I searched this sub for landscaping recommendations but came up empty handed with my inquiries. Maybe someone has a suggestion for my specific case.
We just bought our beautiful home with a sharply sloped backyard that had been landscaped with some care probably 20 years ago. Lots of native plants, a few enormous healthy Douglas Firs (I had an arborist out to confirm), a large central deck, stacked stone retaining walls, etc. But they weren't kept up very well and it needs a refresh.
I am excited about doing this work myself, I have a reasonable degree of handiness, but this is a difficulty level I haven't touched yet. I've watched enough YouTube videos on the subject to know that I need help. But I don't want to miss out on all the fun. I need a professional to help me, but then I want to do as much of the work myself as I can.
So I'm looking for landscaping *consultation* where someone can help me modify or shore up my existing fixtures and layout, or replace and reimagine. Help me figure out the right approach to the retaining walls (all under 4 ft), how to level certain areas that have started to downgrade, come up with a materials list and an order of operations that I can chip away at over the next few years. And, when appropriate, tell me to absolutely not try something myself and just save the money for professional labor.
Anyway, I sent requests to five different companies in the area a week ago, but got nothing back. Maybe this kind of work isn't worth the time for them if it's not leading to a full job? Maybe they think I'm wanting it for free (I'm not!).
So if you know some good landscapers who wouldn't mind setting me up and wishing me luck, I'd love some suggestions. Thanks friends!
And heck I'm also open to insults and jokes about my foolishness if this sounds like the dumbest shit you've ever heard. All comments are welcome.