Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.

Vincent van Gogh

Little Things Garden Design is just a little different than your typical landscaping company.

I am focused on helping you create a space that brings you joy, abundance, and above all – confidence that you are a fully capable steward of the land you are entrusted to care for.

I’ve intentionally chosen my primary service area to focus on the City and County of Milwaukee because I believe in keeping things small and local – it’s where I live after all! While “landscaping” tends to thrive in the suburbs and beyond, I think there’s a special way that people in the city relate to their plants and yards (every precious square foot of them!) and that’s my vibe too.

I do not provide:

  • Lawn Care/Mowing and Trimming
  • Hardscape (patios, pavers, walls, etc.) Installation or Design
  • Tree Planting/Removal/Trimming
  • Snow Removal
  • One-off services like mulching, edging or spring/fall clean up that aren’t part of a larger project

There are countless local companies that do provide these services – check out the Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association to find the company that’s right for you.

Site Consultations

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A site consultation is at the heart of what I do, and should be the first real step of any garden or landscape venture. Consulting with a professional can help avoid expensive mistakes, like putting the wrong plants in the wrong places and needing to start over when those plants fail.

My process begins with a online pre-visit analysis that allows you to express your needs and desires and helps determine the direction of our conversation. Then, we’ll meet for up to 45 minutes at your site to address your questions, concerns, and needs. Some common questions covered during these visits are:

Where should I locate my garden/new bed for best results?

What is this plant? How do I prune it?

What can I grow in this spot that will do well?

Are there plants that will work in my yard that attract pollinators?

What are my options/possible next steps?

Site consultations begin at $100 + tax (in the City of Milwaukee – see current pricing here) and include the pre-visit analysis, and post-visit followup documentation of my recommendations. You may be offered further services, including design or installation, at the completion of the visit.

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Landscape Design

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A landscape design is a valuable planning and reference document for installing plants and other features, whether you do it yourself or have it installed by someone else.

My services include a variety of methods and tools that range from digital picture mock-ups to full drafted designs. A plan could be as small as one planting bed, or as extensive as your entire yard. As a general rule, the larger the project, the more stages there are in the process and the longer it takes. Your plan may include more general conceptual and framework designs with feedback and revisions before a final design can be produced.

All plans regardless of size include a site analysis, specific plants/quantities, and important notes for planting.

Design work is billed hourly with a 2 hour minimum and requires a consultation. Click below to book a consult and get started.

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Installations

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Depending on the size and complexity of your project, it may be possible to install your planting project for you. Plants will be planted correctly, watered in, and maintenance information will be provided.

Costs vary depending on the size of your project and plant/materials availability. You will be provided with an estimate if your project is a good fit.

For larger more complex projects, or if scheduling doesn’t allow, it’s possible to have another contractor install your design. I can assist with finding the right company and even oversee the planting if desired.

Small installations are offered by estimate as time allows. A consultation is required before any estimate will be offered. Click below to schedule and get started!

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Plant Selection + Layout

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I provide plant selection and layout services! There are a variety of reasons you might want to take advantage of this.

1. Not everyone likes to buy plants or knows what they’re looking for! As much as we “plant people” love nothing more than checking out every aisle of the garden center or nursery, I know it can be totally overwhelming to make decisions when picking out plant material. Whether you simply don’t have the time or energy, or you want to take the guess work out of knowing whether the plant you picked up is the right cultivar or looks healthy, I can select your plants for you and bring them to your site.

2. Take the anxiety out of spacing your design correctly! If you are planting yourself, I can layout your plants in advance with proper placement and spacing to ensure they’re in the right spots. Then you can simply plant them and be confident the design will turn out as planned.

Plant selection/purchase and layout services costs depend on the specific plants and quantities required. Please contact me for details.

Native Plant Maintenance and Pruning

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While not a maintenance company per se, I am open to ongoing maintenance relationships for properties that are a good fit! In particular, if you have a native plant garden or naturalized area, maintenance services are a possibility.

I also provide pruning services (both dormant and corrective) on shrubs and small trees (under 12′) for all types of plants.

These services are usually offered at an hourly rate – contact me for a quote!

Foodscaping and Permaculture

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Landscaping with food? Yep!

Whether you’re looking for some traditional raised bed and/or in ground gardens or would like to integrate edibles into your ornamental plantings, we’ve got you covered!

Interested in food forests, guilds, or other permaculture-based planting strategies? Me too! Let’s get Milwaukee on the map and start revolutionizing our food system!

Start this process with a consultation today!

Containers + Annuals

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Seasonal arrangements for your containers and annual plantings are available 2-3 times a year.

Prices vary depending on the number of planters/containers, and whether containers need to be purchased as well.

Please contact me for details or follow me on facebook or instagram to see announcements and pricing when these are available!

Virtual Services

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Virtual consultations, designs, and coaching are available! Just contact me for more details and availability.

Education + Workshops

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Some previous topics have included:

  • Pollinator and Butterfly Gardens
  • Edible Landscaping
  • What to Look For During Site Analysis

Costs and subject matter vary. Please contact me if there’s a particular topic or event you’d like to discuss, or if you’re interested in having me speak to your organization.