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Here is how i deal with stuff like this. I am not really a planting guy. I know next to nothing about plants. But on these larger jobs, the client wants to deal with 1 guy, so i worked out a deal with my local whole sale nursury.
I am working on a proposal for a big job. Full property. Gunite pools, retaining walls, 2200 sqft decking, lighting, irrigation, plantings, fence, pillar, etc, etc, etc.
I made a design with the pool and all the hardscapes in it. My guy from the nursey comes out and walks the property with me and looks at my design. Then he gives me a ballpark # for plant material. When i met with the client to go over my proposal, i show them my hardscape design and pricing, and also give them ball park numbers on the planting, irrigation and lighting (since the plantings effect the last 2). If they like what i have to say and give me the nod, i take a 2k deposit and the full planting plan gets design by my guy along with the irrigation and lighting plan.
The plant designer will even met with me and the client to go over the plan once its designed.
Now this works for me in my situation, but it might not work for everyone. Even if i could design my own plantings, i'd doubt i would design a 600+ plant design for free.
Maybe i am crazy i do not know. I try to look at my shortcomings and try to turn them into positives. Now instead of me just selling the job, i have the plant designer helping me.
Matt
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