When selecting or editing plants for a garden space, I prioritize native and pollinator-friendly options and suggest native alternatives to common non-native choices. This approach works beautifully in naturalistic designs but can also be adapted for more formal plantings. 

Have unused lawn or land that you'd like to use for maximum carbon sequestration, biodiversity / ecosystem support with this unique planting strategy aimed at building forest-like ecosystems as quickly as possible. Learn more....

I can help you add food to your landscaping this, from herb borders, fruit tree additions, a mushroom bed or a full front-yard re-visioning. Planning a productive space can be a long-term project, and fall/winter is the best time for planning new spaces, but there are steps that can be taken year round in this process. 

You know it needs help but you're not sure where to start. I will assess your garden and tackle common problems, such as overgrowth, dead plants, large weeds, and invasive species. No planning is necessary, though I'm happy to chat if you have specific needs, and/or discuss how to repurpose existing plants to maximize what you already have. Depending on the size and state of your gardens, we can discuss a reasonable time cap. Often just 2-4 hours of my time is enough to see a real difference. 

Looking for an edit, update or something to fill an empty spot? I can help move the process forward quickly with quick, intentionally low-fidelity visualization. I begin with a photo of the space, and then  layer in hand-sketched plants in the approximate shape and tone of what might work. The idea is to illustrate talking points for the possibilities and establish initial planting goals. This low-cost, efficient approach is a great way to skip the traditional design process and get a feel for what could work in your garden.

Let me help fill your space with the perfect plants! I can source and install plants from local contractor-only nurseries & my own garden right away, or select bare-root trees, seasonal bulbs and more from trusted online suppliers, pooling together orders when possible to take advantage of volume discounts. I prioritize economical options and keep an eye out for relevant sales to provide you with the best value.

For shrubs, I avoid hedge trimmers, as they damage branches and encourage tip growth, leading to frequent trims in an endless cycle. Instead, I aim to re-size and re-shape following more natural growth patterns. I can work through issue of "flop" by leveraging the laws of physics, in addition to those of biology. I'm also happy to discuss the tools and techniques I use to achieve long-lasting results.

Struggling with invasive vines, garlic mustard, or the like? I can help both with the (wo)man power, as well as some creative defensive strategies, such as using aggressive natives to crowd them out. 

Need a shrub transplanted? Some mid-sized boulders re-located? I may be a middle-aged woman, but I'm strong, crafty, and happy to help out with the stuff that is not quite big enough to bring in a full-service landscaping crew. 

Are you a gardener but don't have enough hours in the day to do it all? Traveling? Injured? Not sure who to trust with your plants? Let me help. I can come on an hourly basis and work through a set task list, or simply as a longer version of my "tune-up" service. (These are my children - they are teenagers now and don't help much, but you get the idea)

Have an empty space where a garden could be growing? Just completed a construction project and need to start from scratch? You can either choose to let me select and plant a selection of ecologically beneficial, easy-care plants within a set budget. Or we can work through a more involved visualization and planning process to best meet your needs. 

Many gardens have both empty spaces and areas that are crowded with mature plants. I can help leverage the resources you may already have either with specific suggestions or creative license. Note that most plants do not like to be moved or divided during the summer, when we are most likely to be thinking about what we want where, unfortunately. This is a task best done in fall or early spring, depening on the plant.