FAQs

Why is your business called blue house gardens?

Because I work from home and my house is blue. I went for the easy choice.

How do I know if I need a designer?

Great question!

If you need a no-frills patio or a simple planting job, your best choice might be to work directly with a contractor or nursery. Most contractors and crew members design by default- after all, every action taken on site is a design decision that will be made in the absence of outside direction. (Also, some are very good at it!)

Furthermore, there are companies who provide free design service if you complete your installation with them. If you are concerned about the idea of paying for design, this might be another good choice for you.

On the other hand, if you are interested in exploring creative elements and solutions for your outdoor space through a highly personalized plan, we might be a great team. I love to think about creative layouts for space, ways to reflect your personal style, how to get the most from the budget- every site is a unique problem-solving opportunity and I thrive on the challenge.

How much does a design cost?

Every project is different.

Don’t you hate it when you get that kind of answer?! Well, each project is unique, but designs usually run between $1500 – $3000+. (Design fees are $150/hr.) There’s a minimum amount of time and effort that goes into a product, even when a client feels they just need something simple.

Do you do design-only work?

No, I don’t. I’ve learned over the years that the best model for me is to do design and project management. When we start our journey we’re making a good faith commitment to see the project through the installation together. Connecting you with a highly reputable contractor with whom I have a strong working relationship is a valuable part of my practice and the result of nurturing professional relationships over time.

Do you receive payment from the landscape contractor?

No, I don’t. I work for you, my client, and all payment for my services (design and project management) comes directly from you. I will facilitate the connection between you and your contractor but you will pay them directly through a separate contract. This keeps the costs transparent and allows me to be your clear advocate throughout the entire process.

Why do you charge for consultations?

I have a consultation fee ($250) because I spend a lot of time on this step. In addition to travel time, I typically spend 1-2 hours on site with you as we review your project areas. I also give you a lot of ideas and design tips while we’re together, plus a follow-up email recapping our conversation. I believe I’m providing valuable input and I hope you’ll agree.

What kind of payment do you accept?

I accept personal checks and Venmo, or direct bank transfer through your online invoice. One time someone paid me entirely in cash and I felt like something covert was going down. Now that I think about it, there was a lot of talk about privacy concerns.

How do I take care of my garden after you leave?

What an important question!! Garden maintenance is a major consideration in our design stage. How much time do you want to spend outside? Do you enjoy weeding? Can you budget for a gardening service?

I will give you instructions on how to care for your plants, and I am always available to consult when things look questionable. I also warranty your plants for a year, so I am just as invested in them as you are! And finally, depending on your location, I can either provide or recommend a reliable gardening service to you if you don’t have enough hours in a day to keep up.

What kind of budget do I need?

Impossible to answer, but I’ll try.

When you have a professional installation you’re paying for labor, materials, maybe permit fees, project management, and sometimes things like an extra fee for difficult-to-access sites. A small project might start in the neighborhood of $10,000 – $15,000 if it’s mostly plants or a very small patio, for example. My typical projects are in the $25,000-$100,000 range. I tell you this because, as a homeowner, it makes me nuts when I don’t have the faintest idea what things cost and nobody wants to talk about it. (And they don’t want to talk about it because they don’t want to be held to a guess.)

NOTE: Your installation company will determine your project costs. This is just a very general answer to one of the most frequently asked Frequently Asked Questions.

Couldn’t I just do my own design?

Maybe!

There are plenty of home and garden enthusiasts out there who love Houzz and Pinterest and all the social media inspiration. Maybe you want to take it a step further and come up with a plan. If you run out of steam, you can still call me.

Where can I see more of your work?

Please visit me on Houzz or check my Portfolio page for a sample of my projects. I don’t do a great job updating it but I am getting a little better!