Don’t try to speed things along! When people buy a new house they usually have a garden that’s already established, and they want to just rip everything out and start fresh. Prior to doing this, wait an entire season to see what you should save and what you should get rid of. Plants change all through the year so what looks great during the warmer months may not look so good in winter.
When hiring a professional ask for references. Price is very important, but so is quality. Being able to see properties that the landscaper completed will give you a better idea if the landscaper is a good fit for your needs.
Remember that it is okay to remove any plants from the yard. There may be times when a plant outgrows a space or may not work well in your landscape. If you take the plant out, you can probably find a better alternative that works well in the space. You can always put the plant somewhere else, or give it away to someone else.
Check for other resources beyond stores and catalogs. For example, conservatories, arboretums and even botanical gardens offer plant sales or may have leftover materials they would be willing to part with. The plants you find at these sales are not always available at local nurseries. Keep an eye out for neighbors who are uprooting and discarding plants that you could be interested in planting in your own yard.
As you begin your landscape design journey, think about getting some advice from a professional before you make any major decisions. Further, these professionals can help reduce the amount of time and money you spend on your project. The consult will cost around $75 but the return will be several times this. Don’t hesitate to get rid of plants in your yard. Some plantings do not work as well as you originally thought after they are fully grown. Taking out that plant might make your landscape much better to look at, while also giving you added room to put in something which that fits better in that area. You may always move plants to other spots or give them as gifts to friends.
