Serving south Snohomish County, Eastside, Everett, and Chelan County.

If you don't see your answer here, please contact me

Working with Peg Ferm to get what you want
Q: Which of your services do I need to get this design done efficiently?
A: If you take advantage of my free 1-hour consultation, we can discuss a range of services that would work for you ... and you can decide which ones you want to have a written estimate for. See services.

Q: What if I don't know exactly what I want my landscape to look like?
A: You don't have to tell me. You only need to tell me if you like a certain series of garden pictures or not. Learning this way is an amazing, intuitive, yet logical process, developed over many years of experience.

Q: Can I visit some landscapes you've designed?
A: There are some photos on this website, as you see, but I do not give out the addresses of clients—I protect their privacy as I will protect yours. Contact me for some current references! You can see public and commercial landscapes here: Portfolio

Please contact me with your questions!

Q: Can you install my landscape, or can you recommend a good landscape contractor?
A: I don’t build landscapes, but I know skilled and efficient contractors I can recommend.

Q: How much time will it take to get my design done?
A: This varies, depending on my current workload and time of year. I can tell you a specific date to expect your design, if you want.

Costs
Q: So, how much will my design cost?
A: Prices for design projects vary quite a bit. It depends on the services you choose and most of all, your overall budget. A small job, coaching, or consulting can be kept at a very low price. Written estimates are free, and are very clear and specific about your design costs. I’m flexible, and will work with you to get what you need.

Free 1-hour no-obligation consultation
within the service area, except Chelan Co.
Contact me

Q: Can I save money by doing some of my own design work?
A: Some people can do a great deal of their own work. For example, some people have made their own base maps and plant inventories, while some others have produced some excellent design ideas. Some people just want a broad outline—a master plan, and want to fill in the details themselves. It’s up to you. See Services for some popular choices.

Q: How much will getting it built cost me?
A: This will depend entirely on your budget, energy, needs, and timing—see cost control. If you give me an installation budget, I will design to stay within that budget. However, I have had contractors’ bids come in with 100% price variations, so you may want several bids.

Please contact me with your questions!

Q: Can I save money by installing my own landscape? Can I DIY?
A: Absolutely. You can save thousands. Most people want a contractor to do the heavy lifting—soil preparation, rockeries, drainage pipes, paved areas—but some are prepared to tackle even those tough jobs. And many people enjoy selecting their own plants (at wholesale prices!) and putting them in the ground. See Building it–Do-It-Yourself.

Q: How much could I invest in landscaping, and “get it back” when I sell my house?
A: As you know, housing market values vary quite a bit! The general rule of thumb is that the value of landscaping should be about 10% of the value of the home. You will always profit, however, by making sure the home has exceptional “curb appeal” for a quick sale—and that means excellent landscaping.

Please contact me with your questions!

Specific landscape problems
Q: Should I keep this lilac? (or rhody or magnolia or blue Tasmanian apricot bush?)
A: I don’t know—until I learn what you want your garden to feel like. If this plant enhances your ideal garden experience, let’s keep it. If it detracts, it should go.

Q: Can you help me with this drainage problem?
A: Minor drainage issues are common, and yes, I can help with those. I have a very strong background in grading and drainage. For extensive drainage issues, I can refer you to a good civil engineer.

Q: I have terrible clay soils—how can I improve them?
A: There are some fairly simple ways to improve heavy, compacted soils. Contact me for a free pdf on soil improvement for homeowners.

Q: I have a steep yard and want to flatten it out—can you help me do this?
A: I can design small terraces for you, and for larger terracing projects involving retaining walls, I can work with a civil engineer to make you a design that’s both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.

Please contact me with your questions!

Maintenance issues
Q: I hate yard maintenance. Can you design me a maintenance-free landscape?
A: Only plastic is maintenance free, and even then you’d have to clean the algae off. I can design you a landscape that needs very little maintenance. However, in the first couple years, new installations need a bit more attention.

Q: I hate mowing! Can I get rid of this lawn?
A: Certainly! There are many alternatives to demanding turf grass. Ground covers, low plantings, and native plants give you a wide range of options.

Q: I have a brown thumb—can you design something I won’t kill?
A: Almost always. I have a good list of plants that are practically bulletproof. However, if you attack your plants with a flame thrower, I can’t guarantee survival.

Q: Can I make this tree smaller?
A: No. Tree topping creates hazard trees. Don’t do it. If you have to hack at a plant, any plant, to control its size, that plant should be replaced with something you don’t need to argue with.

Please contact me with your questions!

Problems with critters
Q: My neighborhood seems to have a rat problem—how can I get rid of these guys?
A: You may not be able to get rid of every single one, but you can get rid of all English ivy, all blackberries, and all old piles of lumber—prime rat habitat. You can stop feeding pets and wildlife outside, and put all compost in sealed bins. With no food and no shelter, rats will find more appealing living quarters.

Q: Deer are devouring my garden. They are no longer cute. What can I do?
A: This is a short question with a long answer. There are certain plants deer tend to prefer less than others, but individual deer may decide to eat them anyway. Contact me for a list of plants that deer usually avoid eating.

Q: I’m allergic to bees and my kid has pollen allergies. Is there anything we can plant in our yard?
A: Yes. I know which plants attract bees—these don’t belong in your garden! I can also recommend plants that don’t produce much pollen.

Please contact me with your questions!

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