Every garden is different, and the design process naturally shifts a bit from project to project. The size of the space, the goals for the garden, and the level of involvement you’d like from us all shape the journey. Below is a simple overview of what the process typically looks like for a full garden and planting design. Your contract will outline the specific services included for your project.
Design Process
Getting Started
Initial Inquiry
Your design journey begins with a complimentary 15–30 minute phone call.
We’ll discuss your property, your needs and goals, and determine whether Cultivating Wild is the right design studio for your project.
Site Visit
Next, we’ll meet at your home for a 60–90 minute in-person paid consultation.
This is our opportunity to walk your space together, identify challenges, note existing plants and features, and talk through possibilities. I’ll verbally share initial ideas and design ideas for the space. For some homeowners, this consultation alone provides enough clarity to move forward independently. Others choose to continue into the full design process (as outlined below.)
The consultation fee is $200.
Design Proposal
After our visit, you’ll receive a design proposal outlining the scope of work, design fees, and our projected design timeline.
Design fees start at $1000 and depend on on the size and complexity of the project. A signed contract and 50% deposit reserves your place in our design calendar. Your project will now be officially booked and we begin the design process!
The Design Phase
Site Analysis
Once booked, we return to your property to take detailed measurements to create a base map.
We carefully observe light and shade patterns, soil and drainage conditions, existing plant communities, and connect with your land. Understanding the space is essential to creating a garden that thrives long-term, and occasionally we may follow up with additional questions as ideas develop.
Concept Designs
Back in the studio, we work our creative magic and we start to cultivate your design.
We create two to three conceptual layouts and sketches that explore spatial organization and movement through the garden and different ways the space could function and feel. This is by no means the final design, but it makes sure that we are on the right track.
This will also include a mood board illustrating materials, colors, and overall atmosphere. We then meet to review concepts, gather feedback, and discuss the developing plant palette.
Final Design
Using your feedback from our concept design meeting, we refine the direction into a detailed, to-scale final design.
This may evolve from one concept or thoughtfully combine elements from several. We will meet in person to review your completed plan, walk you through your design, and answer any questions you may have. You receive printed copies of all drawings and supporting materials. The remaining 50% design balance is due upon delivery. Additional revisions are available at an additional design fee.
Your final design package provides a clear roadmap for installation, including a scaled layout of beds and features, a planting plan drawn at mature size with botanical and common plant names, plant quantities and reference images, and a materials guide with recommended finishes and visual references. Everything you or your contractor need to bring the garden to life is included.
Bringing the Garden to Life
Installation
Once your design is finalized, our team sources all plants from trusted local growers and vendors. We then carefully install each plant using proper techniques to ensure long-term health and vitality.
While we focus on plantings, clients are responsible for hiring local contractors for hardscaping, masonry, excavation, grading, rainwater management, tree and shrub removal, and other built features. We are available to support these efforts by gathering bids, coordinating schedules, communicating with contractors, and providing aesthetic oversight to ensure the overall design is realized beautifully.
Ongoing Support
Some clients prefer additional guidance during installation or as the garden grows. Optional hourly services are available for plant shopping, on-site plant placement, contractor coordination, aesthetic oversight during construction, and maintenance visits or training.
Coaching sessions are also available for those who want deeper support along the way.
We provide follow up visits after design installations to check on the progress and allow for changes that need to be made. This ongoing relationship with our clients allows for a garden that can evolve gracefully and grow over time