From wilder backyard meadows and semi-formal foundation beds, to designed front yard conversions,
we work with acreage and suburban home owners as well as schools and businesses
to increase their landscape's ecological and sustainable function.
Our design strategy is to use younger, smaller plants and more of them. Why do we take this unique approach?
  1. You'll have a fuller, lusher garden in the same amount of time -- or sooner -- and at the same or lesser expense as larger plants spaced unnaturally far apart.
  2. You'll have lower maintenance over time as living green mulch (plant layers) does the work of labor-intensive wood mulch.
  3. You'll witness a self-sustaining ecosystem that evolves and changes from year to year, delighting you anew as the wild-inspired dynamic develops just as nature intended.
We're not into amending clay soil; many prairie natives actually prefer "nasty" clay, having evolved with it. We work hard to match plants to the site and to each other while introducing you to plants that have significant wildlife value. We specialize in straight species natives (non hybrids) to ensure  pollinator and insect success.

By mixing plants with varying root systems and leaf structure, our gardens amend soil, store atmospheric carbon, clean water, and increase rainfall penetration -- all while out-competing weeds over time and ensuring wildlife can complete their life cycles.
Process

1)  We will meet with you in your landscape to discuss your goals, vision, and requirements. The standard consulting rate applies of $75 per hour in Lincoln and $150 per hour for locations 20 or more miles from downtown Lincoln (including Omaha). This fee is refunded or provided gratis if you sign a design contract with us.

2)  Each design contract requires a nonrefundable 50% deposit for the plant material. Once the deposit is received we will initiate the plant order and provide a tentative schedule for your plant delivery or garden installation. All landscapes are designed on site, which provides several benefits: 1) we can provide a more authentic fit to your home as we are artfully inspired by being on the site in the creative moment; 2) we can more accurately connect to and borrow from nearby habitats and vistas; 3) you can participate in any last minute changes. All plants are thoughtfully chosen and laid out according to how they will interact with and support one another over time as the space evolves.

3)  We can deliver plants and lay them out for you to install, or you may have us install the garden. The best months to establish a new garden are usually May to June and September to October. Site management services are also available to protect your investment and ensure the garden's success, especially in the first year or two when weed control and design-tweaking are often necessary if not crucial.
First Year Consults

As part of your initial investment and our commitment to your success, we’ll schedule 2+ complimentary consults at your request during your garden’s very important first year if you go ahead and install our design. We’ll walk the landscape with you to identify weeds and discuss watering or mulching, as well as other management practices like cutting down the garden in spring and thinning seedlings. Together, we’ll see your landscape through the rough adolescence and into its establishment phase over 3-4 years. This early TLC will result in significant payoffs as soon as the second year. And of course, we're always available by email or text and reply within 24 hours.
Garden Management

​By their very nature gardens need attention. Our landscapes tend to need far less, but care is often required to ensure a continued return on your investment. In the critical first years after your installation you may also hire us to manage weeds, remove unwanted seedlings to maintain the design aesthetic, and tweak or re-imagine any elements that need updating. Contact us as needed or set up a monthly or annual plan tailored to your garden. Management plan costs are dependent on frequency and scope. 
Garden Costs

Depending on the size, scope, and estimated time our fees vary. Generally, projects start around $4,000 for a small front yard and can reach well into the five figures. The main cost will be for plant material.
Long Distance

We've worked with clients  across the Midwest and East Coast. Fees are based on consulting time via video conferencing, email, phone, and materials you can provide to facilitate the design process. We can also travel to your site.
Included in Design Portfolio

design methodology
plant guide with images and growth information
wildlife use of each plant
management & install guide
resource list for further reading & education
helpful FAQ
all documents delivered electronically
Other Costs to Consider

Plant Material
For a typical urban home landscape the cost is highly dependent on your specific site and goals. We often employ a combination of seeding and planting to both reduce costs on larger projects and to maintain ecological sustainability. We source your plants as regionally as possible, while most are open-pollinated, straight species plants adapted to the climate.

Installation Labor
We will provide a dedicated crew to ensure proper placement of all plants while working with you and other contractors for proper site preparation. We are always grateful to consult with any hardscapers in the planning and design of landscape features.

Hardscapes
If you hire someone to build a new sidewalk, retaining wall, fire pit, pergola, patio and / or rework the grade. Costs are dependent on scope and materials used.

Garden Management
We’ll work with you as a consultant or perform the management of your new space for you. Services offered include spring cut downs, thinning, filling in, and light weeding.

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