question....

[Dr.NewEarth]

Can you contact your local landscaping association? Ask them for a list of the associations " standards" for landscape design and installation.

Our association and the landscape architects put out a book that lists recommended maintenance levels and what to do, soil depths, plant selection, pruning, hardscapes....the full gammut.

You can get a bit of an idea at www.bclna.com, Look for "Landscape Standard"
You'd have to purchase the book to get the "BIG PICTURE"

[jsf343]

thanks much to those who offered help or advice I appreciate it.

Project is moving along and I have learned a ton.

thanks again!

[Coffeecraver]

There is a book called Landscape Principals and practices by Jack Ingels
It is a good book to help you understand this without going through a lot of trouble
Landscaping: Principles and Practices is an excellent examination of a complex and growing industry. In the section on landscape design, students will learn the valuable graphic skills needed to present ideas on paper. Chapters dedicated to landscape contracting expertly address the office and field skills professionals need to bring the landscape project to fruition. Students will be well-educated in critical landscaping skills thanks to complete coverage of such areas as planting, lawn installation, irrigation and interior plantscapes. They also will be well prepared to succeed as landscapers due, in great part, to discussions relating to the business side of the profession. Pricing, contractual agreements, technology use and human resource issues are addressed in considerable detail. The human resource component of the business is examined from both sides of the issue, including the training needed by someone

Good Luck

[Coffeecraver]

Originally Posted by jsf343

OK, let me try this again from a different angle...

1. when you did a project this big (if you really did) what were the first steps you took? figure out what space was available? what plants already existed?

2. how did you choose what plants/flowers/trees etc. you would use?

3. did you then do a drawing? free hand? CAD? what was the order for all this?

4. what type of materials are usually needed? mulch,sand, fill? did you use natural terrain?

I know this is a loaded thread, I am not looking for you to figure out stuff for me that is why I am looking for examples, so I can put it together, but that is also why I am asking questions and "interviewing" so I know the steps/process/materials/costs/etc. You can even use fictional I really don't care.

anybody willing to help, thank you in advance.

Start with answering these questions

1) where is the Sun at 2:00pm
2) How much of the area is shady
3) What zone are you in
4) What colors and textures are already existing
5) Are there wires above your landscape area
6) Does the community have an ordinance for landscapes
7) What is your budget
8) Where are the local nurseries
9) Where do you get topsoil,mulch and other materials
10) Do you have a water source nearby

Good Luck