Digging In – Site Consultation

You have a vision for your outdoor space, but where to start? Whether you dream of a beautiful, beneficial new garden or a stunning, sustainable full-scale landscape design, this consultation lays the groundwork for turning ideas into actions.

We’ll spend up to 2 hours on site, walking your property and discussing what’s working, what isn’t, and what’s possible. I’ll share ideas and solutions tailored to your space and your goals, helping you better understand how to approach your project.

As part of the process, I’ll also take the measurements needed to prepare a proposal and scaled plan if you decide to move ahead with a full design. This measuring is included in the consultation cost and typically takes an additional 1–2 hours beyond our discussion.

What this consultation includes:

• A walk-through and discussion of your space (up to 2 hours on site)

• Practical ideas and direction to help you move forward

• Site measurements to support both the consultation and potential future design work (additional 1 to 2 hours)

What this consultation does not include:

• A formal planting plan or scaled design drawing

• A plant-by-plant layout or detailed written plant list (these are part of my full design service)

Bring paper and pen (or pencil if it’s cold outside) or, even better, a voice recorder to capture information and ideas!

*  Questionnaire will be sent to you and must be completed in advance.

Garden Guidance

Your outdoor space is alive, growing, and evolving. Caring for it sustainably shouldn’t feel overwhelming—but where do you start? Maybe you’re wondering how to improve your soil, when and how to prune, or whether that mystery insect is friend or foe (spoiler: it’s probably fine).

With Garden Guidance, you’ll get practical, personalized advice so you can nurture your space with confidence. Together, we’ll explore solutions tailored to your garden’s needs—whether that means using all-natural soil amendments, managing your existing plants, or setting up for seasonal success.

How It Works:

• First Visit – A one-hour minimum consultation where we assess your garden, discuss your goals, and outline actionable steps.
• Follow-Up Visit – Scheduled based on your garden’s needs, this session allows for deeper guidance, seasonal planning, or hands-on learning.

Bring your notebook or a voice recorder. You can also opt for a custom care manual (PDF) for detailed, tailored recommendations. This service helps you grow your garden into a thriving sanctuary—low on inputs, high on resilience—so you can enjoy a beautiful, sustainable space without the guesswork.

Before booking one of the options below, you’ll need a Site Consultation to be sure I fully understand your goals and site conditions.

Garden Design
You’ve envisioned a garden that’s uniquely yours—one that blends beauty, sustainability, and purpose. But creating it can feel daunting. Where do you begin with native plants? How do you ensure the space is both stunning and eco-friendly?

I can help. We’ll work together and with nature, to craft a garden design that reflects your style, solves problem areas, and blooms with seasonal interest. Your personalized design includes a plant list, focusing on those native to Ontario*, that support wildlife species you wish to encourage** and provide texture and colour throughout your highlighted seasons. Designs promote biodiversity by using a wide range of plants, which also helps reduce the likelihood and impact of pest and disease outbreaks—creating a resilient, thriving landscape.

Whether you’re starting fresh or reinventing an existing space, this service provides a clear, actionable plan to bring your vision to life—one that grows in beauty and function year after year.

Does not include materials, delivery, or installation.                                                                                           *Ornamental (non-native) species can be included upon request. However, I’ll never include invasive plants.                            **Some plant species have very specific growing conditions—if your space isn’t suitable, I’ll suggest alternative solutions. I want you and your garden to succeed!

Landscape Design
Does your outdoor space feel uninspired or impractical? Whether you dream of a private garden retreat, a lively gathering space, or a yard that’s the envy of the neighbourhood, let’s create a haven that fits your lifestyle.

Ecologically focused designs reflect your needs while enhancing biodiversity and resilience. Thoughtfully designed landscapes consider function and beauty—traffic flow, problem areas, use of space, and seasonal interest. They integrate Low Impact Development (LID) strategies—rain gardens, permeable paving, rainwater harvesting—to reduce standing water and flooding, helping to protect your home. These elements, along with native plant-focused gardens and locally sourced materials whenever possible, come together to form a thriving, low-maintenance ecosystem.

Together, we’ll design a stunning landscape that works for you and with nature—one that grows with you for years to come.

Does not include materials, delivery, or installation.

You’ll need a Design before booking any of these services.

Plant Material Layout
Afraid you won’t get the spacing quite right? I’ll take the time and stress out of sorting and laying out your new plants in their correct places.*

Does not include materials, delivery, or installation.                                                                                                
*Please note that plants should not be left in their containers in the hot sun for extended periods. They get stressed out too!

Installation 

You’ve invested in a design, but the thought of bringing it to life feels overwhelming. How do you ensure it’s done right, sustainably, and on time?

For larger projects, let me connect you with a trusted contractor* who shares my ecological values and attention to detail. They’ll handle the heavy lifting like site prep, hardscaping, and construction with care.

For smaller projects, I also roll up my sleeves and take on the planting myself—getting your garden established and thriving from day one.

From construction to thoughtful planting, your outdoor haven will come to life, giving you time to enjoy what matters most.

* The contractor is an independent professional, not an employee or subcontractor of Plan(t) Wise. You will enter into a separate agreement with them directly.

Project Oversight
You’ve committed to a design and have a contractor lined up, but managing the installation process can be stressful. How do you ensure every detail aligns with your vision?

That’s where I come in. As your liaison, I’ll oversee the project from start to finish—communicating daily or checking in weekly, depending on your needs and preferences. Whether you’re working with my trusted contractor or your own, I’ll ensure the design is implemented with precision and care.

For DIY clients, I can guide you through proper plant installation, helping you set your garden up for long-term success.

With Project Oversight, you can feel confident your space will look and function as intended.

Available as per-hour or project rates.

Want to bring pollinators to your balcony or patio? This value-packed program makes it easy to create a thriving container garden—even in small spaces. You’ll recieve:

• A 30-minute online consultation to discuss your goals and site conditions.
• Basic planting plans for three 24″ containers (or equivalent).
• A detailed plant list with sourcing tips and wildlife support information.
• A step-by-step planting guide.
• A 20-minute virtual follow-up meeting to review plant selections and answer any questions you have.

Within five to ten business days* of your consultation, you’ll receive your custom portfolio, ensuring you have all the tools and guidance needed to create a pollinator-friendly garden in your space.

Package cost is $427 (plus HST)

There is no limit to the number of times you can purchase this package. Extra containers may be added to a package purchase for an additional fee if requested in advance.                                                                                                                       All documents are delivered electronically.                                                                                                                                    *Business days do not include Saturdays, regardless of posted seasonal hours.

Dreaming of a native plant-focused garden design? Live in southern Ontario but outside my in-person service area? This online package is designed for homeowners like you.

You’ll receive:

• A one-hour virtual consultation to discuss your vision and goals.
• A hand-drawn planting plan (measurements supplied by you*).
• A detailed plant list with horticultural information, an ecological value and care guide, and sourcing suggestions.
• A customized prep and installation guide.
• A 30-minute post-design virtual meeting to address any questions.

Within ten to twenty business days**, you’ll have a comprehensive plan and expert guidance to confidently bring your garden vision to life.

Package starts at $1875 (plus HST).

Does not include materials, delivery, or installation.                                                                             

There is no limit to the number of times this package can be purchased. Returning clients may be eligible for a discount on subsequent package purchases.                                                                                                                                                           All documents are delivered electronically.                                                                                                                                          *Plan(t) Wise cannot be held responsible for any discrepancies in provided measurements.                                                                **Business days do not include Saturdays, regardless of posted seasonal hours.