The Kelli’s Garden Design Experience

Step One: The Initial Consultation

It Starts With a Walk Through Your Space

The process always begins with an on-site consultation. This is not a rushed appointment or a sales pitch—it’s a personal walkthrough where I listen, observe, and absorb. Every property has a story, and every homeowner has their own vision. My role at this stage is to understand both. We’ll walk your yard together while you tell me what you love, what frustrates you, and what you imagine for the space. I’ll ask questions to better understand your lifestyle, whether you entertain outdoors, want low-maintenance solutions, enjoy edible gardening, or need areas for kids or pets.

Site Assessment

As we talk, I’m also reading the land. I observe sunlight patterns, existing plant health, drainage issues, slopes, and soil conditions. I take note of focal points, areas that need screening or structure, and opportunities to connect your home to the surrounding environment. These details, combined with your goals, will become the foundation of the design.

Style & Aesthetic Preferences

It’s also important for me to understand your personal style. Are you drawn to clean, contemporary lines? Or do you prefer a wild, naturalized look? Maybe it’s cottage-inspired color, or a peaceful Zen-inspired retreat you’re after. Whatever your tastes, I make it my mission to reflect them in the design, so it feels like an extension of you—not just something that “looks good.”

Budget & Timeline

I never gloss over the practical pieces. During this visit, I’ll also ask about your budget range and desired timeline. While beautiful landscapes can be built in stages, I believe it’s essential to work within your comfort level financially and logistically. If the dream exceeds the budget, I’ll guide you through how to phase the project intelligently.

Standalone Consultations

Not every project requires a full landscape design, and sometimes a focused conversation is all you need to move forward with confidence. My standalone consultation service is ideal for homeowners who want professional guidance without committing to a complete design package.

During this one-on-one, on-site visit, I walk your property with you, answer questions, and offer clear, practical recommendations on plant selection, layout ideas, problem areas, and maintenance strategies. Whether you’re stuck on a specific section of your yard, planning a DIY project, or simply want a second set of expert eyes, you’ll leave with actionable advice, notes, and inspiration you can use right away.

Step Two: The Design Phase

Creating a Customized Plan

Once I’ve gathered the details, I head to the drawing board—literally. My designs are hand-crafted, personalized layouts that show how each element of your new landscape will flow together. This isn’t a cookie-cutter plan pulled from a library—it’s an original creation based on your site, your needs, and your story.

Designs typically include:

• Hardscape features (patios, pathways, seating areas)
• Garden beds with detailed planting schemes
• Grading or drainage solutions
• Screening elements or privacy buffers
• Outdoor living enhancements (fire pits, pergolas, container gardens)
• Functional space planning (edible gardens, play areas, utility zones)

Every detail is intentional. I balance texture, structure, bloom time, and maintenance requirements, using plants that thrive in your microclimate. I ensure the design transitions beautifully through the seasons while remaining cohesive year-round.

Design Presentation

When the design is ready, I’ll meet with you to go over it in detail. I’ll walk you through the layout, explain plant selections, and answer any questions. You’ll receive a hard copy or digital version, depending on your preference. This is your chance to make adjustments or fine-tune ideas before we move forward with the installation plan.

Revisions and Adjustments

Because this is your garden—not mine—I always allow for one round of revisions. Whether you want to swap out a species of shrub, adjust the shape of a path, or explore lighting options, I’m happy to incorporate changes to make sure the final plan is something you’re fully excited about.

Step Three: The Installation Phase

Collaboration With Trusted Landscape Installers

While I don’t install landscapes myself, I’ve partnered with trusted, experienced local landscape professionals who carry out the physical build of my designs. These are contractors I’ve personally vetted—people who understand my attention to detail, my design standards, and the care I expect to be applied to every single plant and pathway.

My Continued Involvement

I don’t disappear once the plan is handed off. In fact, I stay closely involved during the installation phase to ensure that my design is followed correctly and your expectations are met. I’m in regular communication with the landscapers and with you, answering questions, resolving any site-specific issues, and confirming that all aspects of the design are executed accurately.

I often visit the site during key moments of the installation—especially when layout, grading, and planting begin—to ensure everything is in place. My role is to advocate for your vision and provide creative direction where needed so that the finished landscape matches the design in form and spirit.

Seamless Communication

Having me as the bridge between design and construction keeps everything clear and organized. You don’t have to worry about translating plans or coordinating multiple contractors. I handle the communication, set expectations, and keep everything on track.

What Sets Kelli’s Garden Design Apart

One-on-One Creative Partnership

What makes working with me different is the highly personal, one-on-one nature of the process. From the first time I step into your yard to the last perennial planted, you’re working with me—no intermediaries, no bouncing between departments. This allows for a sense of trust, clarity, and creative continuity that’s rare in this industry.

Artistic Sensibility Grounded in Practical Knowledge

I combine an artistic eye with a gardener’s realism. I don’t just design what looks beautiful—I consider how it will function, how it will grow, how it will feel to walk through. I pay close attention to how light changes through the day, where the breeze comes from, where the rainwater settles, and how textures and colors will evolve over time.

Tailored Designs, Never Templates

Your landscape won’t look like your neighbor’s. I don’t work from prefab templates or recycled plans. Every drawing is built from scratch to suit your space and your life. I factor in your family’s routines, your pets, your preferences, and your long-term goals for the yard.

Clear Pricing, Clear Communication

Transparency is a cornerstone of how I work. You’ll know what to expect, what each phase costs, and how the process is unfolding. I’m always just a phone call or email away if something feels unclear.