First Meeting
The first meeting is spent walking and talking about the site that the design is for.  I want to hear the client's vision for the space. Sometimes a client is very clear about this.  Another client really needs the designer to do the fantasizing.  Usually, after some discussion, there is collaboration as we begin to think out loud together.

Scope Of Project & Design Fee
After the first meeting I write up an "Assessment and Scope of Project."  This includes my observations of the space, my understanding of what the client is interested in, and possibilities we discussed.  The "Scope of Project" details what a design will cover based on the the Assessment.  

Based on the above I propose a design fee, and a Terms of Agreement.  Half of the design fee is paid on signing the Terms of Agreement, the rest upon presentation of the Final Design.

Site Visit
My next visit is with the site. I measure the site, take photos, note where light comes from and what kind of light the site gets. Where are the views from inside the house? What else will be seen from the space, and are there views into your space? What kind of soil is there? What's currently growing and is it thriving?

Map, Ideas, Sketches
The nest stage is the creation of possibilities. From my measurements and your plat of survey I draw a map of your site. Then, ideas that have come from our discussions, as they are filter through my own creative process, find their way onto paper.  I may sketch and play with a wide range of possibilities.  This goes on until one or two feel right for the space and the client. That sketch goes to our next meeting.

2nd Meeting: Filling Out A Sketch Idea
At this meeting we'll look at the sketches and discuss them.  This is our chance to make sure we're on the same page, to rethink or add any new ideas. The sketch will show the shape of hardscapes. and planting beds, where shrubs, trees, and plants will probably go, but it is very likely that the specific plants will not be chosen yet. This is the time we will discuss preference for colors, particular plants and if they'll work in the design and on the site.  The final selection will develop along with the final design.

3rd Meeting
The 3rd meeting is a presentation of the Final Design. Along with the Design you will also receive a booklet with photos of all the plants chosen for the design, their mature heights and sizes, color, bloom and interest time, and anything special to know.  There will be a Basic Care Page and my recommendations for watering while the landscape matures. This packet will also contain the cost for installing your design and a contract for that part of the work.  The terms for the landscape installation include payment of 1/3 of the cost on signing the contract, 1/3 when we begin work, and 1/3 upon completion.

Do It Yourself?
 If you expect to do all or some of the work yourself your design booklet will include amounts and/or size of materials you'll require. I'll also discuss your interest in my support during the work.

Installation
When we begin work depends on several factors, if there are installations already waiting, and how long it takes to gather the plants and materials for the job. I can usually give an estimate of when we can begin work. We try to let the client know as far in advance as possible, but there will be at least 24 hours notice of when work will actually begin.

Project Management
I actively watch over the installation of a landscape, spending time on site once or twice a day and receiving daily reports on how the work is going.  I'm also readily available if a client has questions or concerns.