Working with nature, not against it

Consultation

A bumble bee consults a gray-headed coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)

The first step in any design is listening and observing. We ask you how you use your outdoor space and how you would like to use it, about any problems you are currently experiencing, and your wildest dreams. Together, we can create an exciting vision that will combine your personal aesthetics with ecological health and ultimately deepen your connection to your land.

Design

Each of our landscape designs is uniquely tailored to the client and its site. Despite the common misperception, habitats come in every possible style: formal, naturalistic, modernist, cottage, arts & crafts, Victorian, romantic, abundant, vibrant, serene, etc, etc. We can solve problems such as pooling water, burnt lawn patches, and neighbor exposure; entice specific birds and butterflies you want to host; and seamlessly incorporate any paths, water features, or arbors you desire.

Installation

Our team works hard and loves what they do. On staff, we have experts in SE Michigan native plants and trees, edible perennials, invasive plants, beneficial and harmful insects, stump removal, hardscaping, carpentry for fences and pergolas, and water management, such as French drains, rain gardens, and ecosystem ponds.

Maintenance

Native perennial landscapes usually need three years to mature. (Trees, of course, can take decades.) “Sleep, creep, leap” is the rule of thumb. Those first three years need the most care, such as weeding and watering through droughts, to ensure success. Our team is available to do that work for you on retainer, should you like.

We are also a good choice to maintain an already-established native garden we didn’t install. Our native plant knowledge base means we will differentiate weeds from precious plants, no matter how small or rare.