Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about how I work and what to expect.
About the Process
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As your garden consultant, I help you understand your outdoor space, explore possibilities, and make confident decisions about what to plant and how to shape your garden. Think of it as having a friendly expert by your side — someone who listens, asks good questions, and helps your ideas take root.
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Not at all. I work with everyone — from brand-new gardeners learning their land to people who’ve been tending beds for years. I’ll meet you exactly where you are.
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No need to tidy or stress. Just bring your hopes, your questions, and — if you have them — any inspiration images. And if you don’t, that’s completely fine.
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I’m not installing gardens at this time. I focus on the design and planning. I’ll give you easy-to-follow instructions (plus a few planting tips) so you can source and plant everything yourself, or you’re welcome to share the plan with a gardener — I can refer you.
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I don’t offer ongoing maintenance right now, but I’ll give you clear, simple guidance for seasonal care. My goal is to make your garden as low-maintenance and self-sustaining as possible.
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After our visit, you can decide what feels right: move forward on your own with the ideas we discussed or have me create a personalized planting plan. Everyone starts with a consultation — from there, we choose the path that suits you.
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No problem at all. As long as your vision for what you’d want hasn’t changed, you can move from a Consultation to a Planting Plan at any time. We’d just need to find a time for me to come back over with my tape measure!
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I specialize in native plants because they’re resilient, beautiful, and supportive of local ecosystems. I’m also happy to include well-behaved, non-invasive non-natives that suit your style and thrive in your space.
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At this time, I work only with homeowners.
Design + Planning
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Not at all. Many homeowners aren’t sure what they want — that’s part of the process. I’m here to help you discover a direction that feels natural, joyful, and true to your space.
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A drawn-to-scale design for your space, a curated plant list, plant quantities, bloom-time notes, spacing guidance, and clear care instructions. Think of it as a personalized roadmap for creating a thriving garden.
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Absolutely. A single bed, foundation planting, shaded corner, or container grouping can be the perfect place to begin.
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Not at this time. I focus on “ornamentals” (flowers, shrubs, and trees) rather than kitchen gardens.
Logistics
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I work with homeowners throughout the Greater Hartford region.
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Right now, I focus on in-person visits. Gardens are living spaces, and seeing yours up close helps me give you the best guidance.
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Absolutely. Gardens are for everyone, and I’m happy to work around the joyful chaos of home life.
Payments + Policies
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Payment of the $135 consultation fee is due at least 48 hours before your scheduled visit. Once we've found a time that works for both of us, I'll send an invoice through my secure payment platform. Timely payment reserves your appointment and ensures that dedicated time is set aside just for you, while still allowing flexibility if plans need to shift.
If you decide to move forward with a personalized planting plan, I will provide you with an estimate based on the size and scope of your space. A 50% deposit reserves your place in my design queue so that design work can begin. The remaining 50% is due upon completion and prior to delivery of your final planting plan and recommendations. Because each plan is created specifically for your space, deposits are non-refundable once design work has begun.
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I believe everyone deserves access to a beautiful, welcoming outdoor space. If you’re considering a larger project and need a bit of flexibility with timing, you’re always welcome to reach out — I’m happy to talk through options when possible.
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I mainly serve Greater Hartford, so if your home is outside the region, a modest travel fee may apply.
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Life happens! If you need to reschedule your consultation, please let me know with at least 48 hours' notice, and I'm happy to help you find a new time for us to meet. Consultation fees are due 48 hours before your scheduled visit. If payment has already been made, consultation fees are nonrefundable for cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice or for missed appointments.
Planting plan deposits are non-refundable once design work has begun.
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Your personal information including contact information, payment details, and consultation notes are kept confidential and used only to provide services and communicate with you — never shared or sold.
Still wondering about something?
I’m always happy to answer questions. Feel free to send me a note and we can talk it through.