Planting
Planting that is chosen for the site and set out in season
A border should look planned in its first year and settled by its third. We choose plants for the light, the soil and the maintenance you want, and set them out when the weather helps them root.
What is included
A planting plan by bed, listing every plant and its spacing
Trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs from our own suppliers
Soil preparation and mulch
Watering instructions for each bed
A check on every planting after its first season
How it works
From the first visit to the finished work
- 01
Step 1: Site visit
We look at the light, the soil and the plants already there, and ask how much care you want to give.
- 02
Step 2: Planting plan
Each bed gets a drawn plan: plants, spacing, bloom through the year and winter structure.
- 03
Step 3: Ground preparation
We clear, amend the soil, set edges and, where needed, lay drip lines before planting.
- 04
Step 4: Planting and mulch
Plants go in to the plan, are watered in and mulched, and the watering plan is written out.
When it is done
Two planting windows
In the Mid-Atlantic, spring and fall suit most trees, shrubs and perennials. Summer planting is limited to what holds up in heat.
Winter
Planting plans drawn and plants reserved at the nursery.
Spring
Perennials and shrubs once the soil can be worked, usually from April.
Summer
Containers and watering checks. New beds are watered by schedule.
Fall
Trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs, with time to root before winter.
Sample work
Borders, beds and screens
Sample photos.
Questions
About this work
What do you plant in shade?
Hydrangeas, ferns, hostas, woodland perennials and native understory shrubs, depending on the soil. The plan lists each plant's light needs.
Do you replace plants that fail?
The proposal states what we replace and for how long, and what is excluded, such as damage from drought or pets.
How much watering will a new bed need?
A new bed needs regular watering for its first season. We write the schedule for each bed and set up drip lines where it helps.
Walk the site with us
We take measurements, listen to how you use the garden and agree what to draw first.