The Garden
If planning the house was Phase 1, and building the house is Phase 2, then the landscaping is Phase 3. I've hired a Landscape Architect named Brian Bainnson--and he's been great. He came up with a couple overall plans, but (as usual) I had a fairly well-established layout in mind, so we're pretty much back to my basic design--with his knowledge and input being invaluable--and his beautiful renderings helping me visualize. The hardscape is the backbone and needs to be addressed first. This includes, driveway, patios, paths, walls, trellises, fence and gate and water features. These will provide the structure and flow of the garden. Then comes defining the borders and beds. After that irrigation and outdoor lighting. My house, as most, is all right angles and straight lines. And the stone exterior gives it an austere appearance. So my rule-of-thumb for this garden is--no straight lines and loose, free-mingling planting. ...