In The Garden: SUMMER

What things do people need to keep in mind if they want to incorporate a new or unusual material into their garden design? 

Go for it! That is what makes this so much fun - the possibility of incorporating the unexpected. Make sure the material will be able to handle the wet and freezing weather. If it is really out there do a little test area. And when all is said and done and it doesn't look like you imagined, don't underestimate the power of plant material - it can really hide a lot of mistakes.  

Why should people hire a pro to design and put in their garden rather than doing it themselves?

It is more for all the foundation work of a landscape - leveling and grading, irrigation, soil amending, and project flow. If you don't do these basics correctly it will be obvious once the rains start.  Also, if you are not implementing and ordering materials at the right times or in the right amounts, then efficiency becomes a factor. In the end it may cost you more if you do it yourself, especially if you end up re-doing the work. At the  very least we recommend you hire a pro for a consultation on what steps you should be taking and when. If you really would like to be involved physically, say that up front and offer to work with the crew or plant pallet designer so you do learn.