Information: Good Gardening and Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to offer help and insight to me over the past 31 years, I've worked in the wonderful out of doors. Scheduling a visit to your home or speaking engagement.
E-mail is easiest my address: m.millerdesigns1@att.net
Thanks for Asking. First I strictly consult / design and do not sell plants, installation services, or anything other than ideas which are built upon your homes archtecuture, setting, and your personal goals. I feel by only offering a ideas / plans / designs I truly focus on your goals, however I will have no qualms about saying that sounds great but given these factors maybe there is an alternative which will provide good results. Process starts with you e-mailing, we set up a time to meet at your home (week-ends are filled) sorry, 11:00 to 3:30 Monday thru Friday (daylight savings time ended means darkness by 5:00)- We spend an hour walking, talking and foscusing on your area(s) of interest / concern. I'll share thoughts, ideas and insight related to a list of topics you generated (i.e. screening a view, planting butterfly garden, removal of aged / storm damaged plants, orientation of deck / patio, location of composting area, pruning shrubs, water garden placement, why won't grass grow here, etc. ) as we walk many people audio tape or video record, take notes or simply listen and observe. Cost for first hour is $150.00 (as of June 1, 2008 gasoline price increase +$20.00 travel fee if you live west, north or south of HWY. 270-255 in Missouri or east, north or south of HWY. 255 in Illinois) payable at end of hour. If additional time is spent it will be broken down into 15 minute segments ($25.00 per). Should you decide you would like to have a formal to scale drawing - $150.00 site visit consultation cost will be deducted from design fee. Designs (depending upon project size will be oresented on either 11 x 17" or 24 x36" paper) start at $500.00. Before I start I compose a design strategy letter based upon notes I had taken during our walk around, included inthe letter text will be design cost. If fee is agreeable I will then sit at a drafting table and formulate a formal to scale, hand drawn design, siting all aspects of plants, new pathways, decks, etc. in order to make your yard / landscape what you envisioned and truly what willrealistically work given the setting, exposure, topography, care and maintenance time available, etc.-
After receiving drawing and reviewed ideas will then get together to discuss what was drawn, from this meeting if any revisions or changes are needed they will be done-
I can supply a listing of qualified landscape contractors to bid on the design installation, if you like.
If you prefer to construct / install plant material yourself, I recommend purchasing materials and plants from building supplies, nurseries / garden centers that are open year round, they are generally staffed with people well versed in all the ins and outs helping you avoid back sliding or making a mistake.
Below you will find insight into my life experiences which brought me here today, where I'm so lucky to be doing something I thoroughly enjoy.
Speaking Engagement-e-mail for specifics, cost and other related factors.
About me, since 1977 I've been involved in various aspects of the outdoors including landscape consultant / designer, author, radio show host, co-founding predatory insect store. My garden pathway has included many things including: 1969 joined Air Force and served 4 years with Strategic Air Command, discharged from March AFB Riverside Calif. 1973-San DiegoStateUniversity, then onto UCSanta Barbara botany, horticulture, landscape design returned to St. Louis 1977-started at Missouri Botanical Garden Horticulture, 4 years English Woodland Garden, 1 year tropicals and exotics in Climatron, Desert, and Mediterranean House complexat which time I obtained and still maintain Missouri State Pesticide Applicators license-Ornamental / Turf & Aquatic Environments, began teaching and continue to do so at MBG. 1982 moved onto retail garden center general manager (became MO. state certified nurseryman), I hired / trained staff, plant research / selection and promoted user friendly pest management. In 1986 became working partner in residential landscape consulting, planning and design, doing local and national seminars, co-founded predatory insect store, was a faculty member in Horticultural Department at St. Louis Community College at Meramec, participated in programs sponsored by Powell Gardens of Kansas City, MO. Dept. of Natural Resources, Landscape / Nurseryman’s Assoc. of Greater St. Louis, U. of IL. Extension. I have authored garden / design realted articles for regional newspapers, and my designs have beenfeatured in various publications. In 1994 KMOX radio asked me to host a new show 'Garden Hotline' and I continure to share thoughts with listeners from across the region. 1998-grand mal epileptic seizure was starting point for Mike Miller Designs landscape consulting / planning and publication of my first book Missouri Gardeners Guide. 1999 Holiday Vacations (national travel agency) asked me to host a tripand offer plant related insight, groups have traveled to Europe, Canada, Alaska and across the U.S., each year brings about a new destination and plantings. 2000 wrote Missouri Gardener's Journal, 2005 revised Missouri Gardener’s Guide, and wrote Month by Month Gardening in Missouri. 2007 I provided gardeners in Kansas with a customized Month by Month Gardening in Kansas. Additionally I'm part of several citizen and advisory board panel including: St. Louis’ Operation Brightside and Epilepsy Foundation of Greater St. Louis
