Of the many different projects, I would say that much of our work is in helping people that have been frustrated with previous contractors that don’t listen to their ideas and are looking to enjoy their property with family and friends.
When meeting with a potential client, assessing their style and needs starts with asking many questions before meeting them. In short, asking questions about everything is important. “Knowing” your potential client is critical if you want to help them. Regardless of the specific trends of the day, there have been consistent and noticeable shifts in lifestyle trends. Clients want personal spaces that reflect who they are. They want outdoor landscapes that are an extension of their home, landscapes that are in touch with them and that make their lives easy. They want landscapes and gardens that are colourful, vibrant, unique and sustainable.
### What may this look like?
– Take the indoors *outdoors* – Outdoor living continues with kitchens, fireplaces, family rooms, change rooms and showers. Furniture, sculpture and art that are weatherproof
– Container gardening – Clustering multiple pots, vertical gardens, vegetable and herb gardens – creating features in small spaces
– Trellis, awnings, decks & arbors – weatherproof & wood alternatives allow for a wider selection of products – allowing light in, yet deflecting the hot sun
– Water features – pond-less features and fountains enhance sight and sound, while absorbing noise pollution
– Exterior lighting – extends garden enjoyment activities and enhances security
### Next steps?
Many homeowners are discovering the joys of dining, relaxing and entertaining in spaces landscaped especially for these purposes. Most people, contractors and clients alike, underestimate the value of taking care of the fine details. Making a landscape look good is easy, however making the space personal and functional requires a great deal of consultation and planning. Often, once the decision to landscape is made, we tend to be in a race to the finish line. As a result, we compromise the critical planning stages – don’t overlook the fine details!
Happy Landscaping
