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Landscape Design Concepts
The design process begins with the initial consultation at the Client’s property. Bebe delves into the Client’s personal color & plant preferences, and use goals. If you decide to move ahead and retain Bebe’s services, she then evaluates site conditions and considers dwelling architectural style. Photographs are shot for reference and careful measurements are taken. A plot plan of the property is appreciated and expedites the process.
A rough draft of the future landscape is created and reviewed with the Client. Any changes are implemented and Bebe begins a highly-detailed landscape design plan, often re-visiting the site to study lighting details at various times of day. She creates computer images that illustrate the home fully-landscaped, enabling the Client to more easily visualize the end result. A detailed landscape estimate is prepared. The design plan and estimate are reviewed with the Client, and any minor changes implemented.
Distinctive, low-maintenance plants are hand-picked from quality horticultural nurseries.
Many garden concepts are part of Bebe’s design spectrum including:
- Mixed Border
- English Cottage
- Farmhouse
- Tuscan / Mediterranean
- Asian Influence
- Feng Shui
- Dynamic / Dramatic
Providing landscapes with year-round interest, Bebe has long used this British concept that combines perennials, and ground covers with small trees, evergreen and flowering shrubs. She may add bulbs, vines, ornamental grasses and annuals. Her well-planned Mixed Borders repeat various plants and colors, achieving cohesiveness and balance.
English Cottage
Lush floriforous abundance is the signature of this landscape genre, with edible plants often interspersed in a harmonious
mix of layered, flowering plants. British cottage dwellers crowded as much as possible into their limited space. The area is often encompassed by low
fences or walls, with an overflow of bloom billowing thru and over. Roses, arbors and stepping stones are fundamental as well as trellises and other
garden accessories to utilize vertical growing space.
Although they can be joyfully lovely, Cottage gardens usually require considerable maintenance such as dead-heading, and thinning, the latter if aggressively-reproducing plants are used. However, a couple years after installation, weeds are inhibited by the density the desirable plants attain in richly-amended soil prepared by Gardens by Design.
The farmhouse garden, informal and welcoming, has some of the elements of the cottage garden, although a bit less floriferous. Bebe includes some evergreen shrubs and, when possible, a deciduous tree to provide shade in summer. The inclusion of some pastoral items i.e. a farming implement, rustic gate or old wagon does much to enhance this bucolic style.
Tuscan / Mediterranean
Sophisticated or rustic, these gardens require a well-drained site with full sun. This style can be applied to bright
courtyard (patio) gardens, terraced sloping sites or stately properties... can be formal or informal.
Brightly-hued masses of long-blooming plants, often with grey, and, sometimes fragrant foliage, are the signature of Mediterranean gardens. Alyssum, Agastache, Russian Sage, Gaillardia and Penstemon are often used, as are heat-loving herbs such as Lavender, Thyme, Sages, Rosemary and purple Oregano. Hummingbirds are drawn to many of these plants. Various ornamental grasses thrive when sharing these conditions, adding exquisite movement to the scene.
Relatively undemanding, these mostly drought-tolerant plants can be watered only lightly throughout the summer once established. Only moderate fertilizer is desirable. .
Bebe often utilizes the concepts of the Japanese or Chinese landscape in her work, without the actual inclusion of one. Asian gardens are understated suggestions of natural scenes. Relatively few elements are used, the focus being put on the natural beauty of each plant, stone or structure, and on the harmony of the picture as a whole. An Asian-style garden can be any size, screen out unsightly views, make small spaces seem larger and create feelings of tranquility even in noisy areas.
Feng Shui
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art. Its theory in the landscape: with the proper placement of objects around your home,
the quality of one's life will be improved through balanced and beneficial energy.
This is achieved through the positive flow of Chi through your landscape, when the canons of feng shui are followed. Elements such as walks, planting beds, stream beds should curve, as in nature, rather than follow straight lines. Color and plant shapes are important, as well..
For those who want their properties to stand out in a bold yet tasteful manner, Bebe often achieves this effect by utilizing fewer plants, focusing on those exuberant in form and/or color. Boulders are often important in the presentation, as well as carefully-chosen decorative elements such as sculpture.
For those who want their properties to stand out in a bold yet tasteful manner, Bebe often achieves this effect by utilizing fewer plants, focusing on those exuberant in form and/or color. Boulders are often important in the presentation, as well as carefully-chosen decorative elements such as sculpture.