Thoughtful, minimal maintenance designs

Design plans outline the design vision, planting design approach, plant selection, and preparation details for your space.

A plant image slideshow is provided, organized by plant type, growing condition, and bloom succession. 

The design process includes a design and site assessment meeting, a questionnaire, soil testing, sun mapping, an evaluation of existing plants, and two reviews based on feedback. 

For some spaces, it is best to begin preparation work before design work.

Growing, sourcing, and delivering plants

Our designs focus on creating balanced native plant communities in order to build resilience and lower maintenance needs. Layered and abundant plantings will best achieve this. To be cost-effective, we recommend planting plugs.

Plugs are small, young plants. They are typically only a few inches tall, but have strong, healthy root systems.

We custom grow native plants in our own micro-nursery. We also source plants from specialist nurseries in Ontario and Quebec.

Most designs recommend an average of 1.2 to 2 plants per square foot. Plug costs start at $3 to $5. Larger plants are available as well for quicker establishment.

Preparing your space for new plantings

Preparation may include removing existing plants, expanding garden beds, suppressing or removing sod, installing rain gardens, diverting downspouts, creating paths, adding soil amendments, and installing edging.

For some types of preparation, we work closely with specialized sub-contractors such as arborists and hard landscapers.

A one-time bark mulch application will be recommended after preparation or after installation. Arborist wood chips may also be recommended for woodland gardens.

In-situ design and planting

Final design decisions are made on site. We lay out plants to visualize the planting design and make micro-adjustments.

This approach blends the ecological needs of each plant species with the artistry of planting design, resulting in a design that feels authentic and deeply connected to its place.

Two follow up visits and a garden care guide on short-term and long-term stewardship are included.

For existing clients, post-installation, establishment, and annual maintenance is available.

Design management is also available beyond the establishment phase to gently manage and refine plantings as needed.