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Virtual Garden Designer 

John Stuart Leslie, MLA maintains several websites including My Sacred Garden, Virtual Garden Designer, JSL Landscape and his blog, John Stuart Leslie.com. He holds a Master's degree in Landscape Architecture and has been a landscape designer and licensed contractor since 1982.

Part of my mission in bringing you interesting ideas, tips and how-to information about gardens, designing and often with a 'spiritual' twist, is to offer my design services. I can truly say that I have a passion for designing and coming up with ideas. I get into a certain state of mind, not unlike those moments when you seem to lose track of time while gardening.

Curious about how Online Design works? Today, the computer and digital technology has changed the way people communicate. Hardcopy versions of many forms of communication have given way to their digital versions including snail mail = email, hardcover books = ebooks, drafting boards and T-squares = CAD drafting. For landscape design, all the drafting and design is done on computer (by most professionals) and the presentation of those drawings can be done over the internet using a variety of technologies.

My main software for design is AutoCAD which I have been using since 2000 when I vowed to give up using a pencil. Although I do use pen and paper to do alot of sketching of 3D perspectives which are quick ways to visualize a design in freehand mode.

In addition to AutoCAD, I use Punch! landscape design software which has a 3D viewer function allowing you to see your current design from different vantage points and perspectives including circling above like a helicopter.

The 3rd piece of software I use is a photo-imagery program that allows me to take an existing photo of a project and build in new elements of design so as to see what a new design would look like viewed from the point that picture was taken. This program is good for general front entry designs, driveways, walkways, general plantings or any other specifc areas around the landscape site.

All of these pieces of software can be shown to my clients over the internet for them to see. We can be looking at a designs together on our respective computer screens and conduct a design review meeting to discuss and present ideas in a visual manner.

It is convenient because we can schedule our times to meet without having to prepare for a formal face to face sit down type meeting. Many people like the idea of meeting at all times of the day. Another bonus is that I can send clients a preliminary design for them to review before we actually arrange to discuss it during an online meeting.

Meeting online, (such as GoToMeeting, or WebX) is a big change from the physical meeting format. The "offline" system of coming over to the house, rolling out a plan, and presenting it pressures the client into giving feedback on the spot. The designer's time is precious, and they would prefer you tell them what the next step will be while they are at the meeting rather than have to come back and go over your revisions.

Online meetings save both parties time and money and is often very convenient, allowing actually for more communication because of the ease with which people can use email without feeling like they are intruding as a live phone can do.

This is a brief description of how I work online to provide designs to my clients. Its really not that difficult for the client. The process is also adapted to the extent the client is capable and willing to hook up and use different techologies.

I am always willing to fully explain the process to anyone who has questions about how it works, what their particular situation is like, can I help them with their "unique" circumstance, etc.

You can email me or arrange a phone consultation at john@virtualgardendesigner.com

I believe that design is one of my greatest skills, and I choose not to limit that gift to those who live in my local area. So I have developed an online version of my design services to help those of you who may be in need of any level of design assistance.