Can't really help you, but I seem to remember someone saying there is a landscaping forum here at Garden Web. Have you checked the index to see if you can locate it?

Other than the possibility of having some foundation plantings, I would probably not plan the other beds yet. I have to live in a place and get to know it--check out sun patterns, decide if I want to plant some trees or bushes also, etc. After I get used to my property, it will eventually occur to me that a circle bed would look terrific over "there" and that I'd love a hedge of rugosa roses along that property line, etc.

But maybe that's just the way I function. However, I have found that over the years my beds evolved in ways I would never have anticipated back in the beginning--although I still have the very first bed I dug in the southwest corner of my back yard--and the Golden Showers rose and peonies and Siberian iris I originally planted there (and that was quite a few years ago, to say the least).

That fact that you are feeling a bit pressured by the builder's suggestion might be the best indication that it is too early to make such decisions.

But I'm sure that with time, you will have some lovely gardens.

Kate

I agree that you could ask the landscape/garden design forum here on GW. There are many professionals that frequent that forum. Or, ask your neighbors in Prosper if they have any recommendations.

I wanted to say how sorry I was for your situation with one of your children. I hope you have a lot of emotional support rallying around you now and in the days to come. Losing a child can really shake you to the core. I will say a prayer for you and your children.

I have a friend who has been president of the two local rose societies (Collin County and Dallas) and has worked in landscape design for many years. She would very like to work on your garden. Contact her at cghroses@verizon.net

I'm so sorry about your daughter. I understand that the garden is something to distract you (if only for a few minutes) from all that you're going through right now. I hope you end up with a beautiful design :)

I second texasrosegal! The woman she recommended is a true expert in landscape design as well as roses. She is also a Consulting Rosarian and a Rose Show Judge. Again, her e-mail is: cghroses@verizon.net.

We worked with Clark Outdoor Designs (Frisco here) and were super impressed with the results. 469-430-2449 -ask for Jonathan.