Living Designs By Linda
About
I am an award-winning landscape designer who specializes in drought tolerant, low-maintenance, colorful plants that look good every day of the year. I can lower the water bill by half when low-water plants are used in the landscape.
My website is: www.livingdesignsbylinda.com. I have three horticultural certificates, and have been a landscape designer for over 30 years. I am a frequent public speaker at the S.D. Spring Home/Garden Shows, Balboa Park, the S.D. Botanical Garden, the Master Gardener Seminars, and many garden clubs. I have had my gardens featured in a number of San Diego and national magazines.
My passion is plants, and I treat every landscape design as an outdoor painting, beautiful to look at from outside or inside the house. I enjoy working with my customers and providing them with the landscape that they envision.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I come over to a client's house in the morning, discuss the new landscape with them, measure the property and house, and actually sit down and create the new landscape design, drawn to scale, and with all of the plants labeled at the client's home. This is usually done in about 4-6 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. I welcome as much input from the client as he or she wishes to give me because this is a collaborative effort. I have a considerable amount of knowledge of all kinds of drought tolerant plants; trees, shrubs, groundcovers, perennials, and succulents. I tailor the design to my client's wishes. All of the plants that I use have to look good year round, with colorful flowers, leaves, unusual textures and shapes, etc.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have over 30 years of landscape design experience, and three horticultural certificates, from Cuyamaca College in El Cajon, George Washington University, and Howard Community College in Maryland. I have taught seminars in succulents and other drought tolerant plants for the San Diego Horticultural Society, the Master Gardeners Seminars, the San Diego Botanical Gardens, Balboa Park, and many garden clubs, etc. My garden designs have been featured in San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles magazine (3 times), Better Homes and Gardens (Country Gardens magazine), Fine Gardening, and Pacific Horticulture magazines.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $90.00 per hour for my design or consulting services.
How did you get started in this business?
I have always loved to garden, and was a Master Gardener. I also attended art school. Becoming a landscape designer has combined both of my interests.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I work with all kinds of people. I genuinely enjoy working with my clients, and feel that I make new friends wherever I work.
Describe a recent project you are fond of.
I create so many different kinds of landscapes. I try to listen carefully and create the landscape that my clients want, but need help in envisioning. The 2012 Grand Prize Winning Garden that I created is one that I love. It has been featured in several magazines and books (by Debra Lee Baldwin).
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
You should try to find a designer with the knowledge and expertise in designing the kinds of gardens that you would like for your home. Every designer has a different style, and it is important to find the designer who will listen to you, and with whom you feel comfortable working.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
1. Qualifications
2. Knowledge
3. Experience
4. Design Style
5. Budget
6. Compatibility (ease of working with)