top of page

HOW WE DO IT

We are visual/artistic designers. Everyone always asks, "So, what are you going to do? Go back to your office and draw up a scaled plan?" Wooh!, are you kidding? This is the way it works, folks; a yard is fundamentally designed from two perspectives:

  • From an artistic perspective
  • From an engineering/architectural perspective

We primarily design from an artistic/visual perspective - a perspective that emanates from the heart, not from a pen or ruler. Don't get us wrong, there's nothing wrong with the pen and ruler approach if that's where ones talents lie. When a painter sits down to create he or she is aware of the canvas dimensions and color, but the ultimate masterpiece emanates from the heart. The artistic concept is an entirely different train of thought compared to the sterile and dispassionate engineering approach. Plans are traditionally used as a sales pitch, and we would rather you put those dollars into plants. This artistic approach fits the style of the home, has a personality and is still practical by being low maintenance.

 

 

THE STORK DOESN'T BRING THEM...

...we grow them! Before we were landscapers we were growers, and it has always amazed us that some folks think all Viburnums are created equal. We've been in this business for 36 years and we've seen all the tricks that people fall for. Growing plants professionally is an art and a business. Some growers will force feed their plants so they look lush on the shelf. Of course when plants are hyped up on an unnatural force-fed routine they end up slowly declining after you plant them - they are simply not aware of their "intravenous" past and eventually, that past catches up with them. We grow plants with a definite diet and schedule, but we have perfected their growth to be a more “hardened off” type of growth. Our plants are exactly as they look: healthy, non root-bound plants that will adapt well. Quality is a detail that we are well aware of.

 

 

THE NITTY-GRITTY DETAILS

Sims Landscape has chosen to remain a family-owned company. We prefer it this way, as we believe that landscaping is truly an art form. We are a busy little company and are very efficient. Sometimes there is a wait; however, like everything in life, good things are well worth waiting for! When we are at your home planting or delivering, please ask plenty of questions.   We have grown the plants for a long time and want you to have success and stay the course.

Here is the order in which things generally proceed:

  • Decide on a phase (usually front or back). If you want both phases done at once let us know.
  • Set an appointment for an estimate. Estimates usually take 30 minutes.
  • You will receive an itemized cost of the job. You always have the option of doing the labor yourself, as this is priced separately.
  • Call our office if you have any questions or concerns.
  • Secure a planting or delivery date as soon as you have decided. We work on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Try to be available the day of planting or delivery, as you may have some last minute questions.
​

THE DAY OF THE JOB

 

You will receive customized feeding charts that will be your guide for the future. These charts will tell you the kinds of fertilizer to use, the amount of fetilizer to use and the times to apply the fertilizer. The charts also contain photos of the plants. We recommend that once the plants are set up you ask any questions that you think are important. Many of our clients keep a Garden Rebel folder of sorts and periodically add information to it as they see fit. Also, should you need questions answered with regards to your existing plants, ask the landscape supervisor who is at your site the day of the job. He or she will be glad to make suggestions and may have additional ideas for you to consider. We want your yard to be well planned so everyone will ask who designed your beautiful yard! Of course we are always available by phone should you have questions months later.

 

 

THE DO IT YOURSELF APPROACH

We encourage this approach, but only you can make that decision. Some people have told us it was truly the most enjoyable soul-finding experience of their life. Others have told us it would be a cold day in hell before they ever did it again! If you choose to do your own labor, we highly suggest the following:

  • Do it in phases.
  • Get help! Three people with strong backs is good, but four is better.
  • Take your time - it's not a race. The way you plant will truly determine whether or not the plant has a kick-start in life.
  • Get your kids or grandkids involved. It's hard work, but they'll remember it forever. Don't forget, you're creating a painting: let them be part of the creation!
​Of course the best thing about doing your own labor is the money that you save. If you have a big yard, then you should definitely consider doing your own labor. You can put the money you save into more plants and have a much fancier landscape.

Please keep in mind that the people who help you must understand that the level of the plant and the packing of the soil around the roots will determine if the plant lives or dies. Please ask us if you are unsure of proper planting methods - we're anxious to guide you!

bottom of page