| By Dave Heinen of Heinen Landscape & Irrigation February 2005 – Kansas City Gardener |
Spring beckons us. Warmer temperatures, young buds and new life will arrive nearly overnight. We must prepare and act now to seize the amazing opportunities abounding all around. You’ve seen great ideas at garden shows, and like a child anticipating their birthday party, you’ve dreamt about bringing those ideas to your landscape. Well, the time to act has arrived!
Endless design and garden possibilities tempt us. We enjoy looking at all the different styles, materials, plants, trees, flowers, and lighting. But the possibilities can hit us like a deer in the headlights – frozen and overwhelmed, almost paralyzed.
Don’t stop now. Get on with it. Carpe Diem – seize the day! If all the choices get you down, ask a professional to review your plans. Most firms will gladly offer a free consultation to assist you and help clear the way for action.
As you know once the forsythia blooms and the spring season is in full swing, scheduling time with a professional will be hard to do. Like the child anticipating an upcoming birthday, do you want to give grandma your birthday wish list the day before your birthday? Not a safe bet. A quick phone call today however is a smart move and will benefit you in the long run, bringing you closer to your ultimate plan.
A landscape architect or designer will help sort through the myriad of choices and move you closer to your project’s completion – so you can actually enjoy it when the spring flowers bloom. When you select a professional to help you in this process, you’ll walk your property together, survey the existing situation and discuss how best to blend your dreams into the landscape. No matter how varied and extensive (or simple) your wish list, ultimately a logical, methodical approach to the installation is best. Your professional will bring to life the”magic” of all the good ideas swimming in your head.
Guidance from a professional landscape design firm will also save you time and money, since together you’ll examine the “big picture” and effectively sort through choices. A good designer will help educate you about the pros and cons of various designs and material options. You’ll gain a better understanding of why your environment has evolved as it has and where you may take it in the future. Additionally, you’ll learn whether your dream plans may violate a building code, such as fence structures too high, building on top of an existing patio, or sprinklers placed in a city right-of-way.
After an initial free consultation, you will generally pay for services and installation following the presentation of your landscape plan, once you have approved and authorized the work.
Consulting with professionals, who have spent years educating themselves and know their business well, will assist you. They can confirm that your dream plan is the right plan for your space and will undoubtedly uncover areas you may not have been aware or will provide better ideas or new ways on how to go about installing your dream garden. Mostly, professionals will get you further down the road to completing your project and having it ready for use!
The best part of considering and then implementing any services or products offered by a professional – you will reap the rewards two times: first, when you use and enjoy your new purchase; and second, when you resell your home or property. Real estate professionals can vouch for the added value a professionally designed and installed landscape brings when its time to sell.
Dave Heinen owns and operates Heinen Landscape & Irrigation, a full-service firm dedicated to adding joy and value to life by creating beautiful, functional outdoor living spaces, designed, installed and maintained by an expert, customer-focused team. You may reach Dave at (913) 432-5011 or visit http://www.heinenlandscape.com to learn more.
Please email us at info@heinenlandscape.com for reprint rights.
Heinen Landscape & Irrigation
1036 Merriam Ln.
Kansas City, KS 66103
P: 913-432-5011
F: 913-362-8439
E: info@heinenlandscape.com
W: http://www.heinenlandscape.com