Beyond advocating beautiful, science-based and ecologically-friendly plant care techniques, I design and build commercial and home garden landscapes for customers. I’ve lived and worked in several regions but I’m currently based in Denver, Colorado, where I grew up.
When I work with clients, I get to know them and understand their interests and goals. I can meet a range of needs and aesthetic preferences, from modern minimalism to profuse and naturalistic gardens. However, I have special knowledge and experience in planting for drought resilience, low maintenance needs, attracting wildlife, stonescapes, and high-use designs with paths and multiple beds for people who like to spend a lot of time outdoors enjoying their garden.
The process
Initial consultation
Building good gardens is a process, and good working relationship starts with a friendly conversation. I’m happy to talk to people free of charge to advocate eco-friendly and science-based techniques, and explain why I prefer certain landscape practices over others. It’s also helpful for homeowners or property managers to understand their options, learn some useful vocabulary, and get some preliminary ideas for designs that will be suitable and attractive.
Deciding on scope
While some homeowners are looking for a comprehensive plan from the get-go, others want to start with a specific area and enjoy the benefits before they commit to more. As an eco-conscious gardener, I’m also happy to work within existing landscapes and preserve established trees and plants. A plan begins with physical boundaries, a timeline, and an understanding of your budget and needs. We can always grow from there!
Site visit
Before any formal planning begins, I visit a site, talk to the resident or owner, and get an understanding of how they use the space or how they’d like to use it. I also pay attention to the light levels, soil type and impacts of roots from nearby trees. I’ll want to know what kinds of landscapes you enjoy—both natural and manmade—and how long you plan to be in the residence so I understand how much to focus on instant beauty vs long-term value. Finally, we want to come up with a plan that suits the aesthetic of the home or building and the broader neighborhood. In addition to providing me with useful information, the site visit helps us build a good working relationship.
Formal design plan
After I have a good understanding of the project, we can agree on the fee I’ll use to create a comprehensive plan. I’ll draw a design blueprint, create a list of plants, set a construction timeline, and offer basic instructions for maintenance. When you receive your plan, the design is yours—you can choose to build out part or all of it yourself or work with any builder to install it. If you do hire me to build out your garden, the design fee is deductible from your installation costs. I recommend requesting a comprehensive design plan for an entire yard or property even if we’ll only be working on a section of it.
Construction
Depending on your plan, the build-out can be immediate or it may take time since certain plants are only available at certain times of year. For example, deciduous trees and bulbs are best planted in fall, while many perennials are widely available in the spring and summer. Hardscapes—stone, mulch and other permanent features—can be installed any time of year, even winter, weather permitting. When I visit a site to work on it, you’re free to help out or learn about the plants; I love to teach and get you inspired about your garden!
Billing
For an extended construction plan, I start with an initial deposit, and bill for completed work at the end of each month, allowing the project to proceed as your budget allows. That process also allows for more flexibility—clients often want to expand the project after the first round of planting is complete!
Follow-up
After a garden is fully installed, I’m available for checkups to make sure everything is growing properly. I can help you understand what your garden is doing, add additional plants, make changes, and troubleshoot.
Contact Me
Text me at 720-927-9247 or email me with the form below.