A good roadmap can avoid a rocky road ahead. So we'll initially spend two or three hours with you, walking your property. Our plan always reflects the lifestyle and individuality of the people who live there. Which is not to say we don't thrive on bringing our creativity to a project. It's just that we arrive at creative solutions that match your objectives-and your budget.

The key is in one word: listening. We take the time to understand. In fact, we'll even have you fill out a questionnaire. It asks what window views are most important and whether you plan to use your landscape for entertaining guests, plus dozens of other things that lead us to what will make your landscape perfect for you. You can provide us with your own wishlist as well.

Planning is also the most appropriate time to develop a specific budget. The better the plan, the easier it is to make it come in on target. Once we set the goals and parameters, we'll present our agreement so it's clear from beginning to end what you want us to do.

• Walk-through of your property
• Detailed questionaire
• Wishlist
• Budget development
• Agreement