Gardening Basics For Dummies. Steven A. Frowine

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       Landscape architects, landscape designers, and garden designers: Landscape architects, landscape designers, and garden designers are all professionals, trained in every facet of planning and realizing an outdoor plan. Their scope goes beyond regular backyard gardens or even the landscaping of an estate; many of these folks are capable of laying out a resort, college campus, public park, and so on. They can cope with topography and know how to analyze a site completely, down to its soil and light and existing vegetation. They can design walkways and decks and such in savvy and attractive ways. They can then draw up a design or several alternatives.All concerns about cost aside, hiring someone like this to do your yard is a marvelous investment. These professionals tend to notice and address elements and problems you may not have thought of; they propose appropriate and attractive solutions; and they have wide knowledge of both plant material and hardscape components. They’re the full planning package.

       Landscape or general contractors: They’re the folks who are usually called in to actually install the job. They do the heavy lifting. Don’t be afraid to ask someone for help to create your vision: somebody strong enough, experienced, and knowledgeable; somebody certified, bonded, and insured as well. A reputable contractor has no problem demonstrating her qualifications. Getting help isn’t wimpy; it’s only good sense.Let someone else do the hard jobs and do them safely and correctly the first time. These folks can install all your residential hardscape needs like walks and walls. Save the fun and creative parts for yourself.

       Master gardeners: A master gardener isn’t someone you hire but rather someone you can consult and consider a resource. Master gardeners have to follow a certification process. Throughout the country at Cooperative Extension Service offices (staffing and budgeting permitting, I should add), classes train avid home gardeners or anyone else who’s interested in horticulture. Candidates take a core course, often in the fall or winter when life outdoors is less busy.The hours and courses required for certification vary from office to office, state to state. Getting certified doesn’t make a person an expert; it just shows that he or she has made a commitment to learning more about and serving in the local horticultural scene.To find a master gardener, call the nearest office of the Cooperative Extension Service. You can search online or go to https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-resources/master-gardeners/.

       Professional horticulturists: The term professional horticulturist is somewhat nebulous, but in general these professionals are university-trained folks with an undergraduate or graduate degree in some form of plant science, usually horticulture. They usually have a broad range of knowledge about plants. Their training is science based and includes courses on soils, chemistry, biology, botany, plant physiology, entomology, plant pathology, landscape design, as well as specific courses on various aspects of horticulture. Most of them work in professional capacities at large nurseries and greenhouses. They may or may not have a background in garden design.

       Before you check online, ask around. Word-of-mouth is an ideal way to get started. Find someone who has done this like a neighbor, a friend, a Facebook friend, or ask at a trusted garden center.

       Find a minimum of three possible contractors. They should be willing to make an initial appointment that involves assessing and estimating only; be sure to ask whether they charge for this step (and whether, if you go with them, the fee can be credited to the job).

       When the professionals arrive, have some copies of your plans to show and, if need be, hand them over.

       Ask for a bid in writing — materials and labor estimates with a clause for addressing unexpected expenses and overruns. To figure out what a reasonable cost would be, ask friends and neighbors what they paid, and get estimates from multiple sources.

       Check references. Also confirm that the contractor is both licensed and insured.

       Pick someone you like and, more importantly, can communicate with.

       Discuss concerns every step of the way — the more communication, the better. If changes come up, be smart and get the revised plans and charges in writing.

       Pay in installments — give a deposit, then perhaps pay a second installment or more, and finally pay the last one when all parties agree the work is complete and satisfactory. Such an arrangement gives the contractor security and a commitment from you but also prevents you from being taken for a large fee if something goes awry.

       Know what you like. Contractors aren’t mind readers. The more you have figured out what you want ahead of time the more satisfied you’ll be with the final result. What colors do you prefer? How much maintenance do you expect? Do you like any particular roses, flowering trees, flowering shrubs, evergreens, bulbs, and other types of plants?