We usually talk about all things interior here, but today, I have something special for you all: I’m sitting down with landscape designer Katie Gerpheide, owner of Sub Rosa Gardens, to answer all our burning questions about landscape design. We’ll dig into how to make your home sing from the outside, whether it’s your forever home or you are prepping to sell. Here are her best tips and advice.
One of the questions I get most often as an interior designer is, “Where do I start?” As a landscape designer, where do you usually start with your clients? I always start with a client questionnaire covering areas like existing drainage issues, intended use of the outdoor space, aesthetic preferences, and budget range. In our first meeting, I look at their yard, provide a few ideas based on their responses, and provide guidance on what’s possible within their budget.
In terms of firescaping, what is the most important thing to consider? Recently, I’ve heard a lot of concern around planting trees in close proximity to a residence. A key thing to ensure is that everything is well-maintained. Don’t have dead branches and brush against your house, and make sure you have proper ⅛-inch mesh venting. There is a great program called Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council that will do free home evaluations to assess a property’s vulnerability to wildfires.
