Frequently asked questions.

We begin with an initial site consultation, typically two to three hours at your property. We observe existing conditions, discuss your goals and budget, and begin to understand how you actually use the space. From that meeting, we develop a concept proposal — a brief document with initial ideas, a mood board, and a fee proposal for the full design engagement. Once engaged, we produce a master plan document that includes scaled drawings, plant specifications, material palettes, and a phased installation schedule. The entire design phase typically takes eight to sixteen weeks depending on project complexity.

A full estate garden design and installation typically spans one to two full growing seasons. The design phase alone takes two to four months. Installation timing depends on the scope and what we are planting — spring and fall are optimal for most planting, while hardscape can be installed in any dry weather. We plan realistically, communicate frequently, and prefer to do the work right rather than quickly. Projects that appear rushed rarely age well.

Our minimum engagement for design and installation is $20,000. Most of our projects fall between $45,000 and $200,000, with estate-scale transformations running higher. We are not the right firm for routine lawn maintenance or annual flower bed upkeep — we focus on significant, long-lasting landscape improvements that add meaningful value to the property. If your project budget is under $20,000, we are happy to recommend colleagues better suited to smaller scopes.

We guarantee all installed plant material for one full growing season — if a tree, shrub, or perennial fails to establish in the first year under normal conditions, we replace it at no additional cost. This guarantee does not cover losses due to extreme drought, animal damage, or improper care by the owner. We provide detailed care instructions for every planting and are always available by phone or email to diagnose problems before they become losses.

We offer a limited annual care program for gardens we have designed and installed. This includes spring and fall cleanup, essential pruning, mulch refresh, and an annual walk-through consultation to assess plant health and make planting recommendations. We do not offer routine weekly lawn maintenance — our care program focuses on the health and development of the designed garden. Capacity is limited to approximately thirty ongoing clients per year.

We work primarily in the Hudson Valley — Columbia, Dutchess, and Ulster counties — within approximately sixty miles of our studio in Hudson. We occasionally take on exceptional projects further afield in Connecticut, the Berkshires, and the greater New York metropolitan area when the project is a good fit. Travel costs are discussed transparently at the project proposal stage.