Don’t DIY alone: This free landscape consultation will get you started

This piece is sponsored by Landscape Garden Centers.

Is the idea of tackling your next home landscaping project intriguing — but also a little daunting?

If so, you’re in the perfect place for a DIY consultation at Landscape Garden Centers.

This free one-on-one expert help has been popular in the past and returned this season with an enhanced experience.

DIY design consultant Joy Blacketer is dedicated to helping ensure that you head home with the knowledge and plant life needed to bring your landscape vision to life.

“We’re here to help those people who somewhat find themselves in between: They do not necessarily need a designer and plan to do much of the work themselves, but they could use some extra help to get started,” she said. “It’s a first step toward meeting people at a halfway point.”

A Sioux Falls native and SDSU landscape architecture graduate, Blacketer has worked in the industry for 12 years and has spent the past three seasons at Landscape Garden Centers.

We sat down with Blacketer for a closer look at what to expect from your DIY consultation.

What exactly does a DIY landscape consultation involve?

Typically, I start by requesting photos and measurements of the area so I see how much space we have to work with. From there, I can suggest plants to fill it appropriately. You can either email the photos or bring them in, and then I draw on the photos, which really helps provide a visual for people. We’ll look at factors like how much sun your area gets, what the soil condition is like and how large the plants, shrubs or trees ultimately will grow.

We’ll sit down in the retail area at Landscape Garden Centers and talk through a game plan for about 30 minutes and then go look at plants in the nursery, usually for about 15 minutes.

We will load them in the cart and send you home with them.  We offer you 20 percent off all plants purchased that day. I can make recommendations for mulch, rock and edging products — everything you need to bring your vision to life.

What if someone decides during the DIY consultation they might need more help?

We also offer plant delivery and installation services. Plants can be delivered to your driveway. You can have us handle some of the installations, while you take care of other parts. Whether you choose to go full DIY or use our assistance, we can accommodate your needs.

Who is a good fit for doing a DIY consultation?

Really anyone. We see homeowners who have a “trouble space” where nothing seems to work, and we can help with a plan for that space. Maybe it’s a new home and a blank slate for landscaping where they want some color and life or suggestions for what might work.

What capacity do you have to assist more people, and is there still time for planting?

Typically, I can meet with up to four people a day. On Saturday, it could be up to five. But I generally have availability on a typical day to schedule you.

There absolutely is still time to plant. You just have to make sure they’re watered and keep an eye on them as we go into summer. And some things really need the heat to start growing like ornamental grasses and some later-summer flowers. We get new trucks in continuously and will see new product all month. We’ll be able to show you plenty of perennials, trees and shrubs.

How should people get started?

The best way to get started is to follow this link and schedule an appointment. It will take you directly to my calendar. Or if you’d prefer, just call 605-338-0706 and the staff at the register can schedule for you directly.

I do recommend making sure all the decision-makers in your home are present for your session so you can make decisions that day and take advantage of your savings.