FAQs
Landscaping- Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I work with a landscape designer?
A professional landscape designer spends their life thinking about the subject; they come to your garden filled with knowledge, creative ideas and imagination to develop a custom design that is uniquely suited to your home, lifestyle and personal preferences. Landscape design is challenging from an artistic, environmental, architectural, engineering and horticultural viewpoint.
Unlike other art forms, a garden is not a static creation, but a dynamic, evolving ecosystem that requires continued inputs and energy over time. Its creation requires careful thought on different levels: botanically (which plants to choose), spatially (where to put what), seasonally (how will it look year-round?) and temporally (what will it look like in ten years?). A landscape designer factors all these things in and then adds an element of style that provides the spirit of the garden. By spending time with a landscape designer to work through the design details during the planning phase, you will save money and time, as it is less costly to consider the alternatives and change your mind on paper than it is during installation or after completion.
Landscape design consists of a process that culminates in the creation of a set of documents that become your blueprint and information source for the project. These documents will assist you in obtaining comparable bids from landscape contractors to fully develop your site either in a single project or in phases over time. A landscape designer will work with you to create this master plan, selecting the most appropriate materials & plants for your site and budget, developing solutions for specific problems on your property (i.e. privacy, noise, etc.), and finding the best people in the landscape industry to help bring the vision for your garden to reality.
Additional benefits of working with a landscape designer include assistance with quality control/site observation during installation, the opportunity to purchase plants at considerable savings from retail prices, and formation of a relationship with someone who can provide ongoing consultation as the garden changes and matures. For more information click our Landscape design link, or call our office on 03 52633133 to find out more.
What is the Landscape Design Process?
- The initial consultation consists of an onsite meeting to hear your ideas/vision for the property.
- Discuss possibilities for the site based upon your wishes and budget. Upon mutual determination that we have a good basis for partnership, I will prepare a design services proposal indicating the scope of work and the estimated fees for the project.
- Assimilation of all input from our consultation, review of favourite photos/gardens, budget discussion and determination of a color palette for the garden.
- Site analysis & base map preparation. Includes measuring site, taking photographs, analyzing soil, conducting building code research, observing sun/shade/wind patterns, noting drainage issues/noise problems/privacy issues, and identifying plant material to be retained/removed/relocated.
- Concept sketches & client review. Once I complete the base plan, I will develop one or more ideas for you to review. We may also look at examples from books or photographs to help select a design concept & direction.
- Preliminary plan development & client review. Determine final location & design for all desired site elements, including patios/decking, walkways, fences, arbors, play areas, outdoor kitchens/eating areas, pool/spa/water features, lawn and planting beds, trees and general plant materials. Determine building material specifications for the hardscape elements and develop landscape lighting plan, if desired.
- Planting plan development & client review. Develop plan showing specific location of all plant material, including botanical & common names, quantity and size of each plant selected. Includes picture report of all plants.
- Master plan preparation. Prepare final conceptual plan which may include any or all of the following: demolition plan, hardscape plan with building materials legend, construction notes/details, lighting plan, planting plan & proposed irrigation zoning plan.
Do you offer consultation?
Yes, we can offer a service for garden advice, planting layouts and plant suggestions.
What areas do you service?
At Ocean Road Landscaping we service all areas in the Geelong region, Surf Coast region along with the Bellarine Peninsula MAP
Why should I hire a licensed & insured Landscape contractor?
Hiring a licensed and insured landscape contractor helps to protect you and your property. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can bring your project far more risks than savings. You can be held liable for on-the-job injuries, taxes or insurance. You can be held responsible for complying with city and county codes or correcting problems with workmanship and warranties. You can even be held liable for an unlicensed contractor’s illegal acts. Be sure to check their references as well before you hire them. It is always a good idea to ask for a written certificate of insurance from any contractor you choose to hire to verify that they have workers’ compensation, general liability & business auto insurance coverage currently in force; this is usually available upon request at no additional charge. Workers’ compensation insurance protects you from liability in case a worker employed by the landscape contractor is injured on your property. General liability insurance protects against calamities such as floods or landslides caused by construction. Business automobile insurance provides additional protection when a contractor’s vehicle is involved in an accident on your property. Our certifications.
What types of irrigation systems are there?
Rotary: These are single stream sprinklers that “rotate”. They shoot a stream of water approximately 25-40’. Rotaries are used for large grass areas and can be used for shrubs that are located strategically.
Spray: These put forth a spray of water and do not turn. The distance of throw can be anywhere from 4-15’. Mist sprinklers are used to water foundation shrubs and those areas where neatness and deep-root soaking is a priority. These are not ideal in windy areas, and tend to use more water.
Drip irrigation: Another word for drip irrigation is point source. We can meet almost any need of each plant. Drip irrigation is the most efficient method of irrigating. While sprinkler systems are around 75-85% efficient, drip systems typically are 90% or higher. What that means is much less wasted water.
Why do I need a garden maintenance program?
Landscape maintenance includes mowing of lawn, edging areas bordered by sidewalks, curbs and driveways; removing clippings and organic material caused by mowing and edging from sidewalk, curbs, driveways and other surfaced areas; pruning bushes, shrubs and ornamental trees; trimming perennials, grasses and ground covers; leaf removal and planting bed maintenance. Most homeowners are too busy to provide the constant care usually necessary to maintain an attractive turf. An effective maintenance program involves fertilization, watering, mowing, and cultivation. A lawns appearance, after it has been established depends on a sound maintenance program. For more information go to our garden maintenance page or call our office on 03 52633133 to have a chat.
What does garden maintenance cost?
At Ocean Road Landscaping we can determine the cost for maintenance service based on the size of your lawn, planting beds and the amount of pruning required. We can have a look at your property to assess an estimate of cost for garden maintenance . We will survey your site, evaluate the property’s needs, and develop a proposal that is customized to your specific circumstances.