IN THE GARDEN: New landscape assistance

Published Jan. 29, 2010

by Chuck McClung

Perhaps you’ve just bought a new home with no landscaping, or perhaps you’re just unhappy with your existing landscape. Since it seems we’re going to have an early Spring this year, jump on it! A nice, long Spring means more time for new plantings to get established before our dryish summers set in. You say “We’re clueless and we need help.” So how do you find good assistance with your new landscape?
Before you even think about hiring someone, think about what you want from your landscape. You say, “Well, I don’t know, that’s why I need help.” If you’re unhappy with some aspect of your landscape, then you know something, and that’s a start.
Get a piece of paper and literally write down exactly what you don’t like. For example: I don’t like our entryway; I don’t like the view from the street; it’s too crowded; I don’t like Rhododendrons; I don’t like orange (what?!?); I don’t like the shrubs scraping up against the house.
Also write down anything you want: a veggie garden; a path; a pond; low maintenance (I prefer the word commitment); no lawn; some shade; lots of light; etc. If you’re still stuck, just write down words that feel right, even if they don’t seem to make sense in a gardening or landscaping context, e.g. colorful, soft, flowing, easy, open, full, up and down, side to side, bright, whatever. A good landscaper/consultant will find those words immensely helpful.
Word of mouth is the rule of thumb when it comes to landscaping and gardening help. Often, but not always, the best landscapers, gardeners and consultants are like the best plumbers, electricians, builders, and handy people – they don’t advertise much, because they don’t need to. Their work speaks for itself, and word of mouth travels quickly.
Ask around. Ask your friends and coworkers if they have suggestions for landscaping assistance. Do you have a friend whose landscape really speaks to you?  Ask them about it. Do you see a house in your neighborhood whose landscape layout and planting combinations really excite you? Go knock on their door, and ask. Really, try it. Good luck this year, and keep the veggie garden close to the house!
Chuck McClung is the owner of Fantastic Gardens and helps others solve their outdoor and indoor gardening dilemmas. He can be contacted at orchidfruit@hotmail.com.