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Designing the landscaping at our last house almost resulted in my wife and I getting a divorce (just kidding, but we did have a few fights). I had taken a few residential landscape architecture classes in college, but my wife didn't like or agree with most of my ideas for bedding layouts, plants, etc.
This time, we're looking for a landscape architect that can create a master plan for our new home. We can do the installation ourselves over the span of a few years as we can fit it into our budget. We don't need a pool, or spa, or anything complicated, we just are looking for someone to draw up a nice master plan showing planting bed shapes and locations, patios, plant types and locations, etc. We have about 7/8 acre with a grove of trees at the back of the property.
Does anyone else have any suggestions? I called one of these places and they charge $70/hour for a design, and they say that a typical design takes 12-15 hours. That's about 1000 bucks. My wife says she's not going to spend $1000 for this.
Maybe there is a starving Landscape Architecture student out there willing to offer their services?
$1000 Eek! That is kind of hefty. How do you feel about landscaping software? I khow there is software for home design, so there might be something for exterior areas. I don't know of any right off the bat because I have not done a google search yet, but maybe this is an avenue that you and your wife could try.
Also, have you tried the Gardening Board yet? Might be some Raleigh folks on that board or maybe they've used landscaping software.
Could you possibly get any leads from some of the area nurseries?
Just throwing some ideas out there. Good luck!!!!!
$1000 Eek! That is kind of hefty. How do you feel about landscaping software?
Unfortunately this does not solve our problem
I took courses in residential landscape design in college, so I have the ability and the tools to do the designs, but my wife never likes my designs. We end up getting into fights over it.
We need an outsider to come in and do the design for us. . . . . . . kinda like that HGTV show "Designing for the Sexes", but with plants and trees instead of fabrics and paint.
What about the landscaping departments in the universities? How much would the professor charge to do a rendering for you?
Now that spring is approaching, how about driving around to different neighborhoods with camera in tow and snapping photos of yards that pique your interest?
Or how about taking photos of your yard and posting them on the Gardening Board for a critique? Ask the readers how would they landscape your yard? (I've seen folks who are trying to sell their homes post photos of the interior and exterior on the Real Estate Board and then ask for honest critiques in terms of the pros and cons. They most definitely get feedback from the readers.)
Also, again, I'll mention the Gardening Board because someone on that board (even if they are not located in your area) may have done the very thing you're trying to, and you might get some good ideas.
And if all else fails, how about writing to HGTV and requesting a spot on "Curb Appeal" or on "Designers Challenge?" I lay on HGTV when I'm not watching horror/sci fi movies, so I know the shows you are referring to. I'm serious. Why not? You never know; you might get picked!
Good luck!
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