressed and satisfied.
“Happy Planting!”
Article provided to the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce – GEM Publication November 2006 page 18.
http://www.lqchamber.com/pdf/gem_nov06.pdf
