FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Weekly Garden Servicing: Weekly garden maintenance start at $75 and usually is $65/crew member per hour after an installation. General Garden Labor: Labor charges for garden work with a crew of 3 at a rate of ($65/hr/member). (Mulching, garden renovation, pruning, plant dividing, container planting, ground installation, weeding, digging etc.) Planting Installation: New Garden Design & Install range from $1500 and up which includes, removal of old plants, yard debris, edging, mulching, compost and plant material. Plant Material can range from affordable to rare varieties which will provide flexibility in pricing and budgets. Design Clients: Design consultations are done via phone and emails, are typically $150/bed, included is typically 1 page per bed of customized information for your location and zone on what to plant, what varieties, location of individual rows or drifts, and pictures featuring inspiration and pictures of plant material. Also included is a Pinterest board customized for your specific garden. A more formal design (architectural rendering of your property) starts at $300-$1500 and would require a site visit.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I speak to them on the phone for an initial consultation, discuss their concerns, ideas and inspiration. I take lots of detailed notes and find out about their style, intentions and wishes about their property. After the phone call, I give them an estimate through google earth if possible, and then head out to meet them to give them an accurate quote after walking their property. I ask lots of detailed questions regarding what they are trying to achieve, if they have family, pets, preference on plants and color. I complete a design and collaborate with them through a Pinterest board on what I think would look best including the names of all inventory. If the client requires a formal design, we will complete a dream design based on their wishes with revisions and then tailor it down to something achievable within their budget. We can phase out big plans for several seasons or even years. The client gives me 50% deposit before the job, and 50% at the end of the job. Or in 3 installments (1/3). That allows me to pay for plant material and bring materials in and book them a spot in our schedule. Invoices are signed and mailed back with the check deposit, and I book the job as soon as I have a free spot in my schedule.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I believe nature has a very positive effect on our wellbeing and I continue to educate myself and my crew in that field. I am a certified Master Gardener from the University of Connecticut, Middlesex Extension. I am currently a student at the New York Botanical Garden. I am pursuing my certificates in Landscape Architecture as well as Floral and Botany Studies. I take continuing education courses in Psychology as well as Horticultural Therapy. My background is in Biomedical Engineering and Biomolecular Science. I also serve as Vice President and Program Chair on the Executive Board of Directors for Essex Garden Club, for the National Federated Garden Club of America.