How we work

We treat land like an operating system: inputs, constraints, feedback loops, failure modes. Our job is to reduce guesswork, prevent expensive regrets, and deliver a plan that can actually be built.

Start with the Assessment Book

Systems-first

Function beats aesthetics. Beauty is a byproduct of order.

Fixed scope

Clear deliverables. No open-ended “consulting.”

Buildable plans

Contractor-ready, phased, budgeted, and maintainable.

Our process

Most projects fail because the first move is wrong. We slow down at the beginning so the build goes faster later.

1) Assessment

We diagnose how the property actually functions: water movement, soil constraints, access, use patterns, microclimates, and opportunities.

Site walk + data capture
Constraints & opportunity map
“Do nothing vs do something” decision

2) Systems Design

We turn diagnosis into an action plan: phases, priorities, specs, budgets, and maintenance implications.

Phased plan (0–12, 12–24, 24+ months)
Material/spec direction
Budget ranges + risk flags

3) Implementation

If you want, we coordinate vetted subs and protect the plan during the build. You get accountability without chaos.

Bid package + contractor selection
Build coordination + QA checks
Closeout + handoff documentation

Practices and standards

These are the non-negotiables. If a decision violates one of these, we don’t recommend it.

Water discipline

We design for capture, controlled movement, and safe discharge. Water is the system driver—ignore it and everything fails.

Soil realism

We don’t pretend poor soil is “fine.” We plan amendments, structure, drainage, and biology so the site can support life long-term.

Maintenance truth

Every design includes maintenance implications. If it requires weekly heroics, it’s a bad design.

Phasing over perfection

We build in phases to protect cashflow, reduce risk, and learn from the site before committing to irreversible moves.

Local-appropriate species

We prioritize plants that can thrive in your microclimate and soil conditions, with clear function (food, habitat, structure, screening).

Failure-mode thinking

We look for erosion points, pooling zones, compaction, salt exposure, wind corridors, and human traffic conflicts—before anything is built.

What we’re not

This prevents mismatched expectations and wasted time.

Not a free estimate

We don’t do “come look and quote.” The assessment is paid because it produces real analysis and a plan.

Not ornamental-only

If your only goal is decorative planting, we’re probably not the best fit. Function comes first.

Not DIY coaching

We can hand you a buildable plan, but we don’t run ongoing “how-to” support for self-installs.

Common questions

Do you do small yards?

Sometimes. If the problem is water, access, or site function, small sites can still justify the assessment.

Do you only do edible landscapes?

No. Food is one output. We also design for drainage, soil health, access, habitat, screening, and longevity.

Can you handle the build?

Yes—through build coordination with vetted subcontractors. You get accountability without you managing five trades.

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