When I was a kid my friends called me BryanTree because I was tall thin and into all things natural. Go to my site www.BryanTree.org if you want to know more about me.
Xeriscaping Organic Gardens FlowChart
1. Assessment
1. Walking Assessment-make notes on invoice checklist.
2. Aerial View-drawing of existing and limiting features
i. Include compass directions and mark on plan
ii. Include-trees, fences, walkways, and structures(current heights and materials as well)
iii. Check existing borders
1. any that exist
2. any that you may want to keep
3. and state of the plants or overgrowth
iv. Distinguish lighting areas and note into categories
1. sun
2. partial sun
3. shade
v. Show contours and land features
vi. Note the overall current feelings by areas-include sharp corners or negative impacts
vii. Note current irrigation, water, and drainage sources
viii. Note any current hazards or pest issues and identify
ix. Check and note 15’ visibility corners
x. Note any current turf areas
xi. Note any noticeable current area uses
3. Start Inventory list of what is already existing –separate by reusable and unmovable
i. Categorize by types: associated with plant listàsee “Plant Existence Checklist”
ii. Locate and identify where and what weeds are present-check Bryantree “Weeds List”
4. Soil Testingà see “Soil Types and Solutions Page”
i. Start noting possible preparations needed
2. Intro Package
1. Benefits page-why of it allà see “Benefits Page”
2. Go over contract
i. Acknowledgment of Understanding the principles of time and how this works-sign offà see “Acknowledgement Page”
ii. Commitment Agreement-sign off see “Commitment Agreement”
iii. Contract to begin Assessment and Planning Stagesà see “Assessment and Planning Contract”
3. Answer Questionnaire à see “Questionnaire Page”
2. Planning Stage
1. Organize and go over Questionnaire
2. Establish maintenance level acceptance and plan based on questionnaire
3. Note soil types from assessment
i. Decide on timing or possible preparation needs or growth ability
ii. Note areas that will take lengthy periods of time just to prep (i.e. sandy soil-unless using succulents or other measures)
iii. The entire plan can depend on this
4. Decide on planned uses and mark areas
i. Seating
ii. Walkways
iii. Visual barriers
iv. Dining
v. Play
5. Note possible new turf areas-keep irrigation and shape in mind
6. Note areas where large trees or shrubs will go
i. Include any areas of more sun or shade that will be created as a result
7. Establish new border plans
8. Decide on new overall feelings of the garden that you and the client want to achieve
i. Lush, simple, skeleton like, desert like, more lifeà see “Examples page”
ii. Mark styles of gardens
1. consider light, soil type, and irrigation
9. Choose plants and materials
i. Must consider soil preparation needs vs. wants
ii. Mulching and paving materials
10. Establish irrigation needsàsee “Sources and Contractors” page
11. Finalize New Plan Layout
12. Make new category on Inventory list started during assessment-this should cover all products needed to create new idea including those which you may already have
i. Cross reference both categories to establish possible needs for new gardens that you don’t already have
ii. Make third category on inventory list to clearly state what is needed
13. Check Online Shared Inventory list for availabilityà see “Shared Inventory List”
i. Cross reference 3rd category of job inventory to shared inventory and note any matches in a 4th category
ii. Make fifth category on inventory for any remaining plant and materials needs for purchase
14. Establish Budget needs based on the above
i. Labor and time
ii. Plants and materials-this should included a list of purchases to be made or ordered
iii. Tools
iv. Irrigation needs
15. List current plants to be transplanted and map them
16. Overview plan with client
17. Plan Acceptance Contract-sign off
3. Action Stage
1. Remove all trash
2. Get rid of all gas powered equipmentà see “Alternate Garden Tools” Page
3. Get rid of all pesticides and chemical fertilizersà see “Pesticide Disposal” page
4. Remove all barriers or hazards and address current pest issuesà see “Non Toxic Pest Management” page
5. Establish new barriers to be and walk and mark them-include visibility triangle
6. Mark transplants- color or number coding may be helpful
i. Mark new locations for transplants-
ii. Establish order of transplanting
7. Phase 1 irrigation needs to be started
i. Any underground plumbing or drainage issues should be started now
ii. May need to transplant during, before, or into pots during this time
8. Any soil preparation needs should be started
i. This can sometimes take weeks or years depending on the intentions for use
9. Put any possible orders and purchases into timeline of receivability and follow this starting with materials needed for features and walkways
10. Build or put into place any features such as walkways, paths and terraces…
11. Start transplants when areas are readyà see “Transplant Page”
12. Plant any new and additional plants as appropriate
13. Maintenance………