FIELD NOTES

Practical lessons
from the dirt.

Straightforward landscape design and construction guidance from more than 30 years of seeing what works—and correcting what does not.

01 / PLANNING & BUDGET

Planning and Budgeting for a Backyard Swimming Pool

Plan beyond the pool itself: site conditions, patios, drainage, safety, construction costs and what it takes to own it.

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02 / PLANNING

Storm Water Management

Water does not care what the drawing intended. Learn what should be checked before patios, walls and planting beds go in.

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03 / BUDGET

How to set a realistic landscape project budget

A useful budget is not just a number. It connects priorities, site conditions, materials and the right order of work.

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04 / CONTRACTORS

Questions to ask before hiring a landscape contractor

The best questions uncover experience, expectations and missing details before a proposal becomes a problem.

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05 / LIGHTING

Landscape Lighting: Designing for Safety, Function, and Atmosphere

A practical guide to placing landscape lights with purpose, avoiding glare and planning ahead for construction and plant growth.

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