New Client Questionnaire
- Molly Youngblood
- Jan 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 18
Welcome to the next season of your garden story—a place where the earth meets your dreams. As we embark on this journey together, we want to understand the heart of your vision, the way your outdoor space can reflect who you are and what you hope to nurture. This questionnaire will help guide us in designing a garden that isn’t just a landscape, but a living, breathing extension of your life and values. This is a preview of questions that are addressed at every initial site consultation. Always free, we would love to meet you.
Project Overview
What is the primary goal for your garden?
Aesthetic beauty
Functional outdoor space (e.g., dining, entertainment)
Sustainable/eco-friendly practices
Vegetable/fruit garden
Native plants and wildlife habitat
Relaxation and tranquility
What type of gardening are you interested in?
Organic gardening
Permaculture
Xeriscaping (low water use)
Wildlife-friendly garden
Flower garden
Herb/vegetable garden
Edible landscaping
How would you like your garden to feel?
Serene and peaceful
Lush and vibrant
Structured and neat
Natural and wild
Cozy and intimate
Open and spacious
What are your biggest challenges with your current garden space?
Poor soil quality
Lack of sunlight
Drainage issues
Pests or wildlife problems
Time for maintenance
Unattractive or unused space
Site Details
What is the size of your garden or yard?
Small (under 500 sq ft)
Medium (500–1,500 sq ft)
Large (1,500–5,000 sq ft)
Extra-large (over 5,000 sq ft)
How much sunlight does your garden receive each day?
Full sun (6+ hours)
Partial shade (3–6 hours)
Full shade (less than 3 hours)
Varies depending on the time of day
Do you have any specific areas or elements that must be included in the design?
(water features, pathways, seating areas, raised beds, etc.)
Are there any plants/styles you love or want to incorporate into the garden?
(native plants, butterfly plants, specific flowers, trees, etc.)
Maintenance and Sustainability (all gardens require maintenance)
How much time are you able to dedicate to maintaining your garden each week?
Less than 1 hour
1–2 hours
3–5 hours
More than 5 hours
Would you prefer a low-maintenance garden or are you open to more hands-on care?
Low-maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Hands-on care
Are you interested in any eco-friendly practices?
Composting
Rainwater harvesting
Organic fertilizers/pesticides
Mulching
Pollinator-friendly plants
Native plants
Budget and Timeline
What is your budget range for the design and installation of your garden?
(quote will be provided after initial design is approved)
$500–$1,000
$1,000–$5,000
$5,000–$10,000
$10,000+
What is your monthly budget range for professional maintenance of your garden?
What is your ideal timeline for completion of the design and installation?
Within 1–2 months
Within 3–6 months
Within 6+ months
Flexible
Additional Information
Do you have any preferences or restrictions regarding the use of soil amendments in your garden? (vegan options: no blood or bone meal)
Yes (please elaborate)
No preference
Do you have pets or children that need to be considered when designing the garden?
Yes (please provide details)
No
Are there any HOA regulations involved in this project?
A new garden typically takes about three years to fulfill the initial design because plants, especially perennials, need time to establish their roots and adapt to their environment. In the first year, plants are primarily focused on survival—getting their roots into the ground and adjusting to the soil, climate, and light conditions. This is the foundation stage, where growth is often slow, as the plants are putting energy into rooting rather than blooming or filling out the design.
By the second year, many plants begin to show more substantial growth as their root systems become better established. They start to produce more leaves, stems, and sometimes even early blooms. However, the design may still feel incomplete because the plants aren’t yet at full size, and the layout may not be as lush as anticipated.
It’s in the third year that a garden starts to look more like the vision you had when you first planted it. By this point, the plants’ roots are well-established, allowing for more vigorous growth and fuller blooms. The garden design begins to fulfill its potential as plants reach their mature size and start to fill in spaces, creating the intended texture, color, and structure. The design’s balance becomes clearer, and the plants are more self-sustaining, making the garden feel cohesive and complete.
Essentially, a garden takes time to settle into its place—just as it takes time for a new home to feel lived-in. Each season builds on the last, and three years is often the necessary window for a garden to mature fully and fulfill the vision that was first laid out.
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