This section should answer any questions you have about my process, and I've tried to include a small primer to landscaping as well. Explore this information, and when you're ready to move to the next step get in touch with me.
Barbara's interest in the natural world began in the woods of New Hampshire when as a child she became fascinated with the paperbark birch and the possibilities of its bark.
Her gardening career began when she was introduced to organic gardening in the late 1960's at U.C. Santa Cruz. At that time, stalking wild mushrooms also became a passion. These interests no doubt influenced a decision to live and absorb nature for some five years on a small island in the inland passage of British Columbia.
She moved to Portland in 1978 where she completed the Forestry Program at Mt. Hood Community College. At this time she also became a Pastry Chef at L'Auberge and subsequently Pastaworks and The Genoa.
She then completed the Landscape Design Certificate Program at Portland Community College with an exemplary score and went on to attend workshops with John Brookes and Robin Templar Williams, both renowned landscape designers.
She was the first graduate of Linda Engstrom's Garden Aesthetics Mentorship Program.
Barbara designs out of her home in Southeast Portland. She meets regularly with colleagues and is currently a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) National and Local Chapter, Association of Northwest Landscape Designers (ANLD), Hardy Plant Society of Oregon, Friends of the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, and Friends of Columbia Gorge.
↑ close this section
If you fill out the Client Questionnaire (PDF download) and send it to me before our first meeting we will have a headstart on the design process. So starts the essential process of communicating our ideas to each other.
We will have an initial meeting where I gather as much information as I can about your dreams for your garden. Of utmost importance is the presence of all decision makers in your family for this meeting. We will take a walk through your property. Please share any information that will help define what you are looking for (magazine clippings, addresses of gardens you admire, my questionnaire, plot maps, architectural plans with house footprint etc.). I will present a contract that you can sign. Once I receive the signed contract and an initial payment, the design process begins in earnest.
I will measure your property in order to produce a scaled drawing of your site. I'll also observe and take note of any site issues that we will need to address. I'll take photos to 'remember' your property as I work in my office. From this data I am able to create a Basemap (the scaled drawing), and a Site Analysis (an overlay that schematically indicates the challenges we are tackling).
I will then develop a Concept. With your input, the data I've collected and the magic of the creative process, a vision starts to emerge. The Concept will show the shapes of planting beds and the placement of major trees and shrubs. These elements become the backbone of your garden.
We then schedule a 'Concept Meeting'. I will show you the Basemap, the Site Analysis and the Concept Plan. This is an important, collaborative meeting. I will want to know what you like or don't like about the concept so I can make the necessary adjustments. Sometimes a sketch will be provided to help you visualize the plan. We will also discuss your plant preferences in greater depth to prepare for the drawing of the Final Planting Plan. You will be presented with an invoice for work to this point.
Back in my office, I will hand draft a Final Planting Plan. This finer rendering of the Concept takes into account all that we've discussed. On the Plan, you can expect a sketch of some view(s) of what the garden will look like, what plants we are retaining, what plants we are relocating and all plants labeled with botanical names. I will compile a separate Plant List (which includes information on each plant; recommended size, number of, botanical and common names and any other pertinent information you or a contractor might need). Included also are Landscape Notes (a walk-through description of the proposed garden) and a Resource List (names of contractors, nurseries, etc.).
We meet at your home for the Final Presentation. You will receive three black-line copies and one color rendering of your Planting Plan. I will present you with a packet that will include: the Plant List, the Landscape Notes, and a Resource List. During this meeting we will have an opportunity to discuss your options on how to make this garden a reality. The balance of payment is due at the completion of this meeting.
Whoever you chose to install your garden, I would hope to consult with them before and during the installation to ensure the integrity of our design. Two hours of consultation are included in our contract to begin this process. My presence as a 'facilitator' throughout the installation process is highly encouraged. Possible fee arrangements can be discussed at this time.
↑ close this section(see "Design Process" for description)
Because each situation is unique, these figures may go up or down according to the difficulty of the site.
↑ close this section
I’m a professional landscape designer, working and living in SE Portland. When I’m not designing, you’ll find me in the woods, in my kitchen or (naturally) in the garden.