Our Process:

A CONSULTATION is often scheduled with Angela or Ash, for a complete evaluation, at an hourly rate. During the visit, we discuss further any existing landscape issues, concerns and goals and familiarize ourselves with the unique nuances of the site and discuss potential costs as well as your budget investment.

We will often offer ideas that you had not yet thought of and together, through thoughtful communication and possibly a rough sketch of the space, a verbal plan is developed upon which a proposal can be prepared.

If landscape plans are desired or required, details and costs for drawings will be discussed during the consultation visit.

AN ESTIMATE is then prepared, in most cases at no charge, after recording the necessary information by way of a second visit, where you need not be present.

We tailor our combined visions, developed during both the first consultation appointment and the second estimation visit, to suit your budget investment, using appropriate and esthetically pleasing materials and the associated required labor.

The proposal is generally broken down into what we call the Base Project; what is minimally necessary to complete the discussed project, and any Optional Projects, where the client can choose miscellaneous items to add to the Base Project, such as Low Voltage Lighting or Potted plants for the patio, to customize and suit each individual project and budget investment.

The proposal will note what and how much materials will be needed for your project and the necessary labor to help you visualize your new landscape, from start to finish. We will mail, e-mail or if preferred, meet together in person to review the proposal together.

A SIGNED CONTRACT and nominal deposit are then submitted to save the next place in our Project Queue, which is organized by a ‘first come, first served’ basis and you are kept abreast, by telephone or e-mail, of our schedule, sometimes receiving photos and latest achievements of our current project, as your own project nears it’s commencement date.

The proposal outlines a Payment Schedule with weekly Progress Payments and a final payment.

Once the project has begun, any additional project items that are requested by client or suggested by Utopic Gardens is treated as a Change Order to the Original Proposal.

PROJECT COMMENCEMENT day is usually marked by a tear- out of the existing landscape, to create a fresh palette and prepare for its rejuvenation or new design.

Excavation and grading generally are then first on the list, for hardscape (concrete, Flagstone, Pavers, tile, boulders, etc.) then trenching, for Irrigation, Low Voltage, gas & electric and then soil amendment is added to prepare the soil for planting as well as to create interesting peaks and valleys for added interest and natural design. Next, is may come the woodworking of Pergolas, Gazebos, gates, trellises and fences, or a custom water feature, before the exciting planting day arrives, when all the fruits of our labor seem to come together.

Unless otherwise directed by our client, we strive to create a colorful garden with year- round interest and appeal.

COMPLETION, under the caring hands of our Utopic Crew, is swift as we typically work on one project at a time, to fully devote our energy, attention and creativity to your unique landscape.

Photos and video, with the occasional interview with a willing client are often taken to document and share the before, during and after project to add to our website and portfolio.

Our goal is to exceed your expectation and we are grateful for the opportunity to create a landscape that you will enjoy for many, many years.

Please review our Kudos Page for more information about our clients experience working with us and how they feel about their completed landscape.