Omaha, Nebraska
Garden design services
I offer three kinds of help, from a single conversation to a phased plan for a whole yard. All of them focus on native, low-water plantings for small spaces in the Omaha area, and all of them are designed so you can install the work yourself if you'd like to.
Not sure which fits? Most people start with a consultation or a single planting plan. If you're planning your own small bed, my first-season front lawn plan may be all you need.
Garden consultation
A visit to your yard to talk through what you want and what the site can support.
What’s included
- Walk-through of sun, soil, drainage and existing plants
- Plant suggestions matched to each area
- Notes on preparation, timing and next steps
- Answers to your questions about natives, rabbits, watering and more
Good for: Gardeners who want to do the work themselves, with a second opinion first.
Planting plan
A scaled plan for one or more beds that you or a landscaper can install.
What’s included
- Scaled drawing showing what goes where
- Plant list with quantities, sizes and spacing
- Bloom-time chart for four-season interest
- Site preparation and first-year care notes
Good for: Converting a lawn area, a new pollinator bed, or redoing a tired border.
Whole-yard native design
A phased plan for larger changes across the property.
What’s included
- Layout of beds, paths and lawn areas
- Planting plans for each area
- Phasing schedule over several seasons
- Notes on drainage, slopes and existing trees
Good for: Bigger lawn conversions, sloped or wet sites, and multi-area projects.
Comparing the three options
| Consultation | Planting plan | Whole-yard design | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site visit | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plant suggestions | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scaled drawing | — | Yes | Yes |
| Quantities and spacing | — | Yes | Yes |
| Phasing over seasons | — | Optional | Yes |
| Best for | DIY with guidance | One to a few beds | Larger changes |
Process
From first conversation to first bloom
- 01
Conversation
Your goals, how you use the yard, rough budget and timing.
- 02
Site visit
Light, soil, drainage, slopes, utilities and existing plants.
- 03
Design
Structure first, then a plant palette matched to each area.
- 04
Review
We walk through the plan together and adjust it.
- 05
Install
You, a landscaper or a mix — with clear prep and planting notes.
- 06
First year
A simple care routine for the establishment season.
Pricing
What affects the cost
Every project is quoted individually, because the work involved depends on the size and conditions of the space and how much detail you need. A single sunny bed is very different from a sloped yard with drainage problems. I'll always explain what a quote includes so you can compare it with others.
Plants, mulch and installation are separate from the design. Small plugs are much less expensive than larger potted plants and establish well, and phasing work over a few seasons spreads the cost. For more, see what a garden design plan includes.
| Factor | Simpler | More involved |
|---|---|---|
| Area | One bed | Several beds or a whole yard |
| Conditions | Flat, sunny, average drainage | Slopes, wet spots, deep shade |
| Detail | Plant list and layout | Scaled drawings and phasing |
| Revisions | One round | Several rounds |
Questions about working together
Do you install gardens?
My work is design: consultations and plans. Plans are written so you can install them yourself or hand them to a landscaper.
Do you only use native plants?
Mostly. I favor plants native to eastern Nebraska and the Great Plains because they suit the conditions here, but I'm happy to work around plants you already love.
How far ahead should I plan?
If you want to plant in spring, late fall and winter are ideal for planning. For a fall planting, start talking in early summer.
Can a plan be done in phases?
Yes. Many plans are designed to be installed over two or three seasons, starting with the most visible bed.
Ready to start?
The contact page explains what to include in a first note.