Our Process
Phase 1: Research and Site Analysis
Initial Consultation
- We will walk your property together to discuss the opportunities and challenges of your landscape and offer advice and initial design ideas.
- We will document existing conditions, including drainage, existing plants, sun exposure, and soil health, and we will take measurements and photographs.
- Initial consultations are billed at $125/hour and are due upon completion. A fuel surcharge of $1.25/mile may apply for locations more than 30 miles from our office.
Site Analysis and Project Proposal (Weeks 1–2)*
- Our team will prepare a site analysis summarizing our consultation and your landscape design goals. We will send you this summary along with a Design Proposal outlining the project scope, fees, and deliverables.
- Once you review the documents, we can address any questions before design begins. When we receive the signed proposal, we will begin the design process.
* Timing of weeks is approximate and varies by project.
Phase 2: Research and Design
Create a Design Plan (Weeks 2-7)*
- Once we receive your feedback on the design summary and proposal, we will make a scaled base plan for the existing elements in the site’s landscape.
- Based on your feedback from the design summary, we will begin developing and refining your landscape design.
- Once the design is complete, we will prepare a detailed plant list that includes photos, recommended sizes, and quantities for each selected plant.
Final Design Reveal (Weeks 8-10)*
- Upon completion, we will present your completed landscape design either in-person or virtually. Together, we will review the design, answer questions, and discuss phased installation options based on your budget, schedule, and priorities.
- During this meeting, we will discuss whether you would like to move forward with the installation and procurement of plants.
- You can choose to source the plants on your own or hire us to do procurement on your behalf. Initially we require a 10% deposit for growing, reserving, and securing plant material for your project, due within one week of the design reveal. Plant procurement is billed at 15% of the total cost of plants. Final plans, plant lists, and project documents are released upon payment.
* Timing of weeks is approximate and varies by project.
Phase 3 - Project Management
Installation Estimates and Proposal (Timing Varies)
- As we enter the installation phase, we can refer you to qualified landscape contractors if you choose to move forward, based on the scope of your design.
- If you would like to hire Laurel’s Garden Design as a project manager, we will coordinate with these contractors on your behalf to obtain project estimates. This service is billed at $125/hour.
- We will send an Installation Proposal along with the final estimates for contractor services which can be approved electronically through our accounting software. The 10% deposit for plant procurement is also due at this time, if applicable.
Plant Procurement and Pre-Installation Coordination (Timing Varies)
- Once we receive a signed proposal and approval of contractor estimates, we will schedule and coordinate your landscape design installation. If you hired us to procure plants, we will notify you of any plant substitutions or size changes due to availability.
- You will receive a Pre-Installation Acknowledgement and Agreement Form to sign to ensure site readiness before scheduling installation.
Phase 4 - Implementation and Installation
Implement the Garden Design (Timing Varies – Usually Fall or Spring)
- On the day(s) of installation, our team will coordinate plant layout and oversee installation to ensure the design is executed accurately and professionally. Upon completion of the project, we require payment for any outstanding services, such as project management, plants and their procurement, and on-site installation and coordination, billed at $125/hour.
- We do not provide maintenance services after project completion at this time, but are happy to connect you with companies that provide native landscape care.
Disclaimers and Warranties
We provide our nursery stock and landscaping services with care and expertise, but we offer no warranty—expressed or implied—regarding the description, productivity, or livability of any plants we sell. We cannot be held responsible for results achieved after transplanting.
We are not responsible for plant loss or damage due to:
Under- or over-watering
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Drought, windburn, or extreme weather (freezing/frost)
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Wildlife activity or insect infestations
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Owner neglect
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Acts of nature
For installations involving underground components such as sprinklers, irrigation systems, power cords, pipes, or wires, all elements must be clearly disclosed and marked by the homeowner and/or NC811 prior to installation. We cannot assume responsibility for damage to any undisclosed or unlabeled components.
