design
Our goal is to create your designs in the most sustainable way possible. We start by incorporating a minimum of 15% or more native plants in every design. We use water-wise plants, and create full gardens that host a diverse array of beneficial insects. We strive toward providing ecosystem services and reducing pollution through features such as rain gardens, native habitat areas, stumps, nurse logs, birdbaths, meadows etc. We encourage participation in the Backyard Habitat Certification program and most of our projects are easily certifiable when installation is complete.
project planning
Planning for your new yard is a crucial step in ensuring your project is a success. It takes time to go through the design process, collect contractor bids and to schedule installations. Most of our projects take 6-12 months from the initial design consultation to final installation. Taking the time to plan for your project ensures we have a plan you love, that can be installed efficiently without costly mistakes
We promise, it will be worth the wait!
We lean on the side of a heavier planting with little to no mulch showing when the garden is mature. From an environmental standpoint a full planting is ideal because it helps shade out weeds, reduces mulch needs, provides better habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife and sequesters more carbon.
seedling design
Just like our plants, all of our projects start as a Seedling and grow based on your needs with our add on Full Bloom Services. Our Seedling Design will take into account year round interest and evergreen garden structure. We also consider access/maintenance, drainage, sun/part sun/shade areas, texture, color, varying heights etc. Throughout this process we ask for your feedback at the different stages of the design so we can create a plan that fits your style, budget and outdoor living needs.
Our Seedling Design starts at $1500
Together we will work through the following steps create your dream outdoor space.
Site Visit
All of our projects start with a site visit or a consultation. Together we will walk your property, assess your site (light, drainage, etc.), review existing plants and garden structure. During this process we like to find out more about your goals for your property. How will you be using your yard? What is your plan on caring for your garden? These are a few sample topics we will cover. In turn the information you provide will help us get a clear picture of your landscape design ideas and dreams.
Property Measurements
We take accurate and complete measurements and use CAD on-site to create your property base map. The base map will show existing structures, features, hardscapes, plants/trees. Elevation profiles will be created at any key points if necessary. We also take a thorough existing plant inventory for plants that can be left as is or are worth transplanting to a better location.
Seedling Design Stages
Concept Plan
In the first Round (Rd 1) we create a Concept drawing based on our discussions with you. This includes the Delineation of planting and hardscape areas. Plants are broken in groups within the design; accompanied by plant photos and ideas.
Detail Plan
In Rd 2 we start by finalizing the layout and features before moving to the Detailed Planting Plan with a numbered plant list with specific plant locations, quantities, botanical names, and common names. During this time we will also finalize the Construction Plan and related documents.
Master Plan
Rd 3 is the final round and includes the Master Plan which is an artistically drawn and numbered planting plan with corresponding Plant list. The Master Plan will take into account any changes discussed since Rd 2 and includes specific plant locations, quantities, botanical names, and common names.
All gardens and gardeners are unique. So we feel that your design plan should be tailored to you and fit your budget. Some of our clients want more visuals and information than others and that is where our add on Full Bloom Services come in.
As you add the services you want, your Seedling Design grows into the perfect plan for you and your budget.
full bloom services
The Green Seed Garden Tour
Let us go over your Rd 1 concept drawing together, in person at The Green Seed Nursery. We will tour the garden and the nursery looking at examples of plants we are considering for your project. Here you will get to look at different types of hardscaping, mulch, rain-gardens, meadowscaping and more. This is an amazing visual opportunity to see newly planted gardens and mature established gardens.
Virtual Presentation
Together online we will review your Rd 2 Detailed Plan. We will use visuals to discuss our ideas, why we selected the plants we did and answer any questions you have about the plants or other aspects of the design. This add-on service allows you to make more informed decisions when providing us feedback about the design at this stage.
On-site Presentation
In person at your property we will discuss Rd 2 Detailed Plan together. On-site we will walk through your property explaining how the 2D plan will translate into your space, the changes we will make and the plants that will stay. We will use visuals to discuss our ideas, why we selected the plants we did and with answer any questions you have about the plants or other aspects of the design.
Corresponding Plant Photos
Need more visuals? Add to your Rd 2 Detailed Plan and Rd 3 Master Plan a folder curated with photos of all plants in the design. All photos will be numbered in correspondence with your plant list.
Winter interest + Evergreen Guide
In Rd 2 and Rd 3 we will provide a color coded guide to your winter garden. This color plan will highlight the location of all evergreen plants in your plan. We use evergreen plants to help with year round interest, screening and garden structure. The design will also include the location of deciduous winter interest plants with features such as red stems or colorful berries.
Bulb + Annual Guide
Like to get your hands dirty in the garden? Adding bulbs and annuals is a great way to add more seasonal color and variety. In Rd 2 and Rd 3 we will include a colored Bulb + Annual guide were we give suggestions for placement and species of bulbs and annuals to consider.