Landscape design that is personal, regenerative, and beautiful
After completing the permaculture design certificate in 2018, we began building our design portfolio. Since then we have had the opportunity to work with a number of clients to create designs that fit their needs and increase the resiliency and diversity of their land.
Please contact us if you are interested in a consultation.
After completing the permaculture design certificate in 2018, we began building our design portfolio. Since then we have had the opportunity to work with a number of clients to create designs that fit their needs and increase the resiliency and diversity of their land.
Please contact us if you are interested in a consultation.
Step One - Observation
Interviewing you and mapping your site
We work closely with you to create a unique design that works best for you and your site. The process begins with an in-depth interview, during which we learn about your ideas and goals for your site, as well as what resources and boundaries will influence the design. The interview is followed by a site walk where we take measurements and pictures of your land and observe influence factors like wind, water and sun as well as human and animal impact. We are also able to conduct designs remotely over Skype, Zoom, or telephone.
With this information we create the base map. The base map is a snapshot in time that shows what your site looks like at the beginning of the design process. It gives us important information about the current infrastructure and plantings. Click on the images below to see samples of past base maps we have created.
With this information we create the base map. The base map is a snapshot in time that shows what your site looks like at the beginning of the design process. It gives us important information about the current infrastructure and plantings. Click on the images below to see samples of past base maps we have created.
Click on the images to enlarge them.
Step Two - Analysis
Mapping the influences of the elements
We then create a further set of maps that show the influences of factors including water flow and storage, sunlight, wind, soil type and animal life. These maps give you new perspectives to view your site from and are highly beneficial in deciding where to place design elements.
Click on the images to enlarge them.
Step Three - Design
From Patterns to Details
Combining our own observations with your experiences and goals for your site helps us develop a set of desired functions: erosion control, beautiful views, habitat for wildlife, food production, and increased resiliency are some of many possible functions. Usually there are many features present on the land that fulfill certain functions and are worth preserving, like large mature trees, a diversity of native and edible plants and valuable buildings and infrastructure.
We start each design by dividing the site into a set of defined areas - the pattern map. Each colored area corresponds to a specific pattern of site conditions (soil, humidity, sunlight, etc.) and desired or existing functions. Along with the map, we create a table that provides more detail about the functions and items in each area of the pattern map.
We start each design by dividing the site into a set of defined areas - the pattern map. Each colored area corresponds to a specific pattern of site conditions (soil, humidity, sunlight, etc.) and desired or existing functions. Along with the map, we create a table that provides more detail about the functions and items in each area of the pattern map.
Click on the images to enlarge them.
From these patterns we can work our way towards the details of a specific solution: The function "water control" becomes a rain garden with a specific size and form, "edible plants" becomes a Monmorency Cherry tree, and the "kids play area" grows into a willow tipi and a water course. Here are some examples of these detailed proposal maps.
Click on the images to enlarge them.
Step Four - Proposal and Implementation
Turning Ideas into Reality
Once the design process is over we hand the reigns over to you - it's time to implement your design! We want the process to be as smooth and enjoyable as possible. In addition to a set of maps, your proposal packet includes a detailed plant list with nursery recommendations, an implementation and maintenance guide, and further resources that we think will help you along in the process of transforming and maintaining your site.
After sending your proposal packet by email we meet one last time to discuss the details of the design and give you the chance to ask any lingering questions.
After sending your proposal packet by email we meet one last time to discuss the details of the design and give you the chance to ask any lingering questions.
Click on the images to enlarge them.