I have found breaking it into phases works well. One issue with that is customers aren’t so excited about the drainage and infrastructure stuff that needs to be done to lay the ground work for future projects.

Start by arranging a meeting where you can actively listen to their needs and desires. Instead of saying "no" to their ideas, acknowledge their vision and suggest cost-effective alternatives, such as using economical materials or adjusting design elements. Be transparent about budget limitations and explain how you can achieve similar results within a more manageable cost. Additionally, emphasize the importance of sustainable design choices, showing how they not only align with their goals but also offer long-term savings and environmental benefits. This approach allows you to meet client expectations while maintaining financial feasibility.

Als Dienstleister istes unsere pflicht die bedürfnisse der Kunden umzusetzen allerdings gibt es immer möglickeit zur optimierung bezüglich Materialkosten oder abbläufe um Geld zu sparen. So wie auch eine Etappen planung des gartens so zugestalten das man am neuen Gartenbereich nichts mehr ändern muss.

Dealing with this requires you to inform them of both the initial construction and ongoing maintenance costs. We find that clients just want to repeat something they have seen at a project they want to emulate and don't consider its suitability for their site/needs. Question them and find out why they want the extravagance. Is there something driving this that can be achieved in a more strategic or cost sensitive way? Then discuss that the money required for what they want doesn't stop with opening day. Landscape, fountains, etc., all need maintenance and a skilled staffing at commensurate levels to the design type and complexity. Remind them that if they aren't willing to support it properly, scale it back to a level that is manageable.