Re: landscapers are plant people, too

**"* W* B* <c*@gardengate.net>**

The question: Are your clients (homeowners, businesses,  
municipalities, highway depts. or ____________) willing to wait while  
smaller plants get established? (They can save money and have more  
plants this way.) Or are most customers interested in immediate  
impact, so you have to spec big, full-grown specimens?

I have no idea about commercial buyers. Not dealt with them for many  
years albeit they all, I'm sure, are trying to save every penny they  
can these days.

Residential customers fall into several categories. If they have real  
money that want it immediate and as finished looking as possible.  
Nominally rich folks are willing to compromise on plant size to  
stretch their dollars. Ironically their age have nothing to do with  
their decision unless they are rich and can afford the entire  
enchilada. Many young folks are far more impatience that the older  
folks. It's the new money, spoiled brat syndrome of many 40 somethings  
who think that their money demands respect and immediate gratification  
that are really difficult and don't want to listen or ever hear the  
word no.

Additionally you must remember that the largest cost of planting is  
labor (typical job). Now travel time is a huge factor if you're in a  
metro area. Thus the impact of smaller, less expensive plants is not  
as great as it used to be.

We do use 2.25 inch potted materials for most all ground covers and  
some perennials. Grasses are usually 1 gal or even 2 gal.

Above it all hardscape now rules and consumes 70 to 90% of most high- 
end residential garden budgets. Consequently the selection of plants  
has become even more critical the success of the landscape.

Criticism from a narrow perspective that lacks of an overall viewpoint  
with raise the hackles. Don't judge until you know all the facts and  
consider the other side.

Most landscape designers love plants too, however, we have to deal  
with the real world and do the best we can to make it all work.  
Judging us all by the actions of the outliers is annoying to say the  
least. 
_______________________________________________
gardenwriters mailing list
gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/gardenwriters

GWL has searchable archives at:
http://www.hort.net/lists/gardenwriters

Send photos for GWL to gwlphotos@hort.net to be posted
at: http://www.hort.net/lists/gwlphotos

Post gardening questions/threads to
&quot;Gardenwriters on Gardening&quot; &lt;gwl-g@lists.ibiblio.org&gt;

For GWL website and Wiki, go to
http://www.ibiblio.org/gardenwriters