Lakamas Landscape Design FAQS

Where Artistry Meets Ecology

Frequently Asked Questions

1. The Design Process

How does the design process work?

Most projects begin when you contact us through our website. We’ll send you an extensive questionnaire to learn about your goals, preferences, and priorities for the landscape. You’ll then provide supporting materials such as your property survey, soil test results, HOA bylaws, and the completed questionnaire.

Once we’ve reviewed your materials, we’ll schedule an on-site meeting to walk your property together. During this visit, we discuss your ideas, observe light, wind, and water patterns, and note existing vegetation and structures. This step helps us understand both the opportunities and challenges of your property.

If we decide to move forward, we’ll send you a design proposal and contract outlining the project scope, phases, and fees. Once the contract is signed, your project will be added to our design schedule, and you’ll receive a clear timeline for each stage.

Research – We study your property in detail, evaluating the survey, topography, sun and wind exposure, water movement, and soil conditions. This ensures every design decision is grounded in site realities.
Basemap – The basemap is an accurate drawing that combines survey data with our on-site measurements and photos. It shows existing structures, grades, and major plants, forming the foundation for all design work.
Concept and Master Plans – These plans represent the creative and technical heart of the project. (See below for details.)
Implementation – Once the design is approved, installation begins—either all at once or in phases. We can stay involved to coordinate with the contractor, oversee plant placement, and ensure the design intent is carried through beautifully.
Ongoing maintenance is a vital part of the process. A garden is a living system—it will grow, shift, and change with time. We design with this in mind, and at the end of every project we provide a custom maintenance plan to help you or your maintenance team care for your garden as it matures. Regular “edits” keep the landscape balanced, healthy, and true to its original intent.

What’s the difference between the concept plan and the master plan—and why are they important?

The concept plan is the creative stage of the design process—where we explore how all the elements of your property fit together. It shows the overall layout, including circulation, views, garden zones, and focal points. This stage invites collaboration and imagination before fine-tuning the details.

The master plan evolves from that concept. It’s a scaled, detailed drawing that includes plant selections, materials, and construction information. This plan is used for pricing, coordination, and installation, ensuring every part of your design is executed accurately.

Both stages are essential. The concept plan lets you visualize and refine ideas; the master plan ensures those ideas are translated into a cohesive, buildable design. Together, they bridge creativity and precision—resulting in a landscape that’s both beautiful and lasting.

During the design phase, we may meet with an arborist, contractor, or other specialist to determine feasibility or cost. We bring in experts whenever needed to ensure accuracy and quality.

Once the design is complete, the implementation phase begins—when your landscape is installed, either all at once or in phases. We can remain involved to coordinate with the installer, oversee plant placement, and ensure the design intent is carried through to completion.

Do I need a survey or soil test before starting?

Yes. A survey provides accurate property boundaries and elevations—essential for correct measurements. A soil test gives insight into pH, nutrients, and drainage, guiding plant and amendment choices. Free soil testing is available through the King and Snohomish Conservation Districts, and we’re happy to help interpret your results.

How long does the design process take?

Most projects take between four and ten weeks, depending on the property’s size and complexity. Larger or multi-phase projects may take longer, especially when coordination with specialists or contractors is required. Once your contract is signed, we’ll confirm your start date and provide an estimated timeline for each step.

What happens if I decide not to continue mid-process?

You’ll only be billed for work completed up to that point. Because each phase is clearly defined in your proposal, you’ll know exactly what’s been delivered. We simply ask that any change be communicated promptly so we can pause the project smoothly and wrap up all materials.

2. Design Philosophy

See more here

Do you use native plants?

Absolutely. Native plants are central to our philosophy—they anchor the garden to its place, thrive in local conditions, and support wildlife. We combine natives with complementary ornamentals to create four-season gardens that are resilient and full of life.

Why don’t you use only native plants?

Native plants are vital, but using them exclusively isn’t always practical. Some native species can be too large, aggressive, or short-lived for residential gardens. When that’s the case, we first look to nativars—cultivated varieties of native plants that retain ecological value but offer improved size, form, or color.

If nativars aren’t suitable, we carefully select ornamental plants that are well-adapted to our region and beneficial to pollinators. Our approach is always site-specific: if a native plant fits the conditions and aesthetics, and can be found at a nursery, we’ll use it. The goal is a balanced, ecologically rich landscape that thrives long-term.

Can you design rain gardens or pollinator gardens?

Yes. We specialize in rain gardens that filter stormwater naturally and pollinator gardens that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These gardens combine ecological function with artistic design, creating landscapes that work beautifully for both people and the environment.

3. Implementation & Coordination

Do you work with installers and other contractors?

Yes. We frequently collaborate with landscape installers, irrigation professionals, and craftspeople. Our site coordination service ensures everyone is aligned with the design intent.

We can also help you find the right contractor. Through our professional connections with the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) and local networks, we refer only contractors who are skilled, dependable, and committed to quality. We want you to work with people who care deeply about their craft and their clients.

We can attend site meetings, oversee plant placement, and stay involved during installation to ensure the finished landscape matches the design vision.

Why should we hire you for plant procurement?

As professional designers, we have access to wholesale nurseries not open to the public. You benefit from our sourcing expertise and wholesale pricing while paying retail rates, with only a small markup if retail sourcing is required.

We handle ordering, inspecting, and coordinating deliveries to ensure plants are healthy, true to species, and properly sized. If something becomes unavailable, we source comparable alternatives that preserve both the aesthetic and ecological integrity of your design.

Why should we hire you to place plants?

Plant placement is what we call the final edit of the design process. While the planting plan provides structure, the subtle decisions made on site—spacing, color balance, texture relationships—bring the design to life.

During placement, we may shift groupings or adjust spacing to create a more natural rhythm and visual harmony. This hands-on step ensures your garden looks cohesive, balanced, and as beautiful in reality as it does on paper.

4. Project Details & Cost

Can you help choose materials like stone, furniture, or art?

Yes—we enjoy helping clients select garden art, containers, boulders, and paving materials that complement the design. These finishing touches enhance personality and create a strong connection between built and planted elements.

Do you offer garden consultations?

Yes. Consultations are perfect if you’d like expert input without a full design plan. We can walk your site, discuss ideas, identify problem areas, and provide professional recommendations. Some clients use this as a standalone service; others as the first step toward a full design.

How much does a landscape design cost?

Pricing depends on property size, complexity, and desired level of detail. After our initial discussion and site visit, we’ll prepare a written proposal outlining each phase, deliverable, and fee. Our goal is clarity and transparency—so you understand what’s included before work begins. Please see our Services section for more information.

5. Maintenance & Growth

How important is garden maintenance?

Maintenance is essential to the long-term success of your landscape. Every garden—no matter how well designed—will grow, evolve, and change over time. Plants mature, light conditions shift, and nature does what it does best: adapt. Regular care ensures your garden remains healthy, balanced, and aligned with the original design intent.

We view every garden as a living, changing system, not a fixed installation. Thoughtful “editing” is part of the process—removing plants that no longer fit, dividing or pruning those that outgrow their space, and adding new layers of interest over time. These refinements keep your garden dynamic, thriving, and beautiful year after year.

Proper maintenance and irrigation (where needed) also protect your investment. Consistent care supports plant health, preserves soil structure, and helps the garden establish strong root systems—ensuring the landscape you’ve invested in continues to thrive for many years to come.

At the end of every project, we provide a custom maintenance plan tailored to your specific design. This plan outlines care guidelines for each planting zone and highlights what to focus on seasonally to keep your garden at its best. We can also recommend trusted maintenance professionals who understand design-driven, ecological landscapes and will care for your garden with the same attention to detail that went into creating it.