Our design / build process will lead you from idea to reality. Our process for landscape design centers on working with clients to refine the goals of each project and offer the most ideal ways to manifest these goals. We start the process with our initial service request form. After a proposal is approved, we use another questionnaire focused on your design preferences. With requirements and scope clarified, we turn toward inspiration to refine your aesthetic. This may include garden style, plant types, hardscape features We will also discuss key considerations including costs, available options, construction materials and maintenance. We know its challenging to think of everything up front, so we understand that you may be inspired to modify the project scope in this phase. No worries, we can cycle back to allow for this. With these ideas in mind, we'll great a concept plan. This is primarily a draft layout for all features in the landscape: patio, planting beds, water feature etc, considering all the unique qualities of your space. During the initial phases of design, we'll also be assessing elements of your current landscape that can be useful in your new landscape. We may proceed with any demolition that is necessary, which also is extremely informative regarding the specifics of your site. After reviewing and revising this plan, we'll turn our attention toward specifics. One of the most important aspects is hardscape materials, but we'll cover all of the features in your new landscape. This is done using image / story boards (DropBox / PINTEREST) and review meetings. After hardscape plans are created and finalized, we'll create a planting plan. We'll use image / story boards to refine the plant list and then we'll create the planting plan. The final plans are for foundational elements such as soil, grading and irrigation and will be created based on the needs of the core features. We'll discuss relative costs as we discuss each option but the final estimate will be created after these plans are complete and gathered into the Landscape Plan. After review and approval, we can begin construction.

We refer to this service as "care" because we are giving custom, proactive fine gardening care to each plant and your landscape, as a whole. Earthly Sites creates a plan based on the seasonal needs of your garden and the specifics of your site, plantings, microclimate and all other characteristics that impact your garden including recent weather conditions (rainfall, smoke etc). This approach provides for the horticultural needs of the garden to be met proactively, sustainably and with great success. All practices are horticulturally driven and Bay-friendly. PERENNIALS, VINES, SHRUBS, TREES (< 10'H) • Trim and shape plants in a manner appropriate to the individual plant (natural), and with priority consideration for health and desired future growth (fruit, blooms, etc). Dead wood, dead bloom and dead leaves will be removed from plants. Some plants may be cut back significantly to generate new growth, or to manage and manipulate existing shapes, depending on plant variety. Climbing plants will be trained and pruned as necessary. • Regular inspection and treatment for insects and diseases (natural, organic treatments). • Removal of weeds and dead leaves / debris from the ground • Organic fertilizing as needed to maintain healthy growth • Organic lawn care: mowing (push or electric), organic feeding and periodic dethatching • Sweeping pathways & walks • Seasonal plantings and top mulching can be done at additional cost. • Debris will be left in your municipal green bin (or 3 cy paper bags) for pick up. IRRIGATION • Review zones for leaks; visually inspect components throughout the season, and complete basic repairs as needed. • Monitor and adjust programs as needed, preferably in conjunction with a smart controller. • Annual flushing of the lines LOW VOLTAGE LIGHTING • Lighting systems will be checked periodically. Bulbs can be replaced (bulbs not included). WATER FEATURES • Fountains and other water features will be inspected and cleaned. • Pumps will be cleaned COSTS for organic fine gardening may initially be higher than “mow and blow” gardeners. However, over a short time, you will see that this model of care is actually less expensive because your garden will thrive and your investment is protected. • Your plants will be healthier, producing more flowers, fruit and foliage, and their lifespan will be maximized as well, requiring fewer replacements. • We’ll visit when horticulturally useful and you will be charged according to the actual time spent. Visit frequency will be scheduled based on need (your plants + yours), with the duration based on the completion of deep care. • Plans will be offered based on optimal and basic care. Plant care is always the priority. Plans may also be designed to include a collaborative effort with Client. NOTE: 1X Visits may be available depending on our schedule. Minimum 16 hours @ $1000, not including materials or debris hauling.

Revitalize your garden with a deep restoration and enhancements. If your landscape hasn't received deep care over the years, its very likely struggling. Healthy soil and appropriate irrigation are necessary for beautiful plants. We'll discuss and refine your needs. Complete a thorough assessment of your existing landscape, determining what is of value: saved, let go of and items that may need additional review. Create a plan for moving forward. This plan will include building healthy soil with organic matter and mulch, updating your irrigation system to a water-wise smart system and refreshing your plantings, along with whatever else you need.. This process isn't too different that a traditional design / build project, but each step should be simpler since your landscape already has a developed foundation, but the benefits will be great from our strategies for regenerative landscaping. We're also available for mini-projects, such as updating your irrigation or lighting systems, revitalizing a planting area, adding a new patio or water feature.

We use architectural grade low-voltage LED lighting components to create a delightful and functional lighting system for your landscape. Lighting is a beautiful way to enjoy your landscape in a magical way, and costs have come down significantly over the last few years. Path Lights Step Lights Up / Down Lights Hanging Lights Fence / Deck Lights Bistro Lights LED white / color Dimming Smart Control

We're available for consultations and design only projects focusing on various aspects of your landscape: health assessment irrigation audit new concept plan and planting plans planting area revitalization Let us know what you need and we'll do our best to fit you into our schedule. Consultations start at $300 for 2 hours on site. Design-only services start at $1000 and are primarily available during low-season.