Austin Dodson Garden Design LLC. (ADGD) specializes in naturalistic planting design aimed at fostering biodiversity and supporting healthy ecosystems. Our approach integrates principles from Permaculture, Ecology, and Horticulture to develop tailored solutions for your land. We prioritize minimal disturbance, working in harmony with natural processes, recognizing that nature’s methods are often the best.

Design Process: Information Gathering

The first step in our design process is a thorough meeting where we discuss your vision for your property. We explore what you appreciate about your current landscape, identify elements you wish to change, clarify your goals, and understand how you envision using the space.

During this phase, we carefully assess existing trees, shrubs, and other vegetation on the site. We also analyze site conditions such as soil quality, drainage, sunlight exposure, and any features that may enhance or hinder the ecosystem and overall aesthetics.

Based on this comprehensive evaluation, we prepare a detailed proposal outlining Austin Dodson Garden Design’s intentions for your property. This document sets the foundation for creating a landscape that promotes beauty, biodiversity, and habitat creation tailored to your needs.

Measuring the Site
After our agreement, we conduct a detailed survey of your property, including all buildings and significant land features. This process results in a precise, scaled base map that serves as the foundation for all design development and planning throughout the project. Accurate site measurement ensures that all design elements integrate seamlessly with the existing conditions of your landscape.

Creating Functional and Concept Diagrams

Once a base map is drawn, Austin Dodson Garden Design (ADGD) begins analyzing the data gathered from our site visits, conversations with you, and other essential factors such as soil, water, views, and climate. This comprehensive understanding of your property guides the design process.

ADGD then creates functional diagrams that loosely suggest how various elements may flow and relate to one another on the site. These diagrams serve as a broad framework for organizing space and activity.

Building on these initial sketches, we refine the design through concept diagrams, which more clearly illustrate and develop specific design ideas and themes.

When several concept sketches are ready, we schedule a meeting to review these ideas collaboratively, ensuring we select an approach that resonates and excites you, aligning with your vision for creating a healthy, beautiful, and biodiverse garden space.

Final Design

Now that we’ve agreed on a concept plan, the project returns to the studio where I refine and crystallize all elements into a detailed layout. The final design package will include comprehensive planting plans, a plant list complete with images to aid identification, detailed notes on stewardship to ensure long-term health, and guidance on what to expect from the plantings as they mature. This thorough documentation supports the beauty and biodiversity goals of your garden while fostering a thriving, resilient ecosystem.

Garden Design fees vary based on size of your property:

Yard 200-800 sq.ft starts at $700.

Townhouse 800 sq.ft. - 1/4 acre, $1500-

Cottage 1/4- 1 acre, $2600-

Estate 1 acre- larger, $3800-

These are estimates to provide insight into cost expectations. Each site is unique and may vary from these generalizations.

Design fee does not include installation of plantings, hardscaping, or built features. These are additional costs that are proposed along with final design presentation.

Please email me at: austin@austindodson.com for more information or to set up a meeting.