Design Process
From Vision to Living Landscape
From the first ideas to the day the trees go into the ground, a good landscape design develops in layers. We start broad and gradually zoom in – each decision creating the foundation for the next.
Every project enters the design process at a different point. Some begin with a consultation, others with a complete zoning plan. From there, we gradually move from the overall structure into the level of detail needed to bring the landscape to life.
This may mean developing a food forest, orchard, agroforestry system, productive garden or several different areas within one property.
We don’t need to design everything at once. The level of detail depends on the project, your priorities and what is ready to be developed.
As the process unfolds, we move from broad decisions into increasingly practical ones — from the layout of an area to planting distances, soil preparation, species, cultivars and finally implementation.
The detailed design process can include:
Once the overall structure of the land is clear, we can start zooming in. Not every project needs every step, but this is the framework I use to move from a zoning plan towards a detailed and implementable landscape design.
From zoning to detailed design
We use the zoning plan as our foundation and decide which areas are ready to be developed further.
Developing the planting structure
We work out canopy layers, tree and shrub spacing, light, succession, accessibility and the relationships between vegetation layers.
Choosing species & cultivars
Species and cultivars are selected for the site and your wishes, considering flavour, yield, pollination, harvest period, disease resistance, growth habit and local conditions.
Creating the planting plan
Exact positions, distances, quantities and plant combinations are translated into a detailed plan at scale.
Creating the plant list
The planting plan is translated into a practical list with species, cultivars, quantities and the information needed for ordering and implementation.
Preparing the land
Based on the earlier soil and site analysis, we determine what preparation is needed — such as compost, minerals, mulching, ground preparation or protection from animals.
Sourcing & implementation
I can help source plants and materials, set out the planting plan on site and guide the implementation.
Following the landscape
Once planted, the design becomes a living system. As plants establish and conditions evolve, we can observe, prune, adapt and refine the landscape over time.
What can be the outcome?
Depending on your needs it can be…
Detailed planting plan
A plan at scale with exact positions, distances and planting structure.
Plant list
Species, cultivars and quantities ready for sourcing and ordering.
Preparation recommendations
Clear guidance for soil preparation and the practical steps needed before planting.
Sourcing & implementation guidance
Support with sourcing plants and materials, setting out the design on site and guiding the implementation.
The exact deliverables are agreed together before the detailed design phase begins.
What is the investment?
Detailed design is quoted separately.
The investment depends on the size of the area, its complexity and the level of detail required.
Once the zoning and overall structure are clear, I can define the scope of the detailed design and provide you with a transparent proposal before we continue.
Free introductory meeting
Curious about what could be possible for your land?
Book a free, no-obligation 20-minute online meeting. We’ll briefly explore where you are in your project, what you would like to create and what kind of support could be most useful.
Whether that means a site consultation, zoning plan, detailed design or further implementation, we can see together what makes sense as a next step.