Question 1

What garden services does Earth and Clay provide?

Accepted Answer

We provide a range of services including: Large and small garden landscape design, client representative services, roof terraces, outdoor living areas, along with garden renovation works and installations.

Question 2

What areas do you work in?

Accepted Answer

We do the majority of our work in and around the central Algarve, however, we do venture further afield toward the east and western Algarve depending on the project.

Question 3

What type of work do you do?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in sustainable and ecologically responsible residential landscape design, focusing on natural landscapes and incorporating drought-tolerant plants native to Portugal wherever possible. We live in a time when water is becoming more scarce so it makes sense to utilize beautiful plants that do not need heavy irrigation.  

We enjoy working with homeowners and contractors throughout the process from design to installation to create beautiful and sustainable spaces that feel like an extension of your home. We can work with you to design and renovate an existing landscape or to create one from a blank slate.

Question 4

What size of projects do you work on?

Accepted Answer

Our designs range in scale from small renovations to complete outdoor living spaces. Whether you are starting from a blank slate or wishing to renovate or re-design an existing landscape to be more functional and sustainable, Earth and Clay will work with you from start to finish to design and create an outdoor space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

Question 5

Do I need a landscape design?

Accepted Answer

A good landscape design can transform a yard you dread into a space you love by increasing the useable living area of your property. If you have great beds and hardscape but need to refresh the plant pallet, a planting plan design may be all you need. If you need to renovate and refresh your yard a complete landscape design will assure your investment is well thought out and best suited to you and your family.

Question 6

How much does a design cost?

Accepted Answer

Landscaping can be a considerable investment and one that can and should add value to your home. Our designs typically start around €300.00 for a basic small design and increase based on individual needs/wants, the scope of the project, the site, and amenities desired. A landscape design can help with the overall budget of installing a new landscape because designers look at the whole process and figure out what can and cannot be done in a space and within your budget. Having a well thought out design means you are much more likely to get a result that you are completely happy with that feels right and that you will not be looking to change after the installation is complete. We are skilled at developing creative, alternative, well thought out solutions to your needs, wants, and goals.

Question 7

How long does the design take?

Accepted Answer

The design process (from the initial consultation and site evaluation to the final design presentation) can typically be completed in 10-12 weeks depending on the season and the complexity of the design. In the spring and summer you may find times increase as we get busier.

Question 8

I have never worked with a landscape designer before. What should I look for in a designer?

Accepted Answer

Our best bit of advice is to choose a person or company that you feel you can identify with in terms of their style, process, and personality. Then talk to that person and make sure that he/she listens to you and understands your needs. A good design should be a merging of your landscape designer’s expertise and eye, and your needs, wants, and resources. Your landscape is an extension of your home and a reflection of your personal style, and you should enjoy it to the fullest.

Question 9

Should I design all of my yard now or in pieces?

Accepted Answer

A landscape design is a wise investment, but it can be costly to complete the whole design at once. Creating the entire design at once is the wisest choice to assure a cohesive design and vision for the project as it progresses.

Question 10

What size projects do you do?

Accepted Answer

We work on projects that range from roof terraces to much larger property sites. We do our best work when we can design an entire space, taking into account all of the opportunities and constraints of the site. We integrate the opportunities of your site with your personal style, lifestyle and budget and come up with creative solutions to maximize the beauty and functionality of your space. We may not be the best fit for you if you are looking only to design a very small portion of your yard, or have a very limited budget.

Question 11

If we hire you how soon can you start our project?

Accepted Answer

If after our first consultation you are ready to move forward, we will begin working on your project within a few weeks. In some cases, we will stay and begin taking measurements and doing a site analysis of your property the day of our consultation. Once we get started on the design work we will typically have concepts ready to review within 2-3 weeks.

Question 12

How do I take care of the newly installed landscape?

Accepted Answer

A newly installed landscape will require regular irrigation while it establishes over the first year or two. Even after that you may need to supplement water during our driest periods of the year.  We are able to recommend maintenance services should you need assistance, or we can provide advice on how to look after your garden should you choose to do so yourself.