Online Landscape Design

Online landscape design is something that is new in recent years. Whether you desire a professional drawing or want to do it yourself, it can be done!

I offer professional online landscape design services for those that live anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. However, if you want to give it a try yourself, I would suggest starting with Sketchup.

This software is free and allows you to design on the computer and see your ideas in 3D...a great way to visualize your design.

Take a look at my 3D designs shown in the videos below.

Landscape designers offer drawings in various mediums. 3D designs are great, but often 2D drawings can offer more installation details and notes. What you choose depends on how well you can read designs. A good designer, no matter what format is used, will help you understand the design.

Online Landscape Design Services

1. Landscape Design Drawings - professional designs which are done to scale and can be easily followed for installation by either yourself or a landscape contractor. See drawing with plant images below.
2. 3D Landscape Designs - 3D designs to help you actually "see" the design! See videos on this page. Or learn more about Sketchup.
3. Consultations - detailed advice given by phone or email. Typically photos are requested so that the best advice can be given.

I've created many wonderful online landscape designs for clients outside of New Jersey. (See testimonials at bottom of page.) In addition, the costs for my online landscape design services are less expensive since there is no travel time involved. (If preferred, I can also travel to your project.) Here are some online landscape design options:

Patio Designs - sizes, shapes, additional features such as seatwalls, selection of paving materials, steps, etc. can all be part of the design. I love to incorporate seatwalls as this adds that extra pizzazz to the design!

Driveways - widths and layouts that work best with home and property. Driveway materials can be discussed to help you choose one that will look nice and fit in your budget...we'll add some creativity too!

Walkways - from attractive curves to interesting geometric shapes...a creative walkway will be provided. If you need steps, this becomes part of the design.

Planting Designs

• Foundation plantings
• Privacy plants
• Perennial-flowers - low maintenance!
• Planting a hillside

Swimming Pools - From the simple to the complex, I can design a pool design and work with you regarding costs and budgets...and still provide an exciting design. See this video of a 3D swimming pool design.

Landscape Lighting - I typically include this at no charge. Options might be path lighting, up lighting, accent lighting and residence lighting.

Landscape Structures - pergolas, arbors, trellises, outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens, fireplaces, firepits, hot tubs, and so on.

I also work with you in choosing the best paving materials for your project. Hardscape materials should look great with your house and surrounding landscape while still fitting within your budget.

If you live in New Jersey, please visit my page on New Jersey Landscape Design

Online Landscape Designer

What Can You Receive?

Landscape Design Drawings - CAD

This is the most detailed and professional choice regarding online landscape design and can be a simple design or one that is very complex. I use CAD landscape design software to produce professional designs. You will receive a drawing that is done to scale. This means that everything can be measured for easy installation by either yourself or a contractor.

How about seeing pictures of all the proposed plants for your landscape design? That can be done too! Here's an example.

This type of online landscape design is very exciting. Many people have a difficult time "seeing" a design. Your 3D design can have the actual architecture of your home along with a landscape design in 3D. Suddenly you can see an actual "picture" of the finished project. This can include paving materials. Imagine being able to see what the brick, bluestone, pavers, or concrete look like next to your home? These can even be swapped out in the design to show you the different looks with various paving materials.

How Do The Online Landscape Services Work?

Here are answers to questions you might have.

What do I need to provide you with a beautiful landscape design?

• Pictures of your home and property.
• A survey. (You know, it's that thing that's in your house papers somewhere.) If you do not have one, I will need measurements of your house and property.
• Information as to what you are looking for....foundation plantings, patio, walkway, arbor, retaining walls, grading, a complete design, lighting, or anything else related to the landscape.

Through photographs and conversations with you, I will determine the extent and importance of any slopes on your property. Depending on the conditions, I may need some additional information from you. It is also possible that a surveyor may be needed. I can work with you regarding this if I feel it is necessary.

• I will provide you with a professional drawing.
• The drawing shall be to scale from which a contractor or yourself may work. Everything can be measured.
• All paving materials shall be specified on the drawing.
• Notes shall be on the landscape design drawings regarding any information that I feel should be pointed out.
• You will receive a complete plant list. This list shall contain the names, quantities, and planting sizes. In addition, all plants will be designated on the drawing.
• Lighting design.
• Drainage shall be addressed.

Once you decide that you would like me to provide you with a spectacular design for your property, we can get started. When I have all the information, I will do the prelminary design.

• Once it is completed, I will send it to you via the mail or by email. We will then discuss it over the phone.
• I'll be looking at the drawing on my computer while you will be looking at your copy of the drawing, either online or the physical drawing.
• At this time, if you wish to make changes or adjustments, it will be my pleasure. After all, I really do want you to be happy with your design.
• I will then complete the design and provide you with the final drawing.
• You may then show the drawing to a contractor to get exact pricing.
  
  
• If you or the contractor has ANY questions about the online landscape design, either you or he may contact me, and I will be available throughout the project for any questions.

What is the fee for my landscape design drawings?

This is difficult to say without learning more about your project. A design for a foundation planting takes much less time than an extensive design.

Consultations

If you just need some good advice and direction rather than an actual online landscape design, my professional consultations may be for you. My fees are very reasonable, and you receive professional advice about anything you like. Ask away!

Please contact me for more information and pricing.

* Degree in Landscape Architecture from Rutgers University
* Member American Society of Landscape Architects
* Over 13 years experience
* Numerous Award Winning Projects!

Recognitions - awards, testmonials, and press

Testimonials From Online Landscape Design Clients

Here are just some of the emails I have received form clients for whom I provided online designs.

It was a very easy process and I am so pleased with the design and grateful for the exact plant sizes; I think it will be beautiful. It was a real pleasure working with you as well, Susan! Again I'm really happy about how it turned out and I appreciate the opportunity to ask additional questions if I need to later
Kimberly, Conn.

Susan,
Thank you for all that you did to help beautify our little plot of paradise. We enjoyed working with you – thanks.
Ken, New York State

The pear trees and boulders look great. Thanks again for a wonderful landscape design and all of the help you provided.
Judy, Indiana

Susan,
I want to let you know that we are very happy with your design and we are enjoying watching it all grow. We have received many compliments.
Michael, NY

Oh my!!!!!!!!!! It is beautiful.
Lori, Indiana

Hi Susan,
Thank you for putting so much thought into the design. We really like it, especially the curvilinear shape with clean lines. I love the curved seat wall and hypothetical placement of furniture, the shape of the path, etc. Thanks again for all your help. I'm getting excited about the plan becoming reality sometime soon.
Elaine, Penn.

Recent Articles Featuring Susan Schlenger

Lawn and Landscape, a leading business media for landscape contractors (and others)
"Paver Patio Design" - a re-print of one of my website articles on patios. Article date, March 2010

The Hook, one of the "in" Charlottesville newspapers
"Patio Perfection" (Under "This Week's Expert") - Article date, March 2009

Backyard Landscape Magazine, a national magazine with articles and photos of backyard landscapes.
"Perennials Dress Up Slopes" This was an article about using perennials on slopes. Project photos were featured. Article date, Spring 2008.

Charlottesville House & Home, a central Virginia magazine for the home and garden.
"Garden Harmony" - Article date, February 2008

Charlottesville House & Home
"Love Your Landscape" Article date, September 2007

Richmond.com, a website focusing on the Richmond, Virginia area.
"Xeri-ously Green" Feature story on xeriscaping (using plants that require very little water). Article date, August 2007

Cville, Charlotteville's "most read newspaper"
"Green Piece" - Article date, June 2006

Robb Report Collection, a consumer magazine focusing on upscale real estate and home design.
"Gracious Grounds" - Article date, January 2006

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