The Design Process

What to Expect

At Larkspur, we believe transparency builds better landscapes, and better relationships

You might be wondering:

  • What happens when I hire a garden designer?

  • How involved will I be in the process?

  • How do we turn ideas into a real, thriving garden?

Our process is designed to be clear, collaborative, and rooted in ecology and ethics.

Below we outline each step so you’ll know what to expect from your first conversation with us through installation and long-term care.

The Larkspur Experience: From Concept to Creation

Initial Consultation
Every great garden begins with a conversation. We start with a phone call, a creative dialogue where we explore your vision, aesthetic, and whether our collaboration feels like a natural fit.

After this call, we’ll invite you to complete our client intake survey, designed to gather the dreams, inspirations, and ideas that will guide the magic ahead.

STEP 1 – Site Visit | $150
Both Nicoles—co-owners, designers, and passionate stewards of beauty—visit your property in person to dive deeply into your vision.

Together, we walk the land, explore your ideas, and share curated plant palettes and mood boards that help us begin shaping the spirit of your outdoor space.

During this visit, we also:

  • Share a general project estimate

  • Outline the rendering fee (based on design scope and scale)

STEP 2 – Working with Larkspur
At Larkspur, we don’t just cultivate landscapes—we nurture relationships. Once you're ready to move forward, we collect the design fee and officially begin our creative partnership.

From there, we translate your dreams into design, guided by connection to land, beauty, and to you.

STEP 3 – Design Rendering
We return to your site to gather detailed measurements, photos, and video—capturing every nuance so your garden can bloom first in our minds and then in the world.

You’ll receive:

  • A custom garden palette for aesthetic alignment and early feedback

  • A fully rendered design (typically within 3-4 weeks)

  • A companion planting guide with botanical and common names, plant locations, and notes.

  • One complimentary revision round to fine-tune the design

STEP 4 – Installation
With your design approved, the transformation begins.

We manage:

  • Contractor coordination

  • Material and plant sourcing

  • On-site oversight to ensure quality, alignment, and artistry

Larkspur takes pride in our hands-on approach and high-touch client experience. Once the final petal is placed, we collect the remaining balance and celebrate the beginning of something beautiful.

STEP 5 – Education
Your new garden comes with a personalized guide—a thoughtful companion featuring:

  • Plant identifications

  • Seasonal care instructions

  • Tailored advice for your specific site

We also offer a full year of dedicated educational support, empowering you to nurture your garden with confidence and joy as it evolves.