Photos by Hillary Ehlen and Chris Redding
We can dream about ideal outdoor spaces all we want, but when it comes to actually making our aspirations a reality, some of us might not know where to start. Once you decide that you are going with artificial grass/turf, You need to call Artificial Lawns Phoenix so they can show you samples and order, but if you have natural lawn, you can also read an article with the best tips to take care of it. To help us find our footing on the first stepping stone, we met with local expert, Chris Redding of Baker Garden & Gift, who showed us around the site of one of his latest projects and helped us understand the three phases of the landscaping process.
PHASE ONE: DESIGN
The design phase has three components: consultation, concept planning and construction drawings.
- Consultation:
The homeowner meets with a landscape designer at the job site or garden center to define the scope of work, details of the project and a budget. They may also discuss designing for year-round interest and future expansion. - Concept Plan:
Next, the landscape designer creates a concept plan, which is a drawing that allows the homeowner to visualize the layout of their yard using plant symbols, annotations and dimensions. - Construction Drawings:
The landscape designer comes up with construction drawings, which they will use as a reference throughout the installation phase.
PHASE TWO: INSTALLATION
The installation phase may incorporate hardscapes, which include rocks, patios and decks as well as softscapes, which consists of soil, plants and trees. Although the list may differ depending on the project, landscape designers usually install features in the following order:
- Utilities
- Fine grading
- Patios/decks
- Landscape beds
- Borders
- Edging
- Irrigation
- Perennials, shrubs and trees
- Groundcover
- Final grading and sod/seeding
PHASE THREE: MAINTENANCE
Homeowners must maintain their yards regularly to get more enjoyment out of their investment. Essential maintenance tasks include:
- Watering
- Trimming/shrub shaping
- Spring/fall clean-ups
Baker Garden & Gift
2733 South University Drive, Fargo
701-237-6255
bakernursery.com
