How soon are you available for appointments?

That depends upon the time of year you want to book an appointment.
If you call in late March through May, there will be a longer wait. However, if you call during January or February or during the summer months, I am available much sooner, sometimes within a week. Keep in mind that any time of the year is a good time to plan for your garden. If you have your design plan done in late autumn, then you will be ready and prepared to go in the spring! Remember though, there is no guarantee as to how soon I can come out for an appointment.

What areas do you service?

I service Baltimore County and City, Carroll County, Howard County, Littlestown/Gettysburg areas of Pennsylvania, eastern portions of Frederick County and western portions of Harford County. However, I will service areas outside of the above-mentioned regions; I charge slightly extra for travel times (one-way) over 50 minutes (for regular traffic) from Reisterstown (where I am based).

Is there anything I need to do before you come out for our appointment?

You may fill out the inquiry form, if you have not already. The following two items are optional, but helpful to the design process: having your soil tested (for nutrients, pH, soil type) ahead of time will allow me to see how your soil should be amended to optimize plant growth; observing and recording the sun and shade patterns on your property throughout the day will help in the selection of suitable plants for the sun/shade conditions.

How long does is take for you to finish a design plan?

That depends upon the size of the area(s) to be designed. However, the "typical" suburban landscape design (front, sides and back of home) is usually delivered within three weeks, from the date of the initial meeting. If there are large, multiple areas to be designed, then the timeframe can be longer.

Do you do designs for "modest" homes with small yards?

I will come out to do a design or consultation for any size area, as long as it is within my service area, and the client is willing to pay the minimum design fee.

Can you recommend where I can buy plants once I have my design plan?

I include a short list of local garden centers/ nurseries (along with address and telephone number) in the report that is included with the design plan.

What if I can't find the exact plant(s) you specified in my design plan? The nursery says they carry a variety that is nearly identical.

If you run into this, simply contact me with the name of the variety the nursery is recommending. I can let you know if it is a good substitution or not. Email would be the best way to contact me with these questions, in case I have to do some research.

When is payment due for service?

For consultations, payment is due at the conclusion of our meeting. For design plans, one-half deposit is due at the initial appointment, and the other half is due at the delivery appointment. I accept personal checks and cash.

Do you do lawn maintenance, planting or any other kind of landscape maintenance?

No, I only do garden consultations and garden design plans.

Can you recommend a company for installation if I decide I don't want to plant the garden myself?

Yes. I know reputable companies in the areas I service.