On this page you will find a list of services that are typically included in holistic garden design. We are happy to work with you on any or all of these phases of creating and growing your ideal home garden.

Table of Contents:

  1. Site Assessment
  2. Concept Development
  3. Design Plan
  4. Sustainable Practices
  5. Habitat Creation
  6. Personal Integration
  7. Implementation
  8. Maintenance Planning
  9. Education & Training
  10. Ongoing Support
  11. Why We Choose A Holistic Approach To Home Gardening

Site Assessment

A holistic site assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a garden site that takes into account all the physical, ecological, and personal factors that will impact the design and success of a garden. This assessment is a critical first step in the holistic garden design process, as it provides valuable information that will inform the design process.

The holistic site assessment typically includes the following steps:

  1. Site Analysis: A thorough examination of the garden site, including the physical characteristics, such as topography, soil type, and exposure to sun and wind. This information is used to determine the types of plants and garden features that will thrive in the space.
  2. Climate Assessment: An evaluation of the climate, including average temperature, rainfall, and wind patterns, to determine the types of plants and garden features that will be able to thrive in the space.
  3. Ecological Assessment: An evaluation of the existing ecological systems in the garden, including the presence of wildlife, the quality of the soil, and the health of the existing vegetation. This information is used to inform the design and ensure that the garden supports the health of the environment.
  4. Personal Assessment: An evaluation of the personal and emotional connections that the users have with the garden, including their spiritual and cultural values, aesthetic preferences, and goals for the space. This information is used to incorporate elements into the design that reflect the personal connections and values of the users.
  5. Sustainability Assessment: An evaluation of the garden’s impact on the environment and the practices and systems that can be put in place to reduce that impact and create a self-sustaining garden.

The holistic site assessment provides valuable information that is used to inform the design of a garden that is sustainable, healthy, visually appealing, personally meaningful, and supports the health of the environment and all living beings.

Concept Development

Holistic garden concept development is the process of creating a concept plan for a garden that takes into account all the physical, ecological, and personal factors that impact the garden. This process is informed by the holistic site assessment and is an important step in the holistic garden design process. The concept creation helps clarify ideas, methods, and personal preferences. It’s the right time to work through any obstacles or differences of opinion before creating a more detailed design plan.

Holistic garden concept development typically includes the following steps:

  1. Design Goals: The development of a clear understanding of the goals for the garden, including the aesthetic preferences, spiritual or cultural values, and personal connections of the users. This information is used to guide the design process and ensure that the garden meets the needs and desires of the users.
  2. Conceptual Design: The creation of a preliminary design plan or sketch that incorporates the information gathered in the holistic site assessment, including the physical characteristics of the site, the climate, the existing ecological systems, and the personal connections of the users. This initial design plan is used to refine the design and ensure that all elements are integrated and harmonious.
  3. Site Analysis and Master Planning: A thorough examination of the garden site to determine the best placement for garden features, such as paths, structures, and planting areas. The master plan outlines the overall design of the garden and includes a detailed layout of all elements.
  4. Plant Selection: The selection of plants that are well-suited to the physical characteristics of the site and the climate, and that support the health of the environment and the well-being of the users. The plant selection should also reflect the aesthetic preferences of the participants and add biodiversity to the garden.
  5. Sustainability Planning: The development of a plan for the garden that incorporates sustainable practices, such as composting systems, rainwater catchment, and the use of native plants, to reduce the impact of the garden on the environment and support its long-term health and well-being.

This process creates a concept plan that integrates all elements of the garden into a harmonious and sustainable space that meets the needs and desires of the users and supports the health of the environment.

Design Plan

A concept plan and a design plan are both comprehensive plans that take into account all the physical, ecological, and personal factors that impact the garden. However, there is a difference in the level of detail and specificity between the two plans.

A concept plan is a preliminary design plan that outlines the overall design direction for the garden, including the placement of paths, structures, and planting areas. It provides a broad picture of the garden design, taking into account the holistic site assessment and the goals and values of the users.

A design plan, on the other hand, is a more detailed and specific plan that includes all the elements of the garden, including planting, hardscaping, structures, and water features. It includes a detailed layout and specifications for all elements of the garden, as well as a plan for sustainability and maintenance.

While each phase incorporates the same steps, the concept plan provides a general direction for the garden design, while the design plan is a detailed and specific plan for the construction of the garden.

Sustainable Practices

Integrating sustainable practices into garden design can help to reduce the impact of the garden on the environment and support its long-term health and well-being. Here are some ways to integrate sustainability into garden design:

  1. Use native plants: Incorporating native plants into the garden design can support the health of the ecosystem, attract native bird and insect species, and reduce the need for watering and fertilizing.
  2. Implement water-saving practices: Installing drought-tolerant plants and using water-saving techniques, such as rainwater catchment and efficient irrigation systems, can reduce the garden’s water usage.
  3. Reduce waste: Incorporating composting systems and other waste-reduction practices, such as using recycled materials for hardscaping, can reduce the impact of the garden on the environment.
  4. Minimize hardscaping: Limiting the amount of hardscaping, such as paving and retaining walls, can reduce the environmental impact of the garden and support the health of the ecosystem. When hard surfaces are required, using permeable surfaces such as gravel, crushed stone, or open joint pavers is ideal.
  5. Encourage biodiversity: Designing the garden to support a diverse range of species, including plants, insects, and wildlife, can support the health of the ecosystem and promote a more sustainable garden.
  6. Incorporate energy-efficient features: Installing solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and other sustainable technologies can reduce the garden’s energy usage and environmental impact.
  7. Foster community connections: Designing the garden as a shared space that encourages community involvement and interaction can help to build stronger, more sustainable communities.

By incorporating these sustainable practices into garden design, it’s possible to create a garden that is beautiful, functional, and sustainable. A garden that supports the health of the environment and the well-being of its users.

Habitat Creation

Creating insect and wildlife habitats through garden design can provide many benefits for the environment and for the garden itself. Here’s how to create insect and wildlife habitats in the garden, and some of the benefits they provide:

  1. Incorporate a variety of plants: Including a diverse range of plants in the garden design, including flowers, shrubs, and trees, can provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for a variety of insects and wildlife.
  2. Create water features: Installing bird baths, water features, and other sources of water can attract wildlife to the garden and provide them with a source of hydration.
  3. Provide shelter: Incorporating rock gardens, hedge rows, and other structures can provide shelter for insects and wildlife, helping to protect them from predators and the elements.
  4. Minimize pesticide use: Limiting the use of pesticides and other chemicals can help to protect insects and wildlife and promote a healthier, more sustainable garden. Studies show that using chemicals over time actually creates a much bigger problem than if you plant for biodiversity. Nature has a way of balancing itself if you allow it the chance.
  5. Provide nesting sites: Installing bird houses, bee hives, and other nesting sites can provide habitats for insects and wildlife and support their populations in the garden.

Benefits Of Creating Insect & Wildlife Habitats

  1. Increased biodiversity: Providing habitats for insects and wildlife can help to support the health of the ecosystem and promote a more diverse range of species.
  2. Improved pollination: Encouraging insect populations in the garden can improve pollination and help to support the health of the garden’s plants.
  3. Natural pest control: Encouraging insect populations in the garden can help to control pests naturally, reducing the need for pesticides and other chemicals.
  4. Enhanced beauty: Attracting a variety of insects and wildlife to the garden can add beauty and interest to the landscape, making the garden a more enjoyable place to spend time.
  5. Increased sustainability: Supporting insects and wildlife populations in the garden can help to reduce the garden’s impact on the environment and support its long-term sustainability.

Personal Integration

Adding a personal touch to garden design is a great way to make the garden a reflection of the gardener’s style, interests, and values. Here are some tips for incorporating a personal touch into garden design:

  1. Personal symbolism: Incorporating personal symbols, such as family crests, favorite quotes, or meaningful objects, can add a unique touch to the garden and make it more personal.
  2. Colors: Choosing a color scheme that reflects the gardener’s personal style and preferences can help to create a garden that feels uniquely theirs.
  3. Personal collections: Integrating personal collections, such as stones, pottery, or sculptures, can add a touch of the gardener’s personality to the garden and make it feel like home.
  4. Family heirlooms: Incorporating family heirlooms, such as furniture, tools, or decorative objects, can add a sense of history and heritage to the garden and make it feel like a part of the family.
  5. Favorite plants: Including plants that have personal meaning or sentimental value, such as plants from childhood memories, can make the garden a more personal and meaningful place.
  6. Hobbies and interests: Incorporating elements related to hobbies and interests, such as a bird-watching station or a vegetable garden, can make the garden a more enjoyable and fulfilling place to spend time.
  7. Personal stories: Including elements that tell a personal story, such as a memorial garden or a collection of special plants, can add depth and meaning to the garden and make it feel like a unique reflection of the gardener’s life.

By incorporating a personal touch into garden design, it’s possible to create a space that feels uniquely the gardener’s. A space that reflects their personality, interests, and values.

Implementation

Holistic garden implementation is the process of bringing a holistic garden design plan to life. This process involves the careful and thoughtful installation of all elements of the garden, from the selection of plants and materials to the placement of hardscaping elements and the creation of wildlife habitats. Here are the steps involved in holistic garden installation:

  1. Preparation: This involves clearing the site, preparing the soil, and setting up any necessary infrastructure, such as irrigation systems.
  2. Hardscaping: This involves installing any hardscaping elements, such as pathways, retaining walls, and water features, using sustainable materials and techniques.
  3. Plant selection: This involves choosing plants that are well-suited to the site, including a mix of native and non-native species that provide food, shelter, and habitat for wildlife.
  4. Planting: This involves planting the selected plants in the garden, taking into account factors such as sunlight, water, and soil conditions.
  5. Mulching: This involves adding a layer of mulch to the garden to retain moisture, control weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
  6. Irrigation: This involves setting up an irrigation system that provides the plants with the water they need to thrive.
  7. Maintenance plan: This involves creating a plan for ongoing care and maintenance of the garden, including pruning, weeding, and regular monitoring of soil and water conditions. This plan can be managed and implementing by the home owner or by the landscaping or gardening company of your choice.

Maintenance Planning

A holistic garden maintenance plan is a comprehensive and sustainable approach to caring for a garden over time. Here are the steps involved in creating a holistic garden maintenance plan:

  1. Assess the garden: This involves evaluating the current state of the garden, including the condition of the soil, the health of the plants, and the presence of any pests or diseases. If your garden was recently created, most of this information should be accounted for. If you have an older garden, a professional gardener or landscaper should be able to provide a suitable assessment.
  2. Set goals: This involves determining the desired outcomes for the garden, such as the preservation of wildlife habitat, the reduction of water usage, or the creation of a low-maintenance garden.
  3. Create a timeline: This involves establishing a schedule for maintenance tasks, such as watering, pruning, and weeding, taking into account the needs of the plants and the availability of resources.
  4. Choose appropriate techniques: This involves selecting techniques that are sustainable and appropriate for the garden, such as composting, mulching, and companion planting.
  5. Implement the plan: This involves putting the plan into action, carrying out maintenance tasks, monitoring the garden’s progress, and adjusting the plan as needed. It’s important to define if the garden owner or the garden professional is responsible for implementing each phase of the plan.
  6. Review and adjust: This involves regularly reviewing the garden’s performance and making changes to the plan as needed, to ensure that it remains effective and sustainable over time. Gardens are living spaces. They are dynamic and ever changing. What works this season may not work next season. It’s a constant process of assessing, adapting, implementing.

By following these steps, it’s possible to create a holistic garden maintenance plan that supports the health and well-being of the garden, the environment, and all of its inhabitants. If you are successful, you can preserve the garden for future generations of both wildlife and humans to enjoy.

Education & Training

Holistic garden education and training for homeowners is a comprehensive program designed to teach individuals the skills and knowledge necessary to create and maintain a sustainable, holistic garden. Here are the skills you will learn through your holistic garden education and training:

  1. Assessment: This involves evaluating the homeowner’s current level of knowledge and experience, and identifying any specific areas of interest or concern.
  2. Curriculum development: This involves creating a customized curriculum that meets the specific needs of the homeowner, including topics such as plant selection, soil preparation, irrigation, and maintenance.
  3. Hands-on learning: This involves providing hands-on experience in the garden, allowing the homeowner to apply what they have learned and receive feedback and guidance from an experienced teacher.
  4. Knowledge transfer: This involves transferring knowledge and skills from the teacher to the homeowner, through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises.
  5. Ongoing support: This involves providing ongoing support to the homeowner, including access to resources, information, and ongoing training opportunities.

By participating in a holistic garden education and training program, homeowners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to create and maintain a sustainable, holistic garden, and to support the health and well-being of the environment and all of its inhabitants. Additionally, the experience of learning and working in the garden can be deeply fulfilling and empowering, helping to build a strong connection between the homeowner and their environment.

Ongoing Support

Providing ongoing support after installing a home garden for a customer is an important part of ensuring the success and sustainability of the garden over time. Here are some steps that can be taken to provide ongoing support:

  1. Garden monitoring: Regularly visiting the garden to monitor its progress, identify any problems, and provide guidance and support as needed.
  2. Communication: Maintaining open and ongoing communication with the homeowner, responding to any questions or concerns in a timely manner, and providing information and resources as needed.
  3. Maintenance planning: Assisting the homeowner in developing a comprehensive garden maintenance plan, and providing ongoing support and guidance as the garden evolves over time.
  4. Training and education: Offering ongoing training and education opportunities to the homeowner, including workshops, classes, and access to resources and information, to help them build their skills and knowledge and deepen their connection to their garden.
  5. Community building: Building a community of gardeners, connecting the homeowner with other like-minded individuals, and providing opportunities for sharing information, resources, and experiences.

By providing ongoing support, you can help ensure the success and sustainability of the garden, and foster a deep and meaningful connection between the homeowner and their environment. Additionally, by building a relationship with the homeowner and providing them with the resources and support they need, you can help create a loyal customer who will continue to work with you in the future.

These are the core services that are typically included in a holistic garden design project, but the specific services offered can vary depending on the needs, goals, and budget of the client.

Why We Choose A Holistic Approach To Home Gardening

There are a wide variety of benefits to taking a holistic approach, and it provides the gardener and the home owner a more complete view of how design decision and implementation decisions affect much more than just ourselves.

Sustainability

Holistic garden design incorporates sustainable practices that reduce the garden’s impact on the environment and moves towards a more self-sustaining ecosystem. This includes the use of native plants, composting systems, rainwater catchment, and other practices that support the health and well-being of the environment.

Health & Well-Being

Holistic garden design prioritizes the health and well-being of all living beings, including humans, animals, and plants. This can include creating habitats for wildlife, reducing the use of pesticides, and incorporating elements that promote physical and mental well-being, such as meditation areas or areas for growing edible plants.

Aesthetic Appeal

Holistic garden design combines the principles of sustainability and health with a focus on aesthetic appeal, creating a visually pleasing and harmonious space. The design takes into account the natural elements of the site and works to integrate those elements into the overall design.

Personal Connection

Holistic garden design recognizes the personal connection that people have with their outdoor spaces, and incorporates elements that reflect the spiritual, cultural, or emotional values of the users. This creates a space that is deeply meaningful and connects the users to the natural world.

Increased Biodiversity

Holistic garden design promotes biodiversity by creating habitats for wildlife, using native plants, and reducing the use of pesticides. This supports the health of the ecosystem and contributes to the long-term sustainability of the garden.

Reduced Maintenance

Holistic garden design incorporates sustainable practices that reduce the need for ongoing maintenance, such as composting systems and the use of drought-tolerant plants. This saves time and resources and ensures the long-term health and well-being of the garden.

Overall, taking a holistic approach to garden design creates an outdoor space that is sustainable, healthy, visually appealing, personally meaningful, and supports the health of the environment and all living beings.