My Services

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

Consultations

New garden design  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 $50/hr for all coaching services.  Depending on your location in the city, I may charge a small amount for travel time.  I will also be available to answer questions by e-mail for one year after the consultation.

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 adventure gardens for kids and drought-tolerant, low-maintenance perennial gardens.

Consultations

New garden design  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 $50/hr for all coaching services.  Depending on your location in the city, I may charge a small amount for travel time.  I will also be available to answer questions by e-mail for one year after the consultation.

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?