Fall is officially here. Time to put the yard and gardens to bed for winter. As you dig, move and mulch, or just look about feeling hopelessly lost, are you a little wistful that you still haven’t achieved your dream of a stunning and rewarding outdoor space? Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s a big goal, and for most homeowners, even knowledgeable gardeners, a really beautiful property has a much greater chance of becoming a reality when you have a professional plan to work from. Certified Landscape Designer Susanne McKenzie, of Nesting Landscape Design, is masterful at developing residential and commercial plans that will take your property from ‘so-so’ to stunning. And autumn is the perfect time for McKenzie to assess what you already have in place, what’s working and what isn’t. Then she’ll create a plan that will achieve your dreams of fabulous exterior areas, and optimize your investment of time and money.
“A great design plan is the most important component of any project,” says McKenzie. “I believe designs should complement the house and blend harmoniously with the surrounding site, but must also reflect the taste and lifestyle of the owners and their unique vision.”
Becoming a certified landscape designer is a seven-year process, including a three-part written exam and development of three portfolio projects. With 13 additional years of experience, McKenzie continues to develop her knowledge and creativity, always excited by new properties and new opportunities to ‘think outside the box’. Her knowledge, skill, experience and attention to details make McKenzie’s designs invaluable.
With client input she develops comprehensive to-scale designs which define traffic flow, constructed elements, plantings and special features. Outdoor kitchens, pergolas, decks and patios, walkways and water features are very popular additions, but making sure they are suitable, and in the right places, is both science and art. While working to fulfill the client’s wish list of plants, trees and shrubbery, McKenzie’s extensive knowledge of horticulture guides her in determining the best locations for them to thrive.
“Wrong soil, wrong lighting, wrong drainage, wrong placement of plants, just as with constructed elements, may result in wasted time, labour and money, and great disappointment. A professionally designed project will avoid these costly errors,” says McKenzie. Her meticulous designs provide homeowners and/or contractors with virtually all they need in order to plan, schedule and install every step with confidence, and with a realistic budget.
One business success strategy she shares with other women entrepreneurs is “Keeping abreast of your industry or niche realm, including newest trends, materials and products through industry shows, publications and associations, is essential if you want to consistently be at the top of your professional and creative game.”
A long-time resident, and mother of two, McKenzie still makes time to volunteer with Grafton’s Horticultural Society, the 4G’s Junior Gardening Program and, periodically, to conduct inspiring and educational landscape/ horticulture lectures.
Contact Nesting Landscape Design and have your plan ready to implement next spring! 905-207-2473, e-mail: nesting@xplornet.ca or visit www.womenwithoutoffices.com
Catherine Hawley, Certified Professional Organizer Home Stager, operates Downsizing Solutions in Northumberland. To be featured in this column contact her at 905-885-9088 info@downsizingsolutions.ca www.womenwithoutoffices.com
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