Will you install non-native plants?

Yes, but we require that 70% of all installed plants are native to ensure that our gardens are creating habitat for wildlife.

Will you install native plants in existing non-native gardens?

Absolutely, we are always happy to add natives to a more traditional non-native garden.

I already worked with you on design - do I need another consultation?

No! As our design client, we'll move directly to creating your installation estimate using our existing site knowledge and completed design. No additional consultation needed.

Why do you typically use glyphosate (roundup) for site preparation?

We use targeted glyphosate applications because it's the most effective method for ensuring your new plants succeed, with minimal environmental impact due to its 3-day breakdown period. Furthermore, it is more cost-effective (less labor), which allows you to complete the project for less money or add more plants.

What are the downsides to sheet mulching or solarization for site preparation?

The biggest downside is that they both require more time. Sheet mulching can take up to 2 years before you know if the old vegetation is fully smothered. Solarization takes at least a full summer and is only effective in full sun areas. Additionally, there is some debate about the harm that they cause to the soil microbiome.

Do you warranty your plants?

No, we don't provide a warranty. This is mainly due to the number of factors that are out of our control post installation, which include aftercare (watering, weeding, physical damage, etc.) and extreme weather conditions.

How long does installation take?

This varies depending on the size of the project and the weather. The site preparation phase typically takes 1 to 3 months, but typically only involves a few days of active work. Most of the time is spent waiting for existing vegetation to die and waiting for new growth to emerge from unharmed roots before applying a subsequent herbicide application. For the actual installation, a small pollinator garden or foundation planting update could take 2-4 days to complete while a more comprehensive front yard renovation could take 2-3 weeks.

What's the best time of year to install?

In the Southeast, due to our mild winters, the hot dry summers are the limiting factor for plant growth. For this reason, our preferred seasons for installations in order of preference are Fall, Winter and Spring. The benefit of a Fall or winter installation is that it gives plants more time for their roots to establish prior to the arrival of summer heat/drought stress. The downside to a Fall or Winter planting is that plant availability is often not as good as the Spring. Additionally, warm season grasses do better with early Fall or late Spring installations.

How does the time of year impact site preparation?

Herbicide applications are only absorbed by a plant if the plant is growing. For this reason, herbicide applications are most effective when separate applications are applied across a mild season (Spring/Fall) and a warm season (summer) to kill off both cool and warm season weeds. Herbicide treatments are generally less effective in the winter. Winter site prep is best for only mildly weed infested areas where physical removal is possible.

Can I make changes once installation starts?

Yes, changes can be made to the planting plan after the installation starts. However, if the scope of the changes requires additional labor, plants or materials, additional charges may apply.

Do you install plants I purchase elsewhere?

Yes, we are happy to install plants that you purchase elsewhere. That being said, we are confident in the quality of plants supplied by our growers and generally find that it's more cost effective for us to source the plants when taking into account time and ability to find the exact plants that you are looking for.

Can you work around existing landscaping?

Absolutely, we never like to remove plants unnecessarily and are therefore fine working around your existing plants during the installation process.