Have you ever noticed that just by looking at a property’s landscaping, you can get an idea of who lives there? Are they free spirits? Conversely, do they prefer things carefully controlled and manicured?

You can even learn how much the inhabitants enjoy entertaining, at least outdoors, as opposed to being more private. You can also guess how important color and nature are to them. Or maybe they’re more the hardscape types — those who like something firm and unchanging beneath their feet.

So, to create the perfect landscaping plan, it is the job of expert professionals to understand each client.

For example, outdoor living experts consider how each client feels about the upkeep of any project. Which plants will survive with little effort, with shade, or how to plant them to make them easy to maintain?

And, naturally, to complete the right picture, it’s not just softscapes that are important. How a plan combines hardscapes with the trees, plantings and grasses is also very important. Not only is it crucial to know how homeowners will use the space, but the size of the property — and, of course, budget — will greatly affect decisions.

In the end, the ideal project will express who lives there — and express them 'beautifully.'