Specialty retail garden centers offer in-house designers. You also need to identify how you want to use your yard - entertaining areas, play areas, pet needs, vegetable growing, walkways, etc. When you have a master plan, each area relates as you develop it, giving you a cohesive look in the end. Avoid waiting until spring and fall when designers and installers are hectic. A thoughtful design takes time, say Pilgrim and Kelly.
Word of mouth is a reliable way.
When you see a landscape you like, ask who did it. If you want, you should be able to review a designer s portfolio and photographs and get addresses of completed jobs. It s important to find a designer who will listen to you. After all, you have to live with the results, says Carol and Karen. Landscaping greatly impacts home value, as much as 15 to 20 percent for a good design.