Frequently Asked Questions
What’s your design and working style?
Our clients and colleagues recognize us for our…
Deep horticulture expertise for healthy, thriving landscapes
Love for California native, cottage, and edible gardens
Appreciation for architecture, design, and true craftsmanship
Practical understanding of hardscape, materials, and landscape construction
Thoughtful integration of home, hardscape, planting, and lifestyle
Respectful, collaborative relationships with clients and partners
Active listening to truly understand your vision and needs
Genuine consideration for your background and what matters most to you
Smart, practical decisions to maximize your investment
Organized project management and seamless workflows
Comfortable with technology & remote collaboration
Transparent, timely updates throughout the project
Holistic, systematic approach informed by years of working in UX design (former career)
360° design thinking—creating spaces for you, not just for the designer
Our clients often tell us they feel more connected to their outdoor spaces - spending quite moments of calm, enjoying gatherings with friends & family, and discovering new things everyday, from plant names to the subtle rhythms of nature around them.
How much does landscape renovation cost?
At Flowerchild Gardens, we believe in transparency, so you can plan your dream garden with confidence.
Our design fees typically range from 10% to 15% of the total construction cost of the landscape renovation. For a complete renovation, which includes both hardscape and softscape, on a 5,000 to 10,000 square-foot lot, the construction cost typically ranges from 5% to 12% of your home's property value.
Please keep in mind that the actual installation and construction expenses can vary based on several factors. Depending on the scope of your project, the costs may range from $50,000 to $300,000 or more. But rest assured, we work diligently to deliver exceptional results that align with your budget and scope.
If you have smaller projects that involve planting design only, we're here to assist you. Feel free to reach out for more information or to book a consultation. We'll provide personalized insights for your needs.
Why does the install cost begin at $50,000?
In California, licensed contractors are required to carry costly insurance, workers' compensation, and bonds. These measures are put in place to protect you, the homeowner, from potential liabilities. While it might seem tempting to work with unlicensed contractors for a cheaper price, it comes with significant risks. Choosing unlicensed contractors could leave you accountable for any damage or injuries that occur during the project.
By investing in a landscape budget of at least $50,000, you gain some valuable perks. It becomes easier to find reliable contractors who are ready to start working promptly. With capable and competent contractors, your renovation stays on track, allowing you to enjoy your new landscape sooner!
What does a $50,000 construction budget get me? How about $100,000?
In the Bay Area of California, a $50,000 budget can work wonders, even for a typical 5,000 sq. ft. lot property. With this budget, you can enjoy a range of features, including a new and efficient irrigation system, fresh and beautiful plantings, and minor hardscape elements like pathways or a small arbor.
With a $100,000 construction budget for a plant-forward landscape, the break down can look like this:
10% - Demolition
20% - Planting, soil amendments, mulch
15% - Irrigation system
10% - Landscape lighting
10% - Simple, economic drainage improvements
30% - Simple, economic hardscape
—
100% - Total construction budget
What is a healthy landscape construction budget for a full redesign?
For properties on the Peninsula side of the Bay Area, a budget of $100,000 provides an solid starting point for a typical 5,000 to 8,000 sq. ft. lot. With this budget, you can create a stunning outdoor sanctuary.
If you're looking to explore additional possibilities and premium material options, expanding the budget to $150,000 opens up a world of opportunities to enhance your landscape further.
Larger properties (½ to 1+ acre) often necessitate larger budgets, often exceeding $200,000+.
For complicated sites that require significant grading and permit-approved retaining walls on hilly sites can get pricey.
How long does the design process take?
Most projects usually take around 3 months to complete, but the duration can vary depending on various factors. So, it's essential to consider the project scope and how promptly we receive your feedback and decisions.
Where do you work?
We love working with clients who have gardens in the Peninsula or South Bay areas of Northern California:
Millbrae
Burlingame
San Mateo
Belmont
San Carlos
Redwood City
Menlo Park
Atherton
Palo Alto
Los Altos
Mountain View
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
Do you do MWELO / WELO landscape plans?
We’re pretty dang good at MWELO planting plans & water usage calculations!
At Flowerchild Gardens, we've undergone specialized training in Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance landscape plans. Rest easy knowing that your landscape design will fully comply with the ordinance.
We take water efficiency seriously and incorporate water-saving plantings, water features, and hydrozones into your landscape, meeting all the MWELO requirements. Some cities may require certified irrigation designers to stamp the work, but no need to stress! We work closely with other professionals to make the process seamless, doing our part so that you obtain permits tied to MWELO with ease.
My property is in a fire area, and we have problems with deer and gophers. Can you help us?
Yes, we have specialized training on firescaping and extensive experience designing landscapes that coexist with deer and gophers so that everyone’s happy.
A quick note on firescaping: it’s about reducing fire fuel through smart plant choices, hardscaping, and layout—but also ongoing maintenance and home updates. Firescaping helps protect your plants and gives them a chance to bounce back, but it can’t fully protect your home from fire.
Do your design plans include 3D renderings?
Our designs come with detailed 2D layouts that contractors find easy to work from. We will sometimes do quick 3d models to understand the sun/shade studies or the general proportion of hardscape elements on a case-by-case basis.
We know the appeal of 3D visualizations, and if you'd like to have them alongside the 2D CAD drawings, we're happy to offer this service at an additional $2000 per 3d model/rendering. But here's the thing - we truly value your investment and want you to make the most of it. Rather than spending extra on 3D renderings, we'd suggest saving that money to put toward your installation. It might mean the difference between a DG pathway vs. Flagstone.
What type of projects have you worked on?
Susan has been involved in multiple projects while previously employed as a designer and project manager for a licensed design/build construction company (general, landscape, and pool contractor). These include major plantings and hardscape features, such as properties with new pools, spas, patios, decks, pergolas, retaining walls, recirculating water features, slopes, and areas with deer, rabbit, and gopher challenges.
With this diverse background, we’re equipped to handle a wide range of landscaping needs. Each project has been unique and rewarding, and we’re always excited to bring fresh ideas and solutions to the table.
Do you do construction detail drawings?
We’re in the process of taking the C27 exams to obtain the landscape contractor's license. While working on that, we collaborate with contractors, landscape architects, and engineers for construction drawings.
Construction drawings come into play when permits are involved and often require the stamp of these professionals. However, if your project doesn't require permits, you may not need construction detail drawings.
Are you a landscape architect? Do I need one?
While we aren't landscape architects, we want to help you make the best decision for your project. If your plan involves significant grading, construction, and permits, working with licensed landscape architects, engineers, and contractors may be crucial. But here's the aha!! part - everyone works together, and you’ll often see a landscape designer, architect, engineer, irrigation designer, and contractor all working on a project together in creating the plan set for submittal.
If your new landscape isn't overly complex, working with a landscape designer (that's us!) can be a game-changer, potentially saving you thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars. Our expertise in landscape design ensures a beautiful and functional outdoor space, without the higher costs associated with landscape architect fees.
In the Bay Area of California, landscape architect fees typically range from $20,000 to $40,000+. With us, you get to enjoy significant cost savings without compromising on quality.
Why should I work with you if there are online design companies that can do it cheaper?
With Susan's background in the construction industry as a project manager and landscape designer for a design/build company, we bring a unique perspective to creating extraordinary outdoor spaces. While online design companies may offer lower prices, they often lack crucial elements that make a real difference.
We are high-touch and check in with our clients regularly. We believe in having face time with our clients and visiting your property to get a real sense of the space. This hands-on approach allows us to fully understand the site and translate your vision into comprehensive and executable design plans that contractors can easily work from.
On the other hand, online design companies often deliver generic plans lacking that personal touch and practicality. With numerous projects on their plate, they might only have a minute or two for your feedback, leading to potential frustrations. Additionally, relying only on online information like Google Maps for site information can lead to inaccuracies, hindering the project's success.
Incomplete plans from online companies can cause headaches for contractors when creating estimates, and homeowners often end up hiring landscape designers to correct and redesign these plans, resulting in added costs and delays.
Finally, the more important decisions happen during construction, and we’re there to make the adjustments if you decide to work with our preferred contractor.
Why should I work with a licensed contractor vs. an unlicensed contractor?
When it comes to building your landscape, working with a licensed contractor offers significant advantages compared to an unlicensed one. Here’s a breakdown:
Legal Compliance: Licensed contractors are authorized by law to handle substantial hardscape and construction work for your landscape. Their licensure ensures they meet specific industry standards, codes, and regulations. This legality safeguards you from potential legal issues and provides peace of mind throughout the project.
Insurance and Worker's Compensation: Licensed contractors are required to carry various insurance and workers' compensation. This means that you, as a homeowner, are protected from liability in case of accidents, injuries, or property damage that may occur during the project.
Expertise in Reading Design Plans: Licensed contractors are well-versed in interpreting design plans, especially those containing construction specs and grading/drainage details. These plans can be complex and challenging to decipher, and having a licensed professional onboard ensures the project stays on track and is executed according to plan.
Working with a licensed contractor is the best choice. Not only do they have the legal authority to handle construction tasks, but they also have the necessary expertise to read and execute intricate design plans effectively. Protect your investment and ensure a successful landscape project by choosing a licensed professional.
We want to work with you on the design, but we want to install it ourselves. Can we purchase plants through you?
We're excited to work with you on the design! If you prefer to handle the installation yourself, no problem at all. Now, about purchasing plants, here's what you need to know:
We've got great connections with top-notch growers and wholesale plant brokers. However, these suppliers have some strict rules, so we can't directly buy plants on your behalf.
But don't fret! If you decide to team up with one of our preferred contractors, they'll take care of all the plant purchases. And guess what? We'll be right there to ensure you get the best, high-quality plants for your project.
Can my gardener install your design?
Well, it depends on the design and how much work it involves. So far, we haven't had the chance to team up with your gardener.
To ensure our design comes out just right and everything runs smoothly, we recommend going with a trusted licensed contractor. They know the ins and outs of our design plans and can bring them to life with finesse.
Of course, it's your garden, and we want you to feel comfortable with the choice you make! You have the final say in this.
Have more questions? Feel free to contact us.