begarden

• Enduring, water-wise design.
• Native and compatible plant species.
• Access.
• Benefits of organic plant care and integrated pest management.
• Low-allergen planting.
• Edibles planting.

Initial consultation and pre-meeting checklist: This is the initial catalyst to the design development process. Checklist is a way for Client to take stock of desires in terms of both the garden’s form and function, and to communicate the same with the Designer. Multiple clients (e.g. spouses) are encouraged to fill out separate copies initially. Preferably, one complete checklist agreed on together is given to the Designer! Once Client expresses needs and desires, the Designer can begin to understand the scope of the project. From there, we can determine the appropriate scope of Design services.

Proposal development: The services offered may range from hourly on-site consulting, to developing a complete, detailed garden design, including fully drafted and labeled planting and hardscape plans; or, something in between. This entirely depends on client needs. If other design resources are employed on the project (e.g., for hardscape such as pools, water features, outdoor rooms, etc.), I may offer to develop just the planting plan. Or, if the client will do the plant layout, I can provide just a list of plants with suggested spacing and/or size.

Design Concept/Entire Garden: It is best to think in terms of the entire garden – the landscape surrounding the home to the front, rear and sides. Many garden designs are implemented in phases, even years apart! Even so, when one develops a total design plan, it keeps a cohesive theme running throughout. The overall design may include, and it can anticipate the challenges of working around, already existing structures and large, specimen plants. This also helps determine areas of the garden for focus in each construction phase. During concept development, several garden layouts and the relative positioning of key elements are explored.

Preliminary Design: The client is presented the best of the garden layouts considered, in drafted form without detail. A preliminary list of plants and other material choices is discussed.

Final Design: Presentation of final, drafted plans, with details. Specific plants and other material choices are “called out” on the plans, with information such as plant size and spacing.

Above are steps in the full-service design process, which are modified or eliminated in the case of more limited scope of service.

Janis Hatlestad is largely a self-taught “dusty boots” plant lady with over 30 years of gardening experience. She holds a certificate in Landscape Design from California State University, Northridge, earned with distinction. Janis raises ornamentals, fruit trees and other edibles in her tiny Woodland Hills, CA home garden. About the physical work involved, Janis says, “ it’s cheaper than joining a gym!”

Janis Hatlestad (begarden.com) is proud to be listed on the City of Santa Monica website, sustainablesm.org, as a Sustainable Landscape Professional with Water Management Training. Through her Garden Design practice, begarden, Janis is working toward a better earth, growing one healthful garden at a time.

GRACE, GRATITUDE AND GIVING
Janis feels blessed with many gifts of grace – a loving family, caring friends and the ability to see and share beauty in the world. She is grateful for all of life’s joys, privileges and lessons. She enjoys many opportunities to serve others. Recently, she supported and led children in a planting of native and Mediterranean drought tolerant plants at St. Luke Lutheran Church. She has taught rowing to at-risk youth and facilitated art projects through the Los Angeles Maritime Institute’s TopSail Youth Program in San Pedro, CA. Janis shares rides, companionship, and her own garden harvest with community seniors.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?
The name “begarden” is somewhat of a portmanteau, combining the words “better”, “earth”, and “garden.” The name also is a play on the British English term, “bespoke” used in reference to custom designed clothing or furniture.

Ready to custom design your garden space, just complete the on-line contact form or make a phone call!