I found this article by Jamie Wiebe in Realtor.com and thought I’d pass it along.  We all talk about curb appeal, which is very important when selling your house.  But what about simply enjoying your yard?  Sometimes a professional can give you a ideas for a yard design that you can work on yourself over the years.  Think your yard is too small for a designer, or the cost is too big?  Big or little, you are worthy.   It doesn’t have to be a big deal, but planning ahead can make a difference in the cost as well as the enjoyment of your home.

Here are a couple of excepts, but you can read the full article at the link below.

1. They don’t deal just with flowers

A landscape architect or designer will work with you to create a grand plan that encompasses your whole property, from installing a new driveway to adding a porch to grading your lawn. If you’re just looking for someone to arrange your flowerbeds, you want a garden designer.

2. You should research the relevant regulations

A landscape architect’s job is significantly easier when you, the homeowner, know the relevant regulations that govern your property. Are there any homeowners association rules you need to follow? What are the local guidelines designating how close to the property line you can landscape? (These are called setback regulations.) And make sure you know where those property lines are.

3. Understand your property’s major problems

Before hiring a landscape architect, make sure you know the basics of your yard—and its problem areas. Does one sloping hill drain water onto your walkway? Can guests never find their way to your front door? Landscape architects can’t fix a problem they don’t know about.

 

Dirty Secrets: 9 Things Your Landscape Designer Wishes You Knew

Life is good and getting better!