Over the years, Inventing Eden Landscapes has specialized in Real Estate renovations for soon-to-be-on-the-market homes! We now refer to this as “Exterior Reality Staging”.
Statistics over the past few years have shown that landscaping increased the value of your property up to 10% of your total property and home value. On a $500,000 home this can add $50,000 in value. Big numbers when considering to buy or sell a home.
And it’s really of no surprise is it?
Cleaning up or renovating a garden for the purpose of selling it is an obvious investment. Creating a clean pallet with a little inspiration for your prospective buyers, allows them to put value in not only the interior living spaces, but the exterior living spaces.
If you think your home would suite a family best, consider adding children friendly features, if you think you can appeal to the new age, earth conscious family… consider adding easy to maintain raised garden beds or retained gardening spaces. Growing your own food is one of the hottest trends this year. If your home is more on the contemporary side, add some hard scape features or some carpentry accents.
As a homeowner you may already be aware of how kitchen and bath remodels are money well spent in increasing the value of your home. Recently, researchers at Texas Tech University have analyzed the added value that landscaping adds to your home. Criteria such as tree cover and the quality of landscaping were used to determine valuation, and homes where the landscaping was upgraded to a good to excellent showed an increase in value from 5 – 11 %. Tree cover alone can increase a homes value by 30% and just 1 new tree alone can add 2% onto your sale price. Hmmm…2% of $500K is???? Just for planting 1 tree?
So if you are thinking of selling your home in the near future or simply of investing in your homes value, as well as providing yourself and your family with a more enjoyable outside space, then consider the importance and of a professionally planned, sophisticated design that will add beauty and $$$ to your home.
Invest in your gardens invest in your home equity, is that simple.
Call us today to find out how we can help. Whether it be consulting and design, or labor and renovation. We can help
Inventing Eden Landscapes
250-589-2343
danee@inventingeden.com
while riding in the car, a tune came over the ipod…
-Everlasting, MOBY….
As I drove slowly through my neighborhood, smile across my face, I cranked it up, and blocked out the sound of the streets.
I slipped in to the driveway, after spending a lovely day consulting and presenting contracts..
..under the great blue sky, sun kissing my skin, surrounded by 15 foot tall Rhododendrons dripping in rich pink blooms, freckles pointing at the sky!
reaching for the sun WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY!
I turned off the car, my fingers slipped over the volume control once again..
the song came to it’s climax, the epic music filled the car…
as the music broke over me, I looked to the sky,
a flock of birds, flying in formation, crossed the blue skies over the Great Garry oak in my gardens.
I took a deep breath and thanks the Earth, and gave thanks for my wonderful career.
We should be so lucky, we are ALL so fortunate!
We are smiling, we are living in paradise, we are stewards of the Earth, prophets of the GREENLAW.
this weeks blog is dedicated to a group of individuals with in our community, who are building strength with in our communities, with in our industry. Individuals who are healing our wary bodies and souls,so we may keep on practices this stewardship and living life to the fullest.
Professional who practice using the same or similar ethical standards as myself.
Working for you, with you, towards the same goal.
Skyla Johnson: Yoga therapy/singer songwriter GREENLAW
Nicole Sponer: Ocean Holisitics/Reflexology/Yoga instructor/artist mixed media
Jennifer Davies: Hair Garden Salon/Owner/Stylist/Eco friendly salon
Dave Niebergall: High Definition Roofing/Owner/Roofer
Mike Slater: Horticultural Technician/Inventing Eden Landscapes/site coordinator
Theresa Balak: Inventing Eden/Design Technician/Consultant
I received this email today and thought it was such an awesome opportunity to share with you all. Though my answers were pretty casual, I’d like to post them on our BLOG in hopes you’ll find them informative.
get out there a garden people!!!!
Danée
On 16-May-09, at 12:02 PM, prospective client wrote:
We are considering landscape redesign for our home….and a few questions for the exploratory phase:
How many years have you been in business?
Inventing Eden Landscapes has been in business for 5 years now.
Will you provide references?
Once I have an idea as to what you are looking for, I’ll provide references that are appropriate to your project. Am always pleased to pass these on
What are your qualifications? I.e. Certified Landscape Designer/Professional, Certified Horticultural Technician…
I am a Landscape Designer, and have a certified junior landscape designer working under me, I am a certified horticultural technician, a project manager, a landscape consultant, and contractor (meaning I manage subcontractors). I also have several workers under me that have their own set of skills and trades certificates. We use DYNASCAPES software for our designs when dealing with full scale design and installation. Some clients prefer to skip that step and go straight to installation based on sketches. I prefer to use scale designs.
Blueprints are very valuable.
What are your environmental practices?
We are a fairly green company but are always looking for ways to improve or meet challenges with wiser alternatives. I have found it difficult to go all of the way green as the market has indicated they are not yet willing to pay the price for GREEN Technology and products, but they are getting closer as there are more products available and more information out there. I have faith.
I practice with permacultural principles in mind.
I am a ticketed IPM technician as well.
I have plans to get my LEEDS accreditation in the next 5 years.
Do you belong to any trade associations?
I do not belong to any trades associations, but am a members of many horticultural associations/groups, am in the process of passing my BBB application and subscribe to Landscape Trades Magazine so I am always following current trends and regulations with in the industry. I am also very aware and practice with the principles and guidelines set out by the BCLNA, I was educated on their standards when doing my certification, and plan to become a member this year when I am ready to allocate funds towards another certification.
Do you provide liability insurance? Work Safe BC clearances?
Yes I have liability insurance through Coast Capital Savings and have work safe.
Will you provide names of 3 key suppliers for a credit check?
I can provide these for you after we have discussed whether or not my services are of interest to you.
Are you aware of the BC Landscape Standards – do you adhere to it when possible?
Yes, use the BCLNA standards when estimating jobs and use them to educate my landscape division staff.
What are your payments terms?
I request 25% upon acceptance of the contract, 50% upon acceptance of installation perimeters (covering cost of materials and subcontractor deposits), the remainder is collected upon completion of the project unless otherwise agreed upon, or changes are made during installation. (there are change of work orders present in these circumstances) most of these changes are charged at a cost plus rate (labor plus materials).
What process do you use for changes to the original plan/contract or for resolving any disputes?
I think I just answered that. As for disputes, I am very confident in my communication and have been through conflicts in the past which were managed successfully or dealt with in the appropriate manner. Business is business, unfortunately when money is involved there are disputes. I am now in the process of becoming a BBB member, which will of course remove these stresses and mediate. If there is an unresolved dispute and the client agrees, BBB will pay for arbitration. God help us if we ever have to go there, but it may happen. I am ethical, fair, and compassionate, I do my best to communicate frankly and openly as the process unfolds. Avoiding disputes.
This is a small town and unhappy clients can destroy my business and frankly I pride myself on doing everything I can to avoid conflict.
Do you charge for your initial consultation? If so, how much?
Yes, I do charge an initial $30.00 consulting fee.
Do you do the landscaping work yourselves or subcontract out?
I manage all aspects of an installation I am a part of. I carry a division to do the smaller work, or strong-back work, they also lay brick,stone and have simple fence posting skills. I subcontract most of my work, but I am very selective as to who I use, and generally work only with contractors I know, trust and have used in the past. I will interview anyone the client wishes to include, and usually bring in multiple bidders to keep contractors honest.
Do you get permits as necessary (are you familiar with the various municipal codes?
Permits are always necessary, if I am not familiar with regulations, I research or have my assistant research. I DO NOT work with out permits.
It’s not worth the risk.
I realize that is a lengthy list of questions, but I would assume you get asked them frequently.
Many thanks,
I hope these answers are to your satisfaction.
I am excited to hear about your plans for the gardens on your property, and how we might be able to help.
Contact me at any time at the number below.
Thank you for contacting Inventing Eden Landscapes.
Signed…
-prospective client
I just love relevant humor. Seriously, this lady is fantastic.
Nothing like good humor that makes your brain synapses fire a million miles a minute.
http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/510
Sit down at a table of Horticultural enthusiasts, and you are bound to hear someone complaining about lawns and the process of maintaining them or the loss of energy and resources wasted by keeping them healthy and looking their best.
If you are looking for my opinion, you are most likely interested if you are here reading…
I am in favor of doing away with a large percentage of residential lawns.
However, I feel strongly, that there is a place for lawn in everyone’s garden, it’s simply a matter of how we maintain them, how we plant them and how we value the role of lawns in the gardens.
In today’s economy, YES I brought it up, there is an ever increasing need to cut back on utilities, cut back on costs or monthly expenses. One of the first areas to cut back on the budget lands on spending funded by your discretionary income.
Services such as your gardener, your cleaner and your lawn services. OR, if you wish to keep your sanity, you keep your sanctuaries at bay, and you have made cuts in your Americano spending and your shoe collection/addictions rather than losing control of the gardens.
I am here to tell you that it is possible to make your money work better for you, invest in sustainable garden maintenance and do a little renovating.
The majority of clients are letting go of their desire to have the lawn emerald green all year round or weed and moss free. The community is reaching out and finding new ways to conserve water, reduce chemical use and encourage GREENER principles.
Inventing Eden encourages our clients, as well as those in the community, to plant lawns that serve more than one purpose, that incorporate clovers and moss to reduce water loss and keep their colour throughout the year. We help the community see that if you are keen to keep your lawn, there is nothing neglegant about letting it go dormant in the hottest summer months. Draw the eye of the passerby to your garden beds, inspire your neighbours to follow suit. Grow bulbs in some areas, turn the lawn into a meadow…
We educate our clients about organic products out there to fertilize and increse organic matter in their soils, creating a better foundation for the lawn to feed from.
And of course, we always have a design in mind to eliminate the lawn all together if the client is ready to go with out.
Next time you look at your lawn, ask yourself…
Why is it that I need my lawn to look so pristine? am I using my energy, finances and resources in the most sustainable, environmentally conscious way? What am I using it for and is there anything I can do to lower the maintenance, cut back on it’s footprint or decrease its thrist?!?!
Lawns YES… in moderation, maintained with “greener” principles, incorporating healthier choices, that give back to your property and the invaluable patch of green you are so blessed to own.
Do your homework, do your part, give back to mother earth and inspire others in your community.
all my best
Danee
Facebook | My Photos – Flock Photos
This month’s focus for the team at Inventing Eden is “Nature’s patterns”, finding inspiration in the patterns found in nature. Of course!
Take a look at some of these patterns at Koffi on Haultain, where you’ll find some of Danée’s paintings and photographs hanging from the 15th of March until the 5th of April.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFjFG24BeX8
don’t take my word for it, listen and learn
danee
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Please check out this link for more information.
http://www.permacultureprinciples.com/principles.php
Enjoy the read!
Danée
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I am home, I am home, with family and loved ones, and the ever so welcoming RAIN!
and although I miss the sunshine and the pelicans on the beach in the mornings… in Mexico!
I am pleased to be back with in MY community.
With my return comes the start of 2009, the Christmas clean up, the marketing, the winter office and home, “gutting”, I like to call it. ..
I’ve been reviewing my finances… “choking” on them and then looking again, once my eyes regain focus.. sob!
I am filtering through it all with as much grace as I can muster and I have found solace again in the people, the landscape and the spirit of home.
The west coast is still one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and I am more and more grateful every time I leave and return.
With this delightful weather, our home politics, national politics, the economic woes, the weather..
“oh… I can’t count that twice…
“…who’s whining?…”
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http://flock.com
…I find it’s much better to recognize all we are blessed for, take part in the continued success of your family, your community, your city, your province and your country..
contribute and create.
There has never been a time like now for each and every one of us to keep our communities thriving, support local businesses, buy local produce, meats and poultry.
Participate in land reclamation, become more and more self sufficient, spend more time outdoors, be more aware of issues such as GMO foods, Bee population, waste management…
BECOME MORE INVOLVED, in any way you can.
These issues along with many more are all opportunities to do even better… do more, harm less!
As a mother of a 7 year old boy and a caretaker to the earth herself, I challenge you all to look to yourselves for the solutions, and lend some of your energy every day to the survival and success of our communities, and this place we call home.
This year Inventing Eden is proud to both foster and be a part of a growing community of contractors within the landscape and construction industry, who wish to work together, instead of solely competing. I am excited to be a part of a group of contractors so devoted to skill, fairness and quality. Focused on giving back to the community and acting as stewards of the environment.
We aim to provide our communities with the highest quality for the best value.
Clear communication and project management, honesty and accountability.
Our focus is on creating, not destroying, building sustainable, water wise, indigenous gardens and landscapes that both support themselves and provide for their owners.
Provisions that come in the form of nourishment, meditation, inspiration, improved physical health and increased PLAY.
Look to your home and the way you value it. Build on it, invest in it, increase it’s every day value in your life, use as much of the energy you take from your property and return it or reuse it.
If you have land, use a minimum of 25% of it to produce some form of nourishment, flavor or fragrance in your home or kitchen. If you don’t have land, bring in the natural landscape with a touch of design, brought to you by nature…
A bonsai tree or jade plant (they grow to be a natural bonsai), Patience grasshopper!
A painting of a west coast shore during a storm, a running water fall in the home or outside a door.
Try to find a way to slow yourself down, rather than ways to make things go faster.
Do not PANIC, economic hardship requires focus and perseverance to succeed, not fatalistic attitudes, long work hours and quicker ways to get MORE.
Try installing a Japanese inspired path, one that requires careful steps and momentary focus.
A reminder to breathe. Place a beautiful shrub, full of colour and or fragrance to slow you down on the way to the car or the bus stop… breathe!
Add a sitting area on the patio, in amidst the gardens or at the front of the house. Raise a bed or two and grow your own swiss chard or carrots, (always better freshly picked).
If don’t think you have room in your budget to hire a landscape contractor, or you are ready to take on the challenge yourself, consider hiring a consultant or landscape designer. We can take something that seems daunting, break it down in to steps, show you where your money is most wisely spent and where you are best to do your own labor.
We can spin the mirriad of ideas you have had over the years, months or days and turn them into one clean and organized plan. Reflecting the spirit in which you envisioned it and the style and theme that best reflects you and your family.
Once you have the blue prints, you are well on your way.
Anything is possible, everything can be manifested if it you give it time to bloom,
you can bring it all to your front door.. or back.
Find adventure in your own neighbourhood, your own garden, your own greenhouse. Feel the joys and instant gratification of working with nature, reclaiming your land and beautifying your surroundings.
give back!
Inventing Eden Landscapes announces…
Horticultural Therapy…
I am very excited to announce that I will soon be a certified Horticultural Therapist. I am currently studying Horticultural Therapy and plan to gain my certification under Mitchell L. Hewson, a Hort. Therapist, Educator and Facilitator in Guelph Ontario.
I was inspired as a youth to become a healer and have been reminded through life that this is one of my vocations. It is in my 5 year plan to resurrect a centre in the Saanich peninsula, that is dedicated to hosting such programs. Developing therapeutic programs to assist local rehabilitation centres, retirement community homes and outreach programs in assisting clients working towards recovery or relief. This is somewhat of a lifelong dream of mine. Plans to purchase property that can support such a program are in the works for 2010.
I look forward to bringing the practices of Mitchell L. Hewson to Vancouver Island, and will be blogging as things begin to take shape.
Permaculture…
Well… I have mentioned this before. It’s time to bring about change!
And PEOPLE, permaculture and it’s principals, is the way of the future…
Self-sufficiency, sustainability, and security! need I say more.
Follow me to a greener, more natural lifestyle for 2009 and all the years to come.
Together, we can make it all a reality.
good luck
here’s to 2009!
west coast living.
all the best
Danée Forbes
owner/operator
Inventing Eden Landscapes
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