This month on Down the Garden Path, Joanne welcomes five talented landscape designers, each with their own style, story, and specialty. What connects them all is a shared passion for creating beautiful, thoughtful outdoor spaces for their clients. Tune in each week in March as they share their experiences, perspectives, and the many ways landscape design can shape how we live outdoors. In this episode, Joanne speaks with Abby Rupsa, founder and lead designer of Botanical Living in Colorado, about her path into landscape design, the evolution of her "design bid" service model, and what it really means to offer a high-touch, client-focused experience. Their conversation explores the value of professional planning, collaboration with contractors, material and plant choices, and how thoughtful landscape design can create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces that add lasting value. Topics Covered Abby explains her "design bid" model, in which she stays involved throughout construction without doing the installation work herself. She says many homeowners do not understand the design process and need help seeing the full picture. Unlike traditional design-build firms, Abby focuses on the best outcome for the client rather than pushing sales. She emphasizes "value engineering" so projects can be built realistically within budget. Abby now works closely with one trusted contractor to create a smoother client experience. Contractor meetings happen with the client, designer, and builder together to review the estimate in detail. Joanne notes that this shared meeting format reduces confusion and speeds up decisions. Abby says landscape designers are educators and problem-solvers, not just creatives. She explains that homeowners often become blind to problems and miss better possibilities for their yard. One project revealed major structural problems that required a more honest renovation approach. Abby says trust and authority matter because clients need confidence in the guidance they receive. Good design sometimes means challenging what a client asks for to create a space that truly works. Abby uses software and furniture layouts to show how a space will function in real life. Joanne stresses the importance of planning the whole landscape before adding features in stages. Abby agrees, noting that early planning avoids rework and prepares for future additions. She describes her "white glove" approach, with 3D presentations and a more thoughtful client experience. Abby wants the process to feel easier and more supported for homeowners. She uses digital lookbooks and physical samples to help clients compare materials. 3D visuals help clients picture the finished landscape and feel excited about the result. Abby discusses xeriscaping in Colorado and the need for drought-tolerant, climate-appropriate planting. She explains that xeriscaping should still feel lush and intentional, not just rocky and sparse. Her planting designs balance structure, blooms, texture, evergreen interest, and lower maintenance. Abby also educates clients about plant establishment and care in Colorado's dry climate. Her design packages are detailed enough for any contractor to build from. She notes that 3D renderings require clear communication so clients understand that plant growth takes time. Even unbuilt landscape plans can add appeal and value if a homeowner decides to sell. Joanne and Abby close by discussing how landscape design can improve both lifestyle and property value. Takeaways and Tips Start with a full landscape plan before making construction decisions so the entire space works together cohesively over time. A good landscape designer does more than make things look pretty. They solve problems, educate clients, and help prevent costly mistakes. Design decisions should be based on how a space will actually function, not just on what sounds good in theory or looks fine on paper. Bringing the designer, contractor, and client together early can improve communication, speed up decision-making, and create more realistic budgets. Value engineering is not about cutting corners. It is about spending wisely and making strategic adjustments that protect the integrity of the design. In dry climates, xeriscaping should focus on smart plant choices and water stewardship, not simply replacing everything with rock. 3D renderings can be powerful tools, but homeowners should understand that mature landscapes take time to grow into the vision shown. Investing in professional landscape design can improve not only daily enjoyment and function, but also long-term property value. Find Abby online at www.botanicallivingdesigns.com, and on Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to downthegardenpathpodcast@hotmail.com, or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast. Down the Garden Path Podcast On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible. In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon. Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.
