Landscape Restoration
Do you ever wonder what your backyard had growing in it before the forest was cleared and the land razed? Fragments of the natural landscape persist in even the most disturbed or meticulously groomed areas of our communities; vacant and sparsely developed lots across the street or down the road are good areas to take notes from. These refugia give us a glimpse of what species grew here in the past- they can serve as inspiration and sources of propagating material for restoration. The clues are always there, it just takes the right person to interpret them. We can make sense of the pieces and develop a list of plants to guide your planting efforts. I can supply many hard to find species or get them for you from reputable nurseries.
Landscape planning
Native plants can be incorporated into any landscape design; you can be a purist and have only indigenous species, or mix in natives with a smart selection of non-invasive plants from other areas of the world. Even though natives are better suited to your general area, it is still important to have the right plant in the right place. I can advise you and make recommendations as to what plants could go where; there is a native plant for every application whether its shady and wet or sunny and dry. I want to be clear that I am not a landscape designer per se.
Growing Consulting and Advice
Native plants can be notoriously difficult to grow, especially from seed. Unlike many garden vegetables, native plant seeds often are in a state of dormancy and certain requirements have to be met in order to get them growing. Seeds in simple dormancy need a moist cold period at about 40 degrees for 60-90 days, then warmth. Viburnums have double dormancy where multiple warm-cold cycles have to be met in order for germination to take place. Don’t get frustrated,I can help you, send me your questions.
Salvage Operations
Just because a piece of land is being developed does not mean that everything growing there needs to be lost. Before the bulldozer lowers its blade we can come in to identify any rare, unique, or otherwise significant plants and quickly develop plans for their extraction. Plants can be removed and stored in a safe area until the building is done.
Fees
Fees are based on services provided and to whom they are given to. For example- educational institutions, like elementary school nature walks are done at no charge. Plant identification using submitted photographs are also free of charge.
On site visits for private individuals and businesses will be charged based on distance traveled from home base, types of services requested (i.e. botanical inventory, plant identification, invasive species identification, etc., and follow up work. Please contact me directly with your specific interests and needs.
