MY GOAL: to develop landscapes that are beautiful, healthy, practical and meaningful for you and your significant others (yes, this includes pets!). I practice in-person only in the City of Ottawa, but offer remote services if you live outside the City, or if you prefer distancing for any reason. EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: I have gardened organically for 30+ years in Ottawa, and graduated from the U
niversity of Guelph with a diploma and certificate in Landscape Design (both with distinction). I am a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and am certified as a Fusion Landscape Professional by Landscape Ontario. I am a retired physician, and have a special professional interest in Universal Design - designs that are accessible to people of all ages and abilities. I speak both fluent English and French, but all written communications are in English. HOW TO REACH ME: my hours are by appointment only for site visits. I am most quickly contacted by my website on Houzz, where I have been awarded the Best of Houzz badges for 2021 - 2023 (see the contact button on this site)
You are also welcome to reach me via PM/DM on Facebook, where I also have a gardening and landscaping blog (Martine Jaworski) about landscape design in general, and specifically about the Ottawa region. Alternatively, you can reach me by email at [email protected]
INITIAL CONSULTATION is set up at a time convenient for you (including the weekend). It is best arranged between 10 am and 2 pm on a sunny or semi-sunny day for me to understand the sun and shade your landscape gets in different areas. But if you plan to use your garden mainly at some other time (early morning, or sunset, or in the evening), I can certainly arrange to visit you then. The fee is $110 per hour, one hour minimum. If your garden is large, or your needs are more complex, the additional time is pro-rated. WHAT TO EXPECT: I walk through your garden with you, and listen to what you like or don't like about it, what your wishes and dreams and aspirations are. If you can mention two or three major priorities, even better! Feel free to show me pictures of what you would like or don't like, what inspires you, and discuss what your goals and time frame are. We have a dialogue (feel free to take notes!), during which I make some suggestions. Before we finish, you have a choice of a quick provisional on-site sketch, or alternatively, I will send you later some selected photographs of your garden with text suggestions referring to the 3 major priorities of our discussion. ADDITIONAL SERVICES (the fee is $110 per hour) - see below
CONCEPT DESIGN(S): if you wish to retain me for additional design services, I will need to measure your site accurately, in addition to seeing your property plot plan and if available, the architect's plan (just the ground floor). Then I can offer you several alternative Concept Designs, based on our initial conversation and subsequent emails, as well as my site measurements of your property. These Concept Designs can include different views, in addition to the standard Plan view (which is an overhead a.k.a drone view, aka bird's eye view). These additional views may include elevation/side views (what it would look like from the ground, either in B/W or if you prefer, in colour). At feedback, we discuss the alternative Concept Designs, and you let me know what you like the most - feel free to pick and choose the elements you like the best amongst them. This feedback can either be done in person, socially distanced of course, or remotely if you prefer. I've done it both ways, and it works well! We also discuss whether you prefer to implement it as soon as possible, or whether you would like to do it in installments, or even just think about it some more. FINAL DESIGN: if you decide to go forward with your ultimate selection, I will draw up a final plan which incorporates the elements you like the best. This final plan will include a planting plan, with the recommended placement of new plants (plus a handy planting list, with their common as well as botanical names, for ease when nursery shopping). The planting plan also indicates the removal/relocation of existing plants. The basic planting plan is an easy-to-visualize drone or bird's eye view (aka Plan View). If desired, you can additionally request, side (elevation) and perspective views in colour - brought to you by the magic of computer-aided design (CAD)! You may also wish to have 3D views, experiencing what it is like to "walk" through your proposed landscape, or experience it from above, as if viewed from a moving drone. The Final Design may also include construction designs for hardscape elements such as walkways, driveways, patios, and front entry designs, and front, back and side step designs etc. With CAD, you can readily visualize how this will look in 3-D, and increase the chances that your landscape will look like what you originally had in mind. ADDITIONAL SERVICES: if you choose to include a gathering/living/cooking area in your landscape design, you may wish to also retain my services to obtain favourable pricing, when available, on outdoor furnishings (e.g. BUDGET: a provisional budget is also provided; you can then choose to implement your new landscape all at once, or have it phased in gradually. DESIGN-ONLY FIRM: I focus on design only, but if you wish to have my suggestions on firms that could implement your landscape design, I am happy to make recommendations, based on the special requirements of your design. UNIVERSAL DESIGN: I have a special interest in universal design, also sometimes called accessible design for individuals with disabilities, or for those who are concerned about Ageing-In-Place, and want a flexible garden that meets their changing needs. I would be happy to discuss the many options available to you. IMPLEMENTATION: for help with implementation, I can either recommend experienced landscapers and contractors, or you can use your own choice of firms. Either way, my role is to represent your best interests and to see that work proceeds as smoothly as possible. AFTER CARE: Your needs and your garden may evolve over time. You are welcome to retain me to follow up and consult with you on your developing landscape - I'm always fascinated to see how a garden grows with time, and to advise how it can best meet your changing needs. GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY: clients sometimes retain me to take photographs of their landscapes as they evolve. I am happy to do so, the hourly rate quoted above will apply.
