I haven't had too much luck finding a "plant architect". Here is my best attempt to describe what I need:
I don't need general proposals of what plants might have the necessary characteristics, like drought tolerance, deer tolerant, easy care, native or "fitting" into the local plantscape, etc. I can get such lists online, from the online tools from Las Pilitas Nursery as well as the various UC extensions plant databases.
What I need is a "plant architect": a highly skilled and plant-oriented landscape designer who can do the intricate work of "structural" and functional design - by structural I mean a plan for where certain heights and densities are needed; by functional I mean the choices of specific plants, reflecting knowledge about more about growth patterns:
1. STRUCTURE: coming up with the best "structural" solution for a screening. I am convinced the solution will include:
1a: layered planting for fast but also durable screening, possibly composed of "temporary" fast growing trees and scrubs to work until more permanent planting has had time to develop and get height.
1b: layered planting to provide screening both in height (screen off Alpine) and lower (screen off neighbor)
1c: leveled planting up the slope towards the house - as another way of getting height
2. FUNCTION: coming up with specific plants that will serve the roles required by the "structural" plan, that work well together and that will provide interest for the eye.
While I have met several excellent landscapers with great skills on the functional level, I have so far not been successful in finding someone with experience and flair for the structural design.
