My Services

I specialize in  drought-tolerant, low-maintenance perennial gardens, edible gardens, and adventure gardens for kids. 

 

Consultations 

New garden consultation  I can visit and assess your yard, listen to your wants and needs, and offer site-specific advice ranging from general design suggestions to a comprehensive drawing and plant list.

Existing garden consultation  Whether you’re in a new house and don’t know what plants are already in your garden, or you already garden but just need a few tips to really make your design come together, I can help.

Monthly maintenance schedule  I can catalogue your plants and make a customized schedule to help you make your garden the best it can be.  Suggestions will include basic gardening techniques, where and when to plant, what tools to use, how to care for your plants and soil, and watering, winterizing and otherwise protecting your garden.

My fees are $75/hr for the first hour, and $50/hr for subsequent hours, for all coaching services.  Some clients hire me for a one-time visit, some clients have me back once or twice a year to provide advice while they implement major garden changes, while others will have the initial one hour visit and then ask me to produce drawings and/or lists of suggested plants for their garden.  If you're interested in drawings or lists, we can discuss costs at the time of the initial consultation, as cost will depend on size of your yard, density of planting, and amount of detail you require.

I will also be available to answer questions by e-mail for one year after the consultation.

If you would like help developing your urban paradise, email me (link on the left of this page) for more details.

Please browse the site pages and categories for ideas and information you can use, or add your own useful tips in the comments sections. 

I specialize in  drought-tolerant, low-maintenance perennial gardens, edible gardens, and adventure gardens for kids. 

 

Consultations 

New garden consultation  I can visit and assess your yard, listen to your wants and needs, and offer site-specific advice ranging from general design suggestions to a comprehensive drawing and plant list.

Existing garden consultation  Whether you’re in a new house and don’t know what plants are already in your garden, or you already garden but just need a few tips to really make your design come together, I can help.

Monthly maintenance schedule  I can catalogue your plants and make a customized schedule to help you make your garden the best it can be.  Suggestions will include basic gardening techniques, where and when to plant, what tools to use, how to care for your plants and soil, and watering, winterizing and otherwise protecting your garden.

My fees are $75/hr for the first hour, and $50/hr for subsequent hours, for all coaching services.  Some clients hire me for a one-time visit, some clients have me back once or twice a year to provide advice while they implement major garden changes, while others will have the initial one hour visit and then ask me to produce drawings and/or lists of suggested plants for their garden.  If you're interested in drawings or lists, we can discuss costs at the time of the initial consultation, as cost will depend on size of your yard, density of planting, and amount of detail you require.

I will also be available to answer questions by e-mail for one year after the consultation.

If you would like help developing your urban paradise, email me (link on the left of this page) for more details.

Please browse the site pages and categories for ideas and information you can use, or add your own useful tips in the comments sections. 

Comments

[Himika Varma]

Hi GardenCoach,

I have just bought a house with a beautiful garden. Unfortunately, the mulch is rotting and infested with slugs. Everywhere i overturn the mulch, there are slugs, centipedes and caterpillars (and several bugs i don't know names of). Should I remove the complete mulch and put in new one?
Please help !!
Thanks
Himika

[Chantal Barchard]

Hi Janice - I am having trouble getting your e-mail address when I click your "e-mail me" link. Can you please e-mail me? I am interested in a consultation for my existing garden. Thanks.

[Myrna]

Hi, I wondering what you would charge to provide a maintenance free design on a front and side yard. Currently the area has exisiting plants/shrubs that I would like to re use. I am having the old dirt totally removed and new soil brought in. Thank you, Myrna

[Kate Bell]

Hello Garden Coach. For one reason or another I cannot use your "Email Me" link. Perhaps could you email me to my account? I'm interested in a quote for kid friendly garden design. Thanks!

[al fortini]

I have 3 colmnas aspens i planted last spring, i have mulch over the bed , what should I use to feed or fertilize the trees?

[Ashley]

I just planted Lime Light Hydrangeas. They don't seem to be doing very well. They get morning shade and afternoon sun. Should I be moving them to get less sun?

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Some traditional types of eastern gardens, such as Zen gardens, use plants such as parsley. Xeriscape gardens use local native plants that do not require irrigation or extensive use of other resources while still providing the benefits of a garden environment. Gardens may exhibit structural enhancements, sometimes called follies, including water features such as fountains, ponds (with or without fish), waterfalls or creeks, dry creek beds, statuary, arbors, trellises and more.

[Jackie]

Hi Janice, also having difficulties contacting you with the "email me" link. Would love for you to come do a garden consultation with me and am just wondering how to set up some time to meet. Perhaps you could email me your info? Thanks!

[Swati]

I planted three hollyhocks last year. They didn't have any flowers but they had a healthy growth. But this year they did't come back. All my other perennials are out and growing except these three.
What happened to them?
Thanks.

[Jason]

Hi Janice, great photos! Your tips are invaluable. If you or any of your guests need storage in their yard check out www.calgaryshedcompany.com. A great shed can compliment a fabulous garden. Thanks.

[Lisa]

Hi Janice,
I am wondering what you would charge to help me design a small flower bed for my front yard. I already have a few shrubs and a tree. Thanks

[Ryan]

Hi Janice,

I'm interested in having you come over for a consultation. Could you contact me to supply some details?

Thanks!

[Maggie Kavanagh]

Hi Janice,

We have a weekend home NW of Cochrane and I recently purchased ALOT of perennials (all deer repelling) most are going into wood planters about 20 inches deep but still connect with the ground (no floor). Do you think these perennials will survive in these planters? Is there anything I can do help them along through the winter. I only put them in in the last 2 weeks, but they were larger perennials (more established roots). thanks, Maggie.