Frequently Asked Questions

We primarily serve Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Timnath, Wellington, and Laporte — all within a 25-minute drive of Fort Collins. We also take on projects in Greeley, Berthoud, and Johnstown on a case-by-case basis. If you are not sure whether we serve your area, just ask — we are happy to let you know.

Native plants are at the core of what we do, but we are not dogmatic about it. Our designs are primarily built around Colorado native species because they perform best in our climate, use less water, and support local ecosystems. However, we also incorporate well-adapted non-native species when they serve the design — things like Feather Reed Grass or Blue Avena Grass that thrive here without becoming invasive. Every plant we choose earns its place.

Xeriscaping is a design approach focused on reducing water use — it can include native plants, adapted non-natives, gravel, and hardscape. Native plant landscaping specifically uses plants indigenous to your region, which happen to be water-wise because they evolved here. Our approach combines both: we design water-wise landscapes using primarily native species, giving you the best of both worlds — low water use and ecological value.

We do not offer traditional lawn mowing or turf maintenance. What we do offer is lawn replacement — converting water-hungry bluegrass into beautiful native grass lawns using species like Buffalo Grass or Blue Grama. These native alternatives need little to no mowing and use up to 75% less water than traditional turf. If you are interested in reducing your lawn maintenance, we would love to discuss your options.

Absolutely. The City of Fort Collins and several Northern Colorado water districts offer rebates for replacing traditional turf with water-wise landscaping. We are familiar with the application process and requirements, and we can help you document your project for rebate eligibility. Many of our clients have received rebates that offset a meaningful portion of their project cost.

It starts with a free on-site consultation where I walk your property, assess soil, sun, drainage, and existing conditions, and listen to your goals. From there, I create a custom planting plan with every species mapped and explained. You review the design, we refine it together, and once approved, I source plants through our wholesale nursery license and schedule installation. The whole process from consultation to planting typically takes 3 to 6 weeks depending on the season.

Most residential installations take 1 to 3 days depending on the size and complexity of the project. A small front bed transformation can often be completed in a single day. A full front-and-back-yard native landscape might take 3 to 5 days. We will give you a specific timeline during the design phase so there are no surprises.

Yes. We stand behind every plant we install with a one-year warranty against defect or failure under normal care conditions. If a plant does not survive its first year and you have followed the care guidelines we provide, we will replace it at no charge. This warranty reflects our confidence in both our plant sourcing and our installation methods.

During the first year, our warranty covers replacement at no cost to you, provided the care guidelines were followed. After the first year, we are still here to help — we can diagnose what went wrong, recommend a replacement species if conditions have changed, and install a new plant at a reasonable cost. Native gardens are living systems, and occasional losses are normal even in the best-designed landscapes.

Of course — this is your garden. I will always present a recommended plant palette based on your site conditions, but I welcome your input. If there is a specific plant you love, I will tell you honestly whether it will thrive in your conditions. If it will, we will find a way to work it in. If it will not, I will suggest the closest native alternative that gives you the look you want with the performance you need.

Projects vary widely based on size, plant density, soil work, and design complexity. A small front bed transformation typically starts around $2,500 to $4,000. A full front yard native landscape ranges from $6,000 to $15,000. Comprehensive front-and-back-yard projects can range from $12,000 to $30,000 or more. Every project gets a detailed, transparent estimate — no hidden costs or surprises.

Yes. Every project begins with a free on-site consultation where I assess your property and discuss your goals. After that visit, you will receive a detailed written estimate that breaks down every cost — design, plants, materials, labor, and any soil amendments. There is no obligation, and we are happy to answer any questions about the proposal.

We accept checks, credit cards, ACH bank transfers, and Venmo. For larger projects, we offer a structured payment schedule: typically 50% at contract signing to secure your spot on our schedule and order plants, and the remaining 50% upon completion of installation. We are flexible and happy to discuss a payment arrangement that works for you.

Yes, we require a 50% deposit when you approve your design and sign the project agreement. This deposit covers plant ordering — since we source through our wholesale nursery license, plants are ordered specifically for your project and are not returnable. The remaining balance is due upon completion. For maintenance programs, we invoice monthly with no deposit required.

Yes, but far less than traditional landscapes. Native gardens do not need fertilizing, rarely need pesticides, and use dramatically less water. However, they do benefit from seasonal care — spring cutbacks, occasional weeding (especially in the first two years while plants establish), mulch refreshing, and fall cleanup. Think of it as gentle stewardship rather than constant labor.

For an established native garden, 3 to 5 visits per year is typically sufficient. New gardens in their first two years may need monthly attention during the growing season to stay on top of weeding and watering while plants establish their root systems. Our maintenance programs are designed around these needs — from our 3-visit Steward plan to our 7-visit Partner plan.

Spring maintenance includes cutting back dormant grasses and perennials, removing winter debris, and assessing plant health after winter. Summer visits focus on deadheading, weed management, and checking irrigation. Fall care involves selective pruning, final mulching, and leaving seed heads for winter bird forage and visual interest. Each visit includes a plant health assessment and a summary of what was done and what to watch for.

The earlier the better. Our holiday season calendar begins filling in late summer, and the most popular installation dates in late November and early December book first. We recommend reaching out by September to ensure your preferred dates and the best selection of materials. Returning clients who rebook for the following year get first priority.

We provide everything. Fresh-cut greenery, trees, wreaths, garlands, ornaments, ribbons, lighting, containers — all sourced and curated by us. Because I am a licensed wholesale nursery operator, I have direct access to premium botanical materials at wholesale prices. You do not need to buy or store a single thing. If you have heirloom ornaments or sentimental pieces you want incorporated, we are happy to weave them into the design.

Yes — complete removal and cleanup is included in every holiday decorating package. We schedule takedown in early January (or at your preferred date), carefully remove all installations, and leave your home exactly as it was before. If you have reusable elements like special ornaments or artificial accents, we can catalog and store them for the following year.

Yes, we work with businesses throughout Northern Colorado — restaurants, offices, retail stores, hotels, and event venues. Commercial installations are typically done after hours or on weekends to minimize disruption. We also offer multi-location programs for businesses with several properties and annual contracts with year-over-year design evolution to keep things fresh.