Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve compiled a list of questions that I get with some frequency. If you don’t find your answer here, please reach out and we can chat!

Why do you charge for consultations when other landscaping companies will come out for free?

There are certainly landscaping companies that will come out to your property and give you a quote for a project or service, but there’s a large difference between an estimate and a consultation. Estimates make sense for fairly routine and predictable situations, but for plants and gardens, every property is very different. When I visit your site, I want to be able to take the time to discuss in depth and have enough information to give you thoughtful suggestions about what plants will do well in your specific context and other considerations to bear in mind.

Consultations are really at the heart of what I do, and I find for about half of my clients that it’s just what they need to feel confident enough to get started on their own. Even if you know right away that you’re going to want a design or installation, that consultation is still the first step to meet and begin planning your perfect space and it ensures that you’re getting a very personalized experience.

What will I receive after the consultation and how long will it take?

Within approximately 7-10 days after your consultation you’ll receive your follow-up documentation as a PDF via email. It will contain all major items we discussed, so the content will vary depending on our conversation. Typically, you’ll receive about 7-10 pages that address items like your turf and soil conditions, light conditions, concerns of note (water, invasives, pests, etc.), and lots of best practices. You’ll also receive plant recommendations specific to your site (with pictures, of course!), recommended resources, and information about next steps – either how you can move forward on your own, or an estimate for services from me.

What forms of payment do you accept and are what about tax rates and fees?

It’s no secret that payment processing and fees are a whole thing nowadays, not to mention the recent sales tax changes! I try to do the best I can to make it all even out without causing headaches for all of us.

I currently accept cash, checks, credit cards, and Venmo and there are no extra processing fees added at this time. I do offer a cash/check discount for designs and projects that can be viewed on your estimate.

All of my services are taxable per state law, and the applicable sales taxes will be added to all invoices based on your location on the assumption that most documents are delivered digitally and you’ll be taking possession of them in your home. If you pick up documents from my location in the City of Milwaukee, you will be charged the state/county/city taxes of 7.9%.

What does the design process look like? How long will it take?

The design process is different depending on what you need. I offer a number of different options that include photo mock-ups to scale drawings, and often a combination of both. Typically, once an estimate is accepted, there is a deposit collected and I begin work with measurements and additional photos and information-gathering at your site. We will usually go over a couple different concepts and make revisions on those before moving into a final plan and/or an estimate for installation.

Most of the process is conducted via email, google docs, and Zoom, which makes it convenient for everyone, although we may meet on site if that’s needed. Timelines are always included in your estimate, and could range from 2-8 weeks for designs depending on the time of year and the complexity of the design. Installs usually take place from mid-May to early October, and lead times are variable. It’s always best to let me know right away if you’re planning on having me install so I can get you on the schedule.

Do you only recommend native plants? Why or why not?

I don’t. While I absolutely think native plants belong in every landscape, I’m also aware that especially here in SE Wisconsin, we often live in very urban areas that don’t have native soil. We don’t necessarily have the right conditions to have certain native plants thrive. (Many of you also have neighbors and are often the first people on your block to rip out your lawn and want to be good ambassadors for native plant gardening!)

My focus is putting the right plant in the right place so that it will thrive, and if that plant is native, that’s even better. I definitely don’t recommend anything that’s invasive and will certainly urge you to remove your Burning Bushes and Barberries! But I’ll also steer you away from planting native Cranberry Viburnums because I know you’ll need to drench them with insecticide due to the high pressure of Viburnum Leaf Beetle in our area.

There are some native plants that just aren’t appropriate for small urban spaces, and some non-natives that support pollinators like you wouldn’t believe – if you’ve ever seen a White Calamint plant literally shaking with bee activity in late summer you know what I mean!

I also truly take to heart the idea of making a meaningful space for my clients. Sometimes that means you have a native pollinator garden to give back to the butterflies and the bees. Sometimes that means you have the same kind of Hydrangea your grandma had. Usually, it’s a combination of both and it all just works.

Do you sell plants?

Yes! I don’t have a store or nursery for you to stop by, but I do have relationships with many growers and can source most anything for you. I’m happy to put together small assortments of plants to fill in small areas for shade, sun, butterflies, etc.

I am also able to source and deliver the plants for your design for you or your contractor to plant.

Can I work with you if I already have a company that will install my project?

Absolutely! I am happy to create a design that’s handed off to another contractor or company to install. Many contractors that are extremely good at hardscape and installation feel a bit shaky on plant knowledge, especially when it comes to natives! I’ve worked with several clients under this sort of arrangement. The process involved really depends on what your contractor needs to get the job done. Just contact me for more information.