Bluestar Landscape Designers

B e a u t i f u l O u t d o o r L i v i n g S p a c e s t o S u i t Y o u r S t y l e

Landscape Design Services

Landscape Design Services

Plans

Granite Bay landscape design

Most of the time landscape design plans are needed. (Please go to our Design Process page to learn how we proceed when plans are recommended.)

What is included with a basic set of landscape design plans?

  • Site analysis and measuring
  • Scaled plans (hand-drawn or by CAD)
  • Layout Plan (showing hardscape elements – see below for  what hardscape is)
  • Planting Plan (softscape)
  • Help with Homeowners Associations’ requirements
  • Specialty planting plans (California native plants, hummingbird and butterfly gardens, wildlife habitat landscapes)
  • Lighting Plans

What additional plan services are available?

  • Irrigation Plans
  • Elevation Drawings
  • Help with Homeowners Associations’ requirements

Post-Design / Installation Phase Services

After plans are completed, we are available to help you with the following:

  • Contractor procurement:  We show the job to one of our contractors and get a quote your plans; we analyze the quote in excel; we meet with you to discuss any scope of work changes that are needed to fit your budget or phasing
  • Project management: For most of our designs, we shepherd the project all the way through construction completion. We oversee all aspects of the bulding phase: we ensure the integrity of our artistic vision. We make sure plans are being complied with. We  resolve design issues that come up. We review contractor billing to make sure all amounts are billed correctly before they are submitted to the client.
  • Project management also includes finding the plants, making substitutions, and laying them out; finding the rocks and laying them out; laying out any other hardscape features.

Consultations & Hourly Services

Sacramento garden installation

Sometimes plans aren’t necessary. We can meet on an hourly fee basis and discuss your landscaping needs. Please call us to find out what our minimum fee is.

What are some examples of when you might choose to use a consultation or hourly service?

  • To get help on which direction to go with your landscape.
  • To help you buy pots and the plants for them.
  • To help you solve drainage and irrigation problems.
Container plantings are great for paved areas

Yard makeovers Let us customize new neighborhood production landscapes, help you figure out old plants to take out to update your yard, change an old landscape to your style.

Selling your home? We can discuss how to revamp your landscape to help make it sell.

Having a party? We can dress up your pots and primp/prune your plants to make your place look good.

Yard primping / pruning We can do light primping of your plants on an occasional basis.

Pots: Real or Silks We can make up beautiful pots to suit your style, usually with real plants, but for that hard-to-irrigate pot, we can make silk arrangements.

How We Help Contractors and Home Builders

We provide all of the above services for contractors and home builders, but are always on the lookout for good installers. Give us a call if you would like us to use you for installations or if you need help with:

  • Plant buying and layout
  • Designs
  • Design input during the installation process (we’re used to working with the crews)

What is Softscape?

A flower bed of color

“Softscape” refers to the living, horticultural components of a landscape design. It includes plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, grass, and other organic elements that contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality of the outdoor space. Softscape elements, such as plants, can change and grow over time, adding beauty and natural elements to the landscape.


What is Hardscape?

Outdoor patio fireplace that we installed

“Hardscape” refers to the non-living, man-made elements of a landscape design. These elements are used to create functional and aesthetic features in outdoor spaces. Examples of hardscape components include pathways, patios, retaining walls, seatwalls, water features, decks, pergolas, firepits/fireplaces, BBQ islands, dry stream beds, outdoor lighting and other architectural features. Unlike softscape elements, hardscape elements are generally permanent or long-lasting and provide structure and stability to the overall landscape design.