Design It starts with a vision
Landscape Design at Equinox Landscape
At Equinox Landscape, we believe that every great landscape design begins with a vision—your vision. Whether you’ve been dreaming of the perfect garden for years or you’re just beginning to explore the possibilities, our award-winning design team is here to bring your ideas to life. We start with a comprehensive consultation where we listen to your ideas, understand your preferences, measure your space, and make expert recommendations on plants, materials, and features tailored to your unique environment.
Our Unique Approach to Landscape Design Services
What sets Equinox Landscape apart from other North Bay landscape design/build companies is our commitment to integrating organic gardening knowledge and Permaculture principles into our designs. This approach not only enhances the beauty and functionality of your landscape but also promotes sustainability and ecological health.
Drought-Tolerant, Native, and Edible Plants
In an era where water conservation is crucial, we specialize in selecting drought-tolerant and native plants that thrive in your local climate. Additionally, we can design and install vegetable gardens that provide fresh, home-grown produce, maximizing food production while minimizing water use. Imagine stepping out into your garden to harvest fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits, all grown with minimal environmental impact.
Rainwater Harvesting Systems
To further enhance water efficiency, we offer rainwater harvesting systems. These systems capture and store rainwater, which can then be used to irrigate your garden, reducing your dependence on municipal water supplies and contributing to a more sustainable landscape. This system not only conserves water but also reduces your utility bills and helps create a self-sufficient garden ecosystem.
Laundry-to-Landscape Greywater Systems
Our innovative laundry-to-landscape greywater systems allow you to reuse water from your washing machine for garden irrigation. This eco-friendly solution not only conserves water but also helps maintain a lush, vibrant garden year-round. It's a smart way to repurpose household water and support your garden’s needs sustainably.
Custom Hardscaping
Our expertise extends beyond plantings to include artfully integrated hardscaping elements such as patios, trellises, pathways, and decks. These features not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden but if strategically placed they can act as a fire break, while also providing functional outdoor living spaces where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy your surroundings. Whether you envision a cozy patio for family gatherings or a serene pathway winding through your garden, we can bring your ideas to life.
Our Landscape Design & Building Process
At Equinox Landscape, we custom design and build gardens in accordance with what is right for our clients and what makes the most sense for the land. Below is our process.
1. The Initial Consultation
A designer meets with you to discuss your needs and the goals for the project. From the information gathered at this meeting our team creates a design proposal that takes into account your budget and the hours necessary to create a design that can be built accurately by the installation team.
2. Site Analysis
After the design proposal is signed, the design team visits the site and carefully observes the site noting how the water flows across the site, how the air moves (e.g. where the cool and warm currents flow) where fire corridors may exist, where there are views, and more.) These are the key elements of Permaculture Principles. At least two soils samples are taken for testing to see if there are deficiencies that need correcting. Thoughtful observation initially helps save money and time later by revealing the land's inherent resources and potential problems.
3. Concept Plan/Meeting
Based on information gathered from the Initial Consultation, the Site Analysis and soil tests, the design team generates the Conceptual Plan for your garden. This includes one digital CAD drawing. At the Concept Review Meeting the client gives feedback that the design team uses to make changes to the Concept Plan. The client can request more than one Concept Plan or a full color rendering plan for an additional fee. For those who have a difficult time visualizing the garden from a two dimensional drawing, perspective drawings and illustrations are an option as well.
4. Concept Design Development
Based on the feedback from the client, the design team draws the Concept Master Plan. This includes suggesting possibilities for types of materials, finishes and plants. The Conceptual Master Plan is then presented to the client for further review.
5. Planting, Irrigation and Lighting Plans, Etc.
To accurately estimate the cost of building your landscape, details like plants, irrigation and lighting must be put into the design. The planting plan includes species, (color of flowers and leaves), size, quantities and specific locations. The irrigation plan shows “hydra-zones”, sections showing plants grouped together that have the same water needs, location and specifications of components, etc. The lighting plan illustrates the various locations of fixtures, switching, and circuits of your low-voltage, LED lighting system. Note: occasionally a Grading/Drainage or a WELO (water efficiency) Plan is required to build the landscape properly or for permitting purposes.
6. Cost Estimate Proposal
After all the details are determined, Equinox prepares a proposal for the installation of your landscape. This is a very detailed document that spells out all the costs of the project, allowances and contingencies. Signing the Installation Contract and paying the deposit assures you a place in our schedule. The contract includes a schedule of payments that is broken down into weekly installments.
7. Your garden comes to life, bringing your vision into reality!
This is the final step in your landscape journey, where all the planning, design, and hard work culminate in a beautiful, functional outdoor space. You can now enjoy the tranquility and beauty of your new garden, knowing it was crafted with care and expertise to meet your unique needs and preferences while being designed with environmentally friendly practices.
Creating a Biodiverse Haven
To support local biodiversity, we design gardens that attract pollinators, beneficial insects, native birds, and other wildlife. By incorporating a variety of plants that provide nectar, pollen, and habitat, we create landscapes that are as beneficial to the environment as they are beautiful. A biodiverse garden is not only visually appealing but also vital for the health of local ecosystems.
Tranquil Water Features
The soothing sound of water can transform any outdoor space into a tranquil retreat. We design and install a variety of water features, including fountains, ponds, and streams, tailored to your preferences and the natural contours of your landscape. These features add a sense of calm and relaxation, making your garden a perfect sanctuary for unwinding after a busy day.
Bringing Your Vision to Life
At Equinox Landscape, our designs are a reflection of our extensive experience in landscaping installation and our deep ecological awareness. Each project is a unique blend of practicality and beauty, tailored to meet your needs and harmonize with the natural environment. We believe that a well-designed landscape is more than just a visual delight; it’s a living, breathing space that evolves with time and enhances your quality of life.
Check Out Our Portfolio
At Equinox Landscape, we take pride in the beauty and functionality of the landscapes we design and create. Our portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects, each tailored to meet the unique needs and visions of our clients. From lush, drought-tolerant gardens to intricate water features and elegant outdoor living spaces, our work speaks for itself.
Explore our portfolio to see examples of our craftsmanship and creativity. Get inspired by the transformative power of thoughtful landscape design and discover what we can do for your outdoor space. Click here to view our portfolio and start envisioning your dream garden today!
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
Are you ready to turn your landscape vision into reality? Contact Equinox Landscape today to schedule a consultation with our expert design team. Together, we can create a stunning, sustainable garden that you'll enjoy for years to come. Let’s make your dream garden a reality!
A description of our design process
—Kathleen B., Pt. Reyes Station