Landscape Design
I'll work with you to develop an ecologically sound design that meets your needs.
1) At our first meeting, we'll discuss how you now use your yard, how you could get more out of your yard, what you'd like to keep, and what you'd like to change. I'll evaluate the soil and the site to determine the best types of plants for your landscape and we'll bounce ideas around about the form and composition of your new garden. At this meeting, you'll decide if you want to move forward with a design.
2) In about a week, I'll have an initial design for you. We'll meet again to walk the yard and visualize how it would look. We'll discuss the species selections and any changes you'd like to make.
3) In another week or so, I'll get back to you with a final plan (in person or virtually, depending on the extent of the changes).
4) If you wish, I can order and arrange delivery of the plants (and irrigation, hardscape, mulch, etc. as desired) and select a contractor(s) to install the plants, etc. On delivery, I'll place the plants in the correct spots for installation and work briefly with the crew if needed, but won't be present the whole time.
5) After installation is complete, we'll have a final walk-through and discuss establishment and maintenance of your new native landscape.
Design cost is based on the size and complexity of the project, but typically is between $900 and $2000.
1) At our first meeting, we'll discuss how you now use your yard, how you could get more out of your yard, what you'd like to keep, and what you'd like to change. I'll evaluate the soil and the site to determine the best types of plants for your landscape and we'll bounce ideas around about the form and composition of your new garden. At this meeting, you'll decide if you want to move forward with a design.
2) In about a week, I'll have an initial design for you. We'll meet again to walk the yard and visualize how it would look. We'll discuss the species selections and any changes you'd like to make.
3) In another week or so, I'll get back to you with a final plan (in person or virtually, depending on the extent of the changes).
4) If you wish, I can order and arrange delivery of the plants (and irrigation, hardscape, mulch, etc. as desired) and select a contractor(s) to install the plants, etc. On delivery, I'll place the plants in the correct spots for installation and work briefly with the crew if needed, but won't be present the whole time.
5) After installation is complete, we'll have a final walk-through and discuss establishment and maintenance of your new native landscape.
Design cost is based on the size and complexity of the project, but typically is between $900 and $2000.
Landscape Consultation
Do you want to integrate natives into an existing landscape? Do you have a concept or design already and want a professional opinion? Or do you have a native garden that's in need of some rejuvenation? Let's meet and talk it over. The cost is $90 per hour, including one-way driving time to your home.
Installation
If clients have an existing gardener or a contractor that they like, I am happy to work with them and show them how to plant natives to best promote their survival (see #4 under Landscape Design, above). I also work with an experienced landscaper who can install any hardscape (walkways, stream beds, etc.) before planting. We'll both work together on planting day to assure that your native plants are in the right spot and have the best chance of survival. The cost is $55 / $45 per hour.
This service is available only to clients for whom I have created a design.
This service is available only to clients for whom I have created a design.
Maintenance
Native plants require far less effort to maintain than a lawn or subtropical species not suited to our climate -- they don't need fertilizer and are less prone to disease, for example. I provide my clients with basic information about care for the plants in their design, but I encourage them to continue tapping my knowledge to assure that their plants thrive and develop into the beautiful, functioning landscape that we envisioned.
I offer a one-year maintenance contract that includes quarterly visits where I will assess your plants' health, check on the watering regime, and do any weeding, pruning, or other activity needed. The purpose of this is to demonstrate when and how to care for your plants to assure a good-looking landscape into the future. It's not hard -- maintenance is mostly weeding and watering -- but sometimes you need support to get started. The cost per year varies with the complexity of your design, but should come out to roughly $55 - 75 per hour.
Or just call me when you want for preventative or remedial care ($75/hour).
I offer a one-year maintenance contract that includes quarterly visits where I will assess your plants' health, check on the watering regime, and do any weeding, pruning, or other activity needed. The purpose of this is to demonstrate when and how to care for your plants to assure a good-looking landscape into the future. It's not hard -- maintenance is mostly weeding and watering -- but sometimes you need support to get started. The cost per year varies with the complexity of your design, but should come out to roughly $55 - 75 per hour.
Or just call me when you want for preventative or remedial care ($75/hour).
What about rebates?
San Diego County Water Authority and your local water agency are offering to pay at least $3 per square foot to replace your lawn with drought tolerant species. This rebate program takes a more environmentally-sound approach than past incentives to just "kill your lawn." and consequently there's been less demand. If you have a suitable site, I can prepare the application package as part of your design, for an additional $200. SDWCA has a lot of good resources for you to explore; these can help inform you about key issues and better prepare you before meeting with me.