VENICE STUDIO

This was my first experience with a landscape architect. It was a long, careful, detailed, and extremely positive process. From first meeting with Polly and looking through her portfolio to the arrival of the last two trees, the process was about six months with most of the work completed during two summer months. Before designing the landscaping, Polly read an article I had written about some aspects of Japanese aesthetics. The design she created responded to my article in astonishing ways. Polly knew I had a strict budget and she directed me to some tasks I wanted to do myself (such as selecting stones at a stone yard out in the desert, getting pots from several importers). She integrated a few random pieces (a sode gaki, a rack, a pot) I already had in my yard. She was always very clear about pricing--what decisions would increase my costs. Polly spent several hours carefully situating the stones once they arrived. She brought me an array of gravel and rock samples to look through to select the right color and texture for the overall design. She scheduled deliveries when she or the gardener could be present. I collaborated in the process as much as I wanted. Although she had several other clients she was working with, she was always available when she needed to be here. The final product, a graceful rock garden with Japanese maple trees, exceeded my expectations and I have received numerous compliments on it.