Frequently Asked Questions

What services do you provide?

• We offer a wide spectrum of services: consultation on an hourly basis about problems or ideas you have for your garden; creation of a completely new design for your yard that includes drawings, details, and plant specifications (see examples); design and implementation of porch/patio makeovers; or creation of potted plants to decorate inside or outside your home or office. Our goal is to provide you with a unique garden that you can enjoy, while enhancing the value of your home. Once your design has been created, we can assist you in shopping for the plant and hardscape materials specified in the design. We also can assist you in finding qualified contractors to install part or all of the design. We fit our services to meet your needs and your budget. We want to set your yard apart from all the others!

Can you help me reduce my water bill by planting drought-tolerant plants?

• Yes! We specialize in our knowledge of drought-tolerant plants, shrubs, and trees that will do well in the San Diego County climate. Plant species that are native to Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, and, of course, southern California will normally tolerate our climate extremely well. There are a number of turf substitutes that work well without much water too. A well-designed drought-tolerant landscape, when properly installed and maintained, will allow you to save huge amount of water. Our goal is to create gorgeous gardens that won't require much, if any, watering during the winter and early spring. Drought tolerant is the new black!

What do your services cost?

• It depends on the time involved, which in turn depends upon your needs and desires. We can consult with you on an hourly basis for specific problems you might have, or, for a flat fee, we can draw up a detailed set of plans and plant lists in order to create a completely new garden. You or your contractor can either implement the new design immediately or in stages, as your budget permits. Contact us for a quote.

Do you install the landscaping?

• No. But we work with contractors who can bid on the design we prepare. As landscape designers, we do not carry a contractor's license because we do not build "works of improvement," nor do we lift shovels or pour concrete -- we are trained designers; not builders. We can work in conjunction with your contractor, or, if you need assistance selecting a contractor, we would be delighted to help. 

What is the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer?

• We at Plans for Plants are landscape designers. Generally speaking, the training of landscape designers emphasizes horticulture, whereas the training of landscape architects is primarily structural. With our significant horticultural training, we have an expanded plant palette with which to work, and thus are aware of thousands of plants in limitless combinations that can meet your needs. Landscape architects often focus on the hardscape structures in their designs and will typically limit themselves to the few plants that seem to pervade many neighborhoods. Our focus as designers is to be as creative as possible with both hardscape and softscape to utilize plants and materials that will work with your soil, climate, architectural style, and maintenance needs.

What do we get if we have you do a full landscape design for our yard?

• We provide owners and their contractors with design ideas, inspiration, and color to-scale drawings by which owners themselves or qualified landscape contractors can construct the design and install the plants. We also provide the homeowner with plant information sheets that show photos and care requirements for each plant specified in the design. See examples.