Landscape Design Checklist

This questionnaire will help you and your designer focus on your needs and desires, and the special character of your site. These questions are not meant to be comprehensive, but to stimulate your own thinking about how you might derive the greatest satisfaction and enjoyment from your outdoor living spaces.

The Functional Environment

Please check activities and family members that the exterior design should accommodate.

	Spouse/Partner?		Reading
	Children? How many? What ages?		Playing/listening to music
	Other family members?		Sports
	Pets? What kind? How many?		Games
	Outdoor dining? How many people? How often?		Hobbies
	Indoor/outdoor entertaining? How many? How often?		Gardening
	Reading		Other (Please describe)

DESIGN MOOD. Please check all that apply.

	Relaxing		Soothing
	Secret/private		Open
	Social		Exciting
	Energizing		Serene
	Uplifting		Playful
	Spiritual		Sheltered
	Nourishing		Other (please describe)

Your Environment’s Vital Statistics

• Do you consider your home to be a permanent residence or an interim home?
• What is the age and style of your home?
• Does your landscape face North, South, East, or West?
• Does the garden get sunlight between 9 a.m. and noon? Noon to 3 p.m.? After 3 p.m.?
• Do you have plot plans or surveys?
• Describe your property’s topography.
• Are there existing underground utilities, irrigation or drainage systems?
• Have you experienced any drainage problems?
• How would you describe the character of your site?
• Are there existing features you would like to remove?
• Are there features that you wish to renovate and keep?
• Are you or your neighbors planning any major construction?

Hardscape – The Structured Environment

DESIGN THEMES. What are your preferences? Please check one or more.

	Asian (symbolism, simplicity, more green than flower colors, use of stone)
	California (native plants, 12-month interest, Mediterranean feeling)
	Contemporary (dramatic foliage, strong color contrasts, mass plantings)
	Country (colorful mixed borders, perennials, winding paths, eclectic)
	Formal (symmetry, clipped hedges, topiary, classical architecture)
	Tropical (hot strong colors, bold foliage, jungle-like abundance)
	Other (please describe)

DESIGN FORMS. Please check the shapes and styles you prefer.

	Curves		Raised beds
	Rectangles		Tiers/steps
	Formal		Hidden
	Informal		Sunken
	Rustic		Other (describe)

BUILDING MATERIALS. Please check all that appeal to you.

	Concrete		Wood
	Flagstone		Bark
	Gravel		Copper
	Slate		Steel
	Marble, limestone		Wrought Iron
	Rocks, boulders		Glass
	Brick		Other (describe)

UTILITY STRUCTURES/AREAS. Please check features you would like to include.

	Paths		Firewood Storage
	Fences/Gates		Extra parking
	Pet run		Garbage/Recycling storage
	Maintenance Shed		Bike/Toy storage
	Compost area		Other (describe)
	Potting area

LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES. Please check features you would like to include.

	Deck		Paths/Steps
	Patio/Terrace		Retaining wall
	Gazebo		Outdoor kitchen
	Pergola		Fireplace/firepit
	Swimming Pool		Lighting
	Hot tub/Jacuzzi		Greenhouse
	Sauna		Child’s play area
	Water feature		Sports court
	Sculpture		Other (describe)

Softscape – The Planted Environment

The plants selected for your outdoor living areas can provide many things. Take a moment to consider the goals below. Please check each goal you would like to achieve through your plantings:

	Grow edibles		Reduce undesirable noise
	Create a sanctuary space		Provide cut flowers
	Attract wildlife		Provide for exercise
	Reduce wind		Create privacy
	Add fragrance		Low maintenance
	Add texture		Low water use
	Add soft sounds		Other (please describe)

• Are there plants you are particularly fond of?
• Are there plants that you dislike or are allergic to?
• What colors would you like to have around you in your garden?
• Do you wish to have a lawn? For what purpose(s)? How large?
• Circle your favorite season:
  • Spring       Early Summer       Late Summer       Fall       Winter
• When will you be using your garden?
  • Early morning           mid-morning             noon
  • Mid-afternoon          early evening           evening or nighttime
  • Week days              weekends

Installation, Care and Maintenance

• How much time will family members spend on maintenance each week, if any?
• Do you or will you employ a gardening service?
• Do you want an immediate landscape or will you install it in phases?
• Will you hire a professional to install the landscape or will you do it yourself?
• Please circle the budget figure that is closest to what you would like to invest in your landscape design and installation: