Residential and Commercial Services

Using permaculture design to assess the needs and preferences of users we consider climate, micro-climates, access, water catchment and passive solar to determine the optimal positions of structures and garden areas, reduce high-maintenance areas and to guide suitable plant selection. 
To help cycle resources through the system we set up composts and/or worm farms and mulch all areas to build soil, slowing evaporation and weed growth..
For the long-term health of soil and plants we do not use pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilisers.

We work with expertise, care, and integrity.

Consultation

The 'Ideas' phase.

A permaculture consultation with suggestion of general modifications to improve an existing garden, including suitable low-maintenance plant selection and energy-saving tips.
This may be all that your garden or site needs.

  • A consultation includes:

    • Initial intro discussion, or email, to understand your needs, preferences, and budget.

    • 60 min visit and site analysis to assess your existing plantings, soil condition, slope, and microclimates.

    • General recommendations of site suitable plantings, and their optimal positions.

    • Suggestions of low-maintenance options (reduce or replace lawn areas, suitable selection for hedge/screen plantings to reduce excessive pruning)

    • Soil improvements and water saving tips.

    • Follow up email with basic points discussed

  • Standard house garden Consultation Fee: $120.

    Larger sites $220.

    Please make payment upon booking, or on the day of site visit.

    Please note if the site is further than 15km return from central Whanganui I will need to charge standard .95c km travel. Thank you.

    Please appreciate the time taken to give skilled and individual advice.  If you are unable to afford this fee an alternate exchange can be negotiated.

Consultation + Concept Design

Progress ideas into a Concept plan.

A Concept plan follows the initial consultation and can be used to guide any works, especially if construction is involved.
Ideal for establishing new paths, edging, raised gardens and planting areas, and soil improvements.
Includes general suitable planting suggestions and locations.

  • The Concept plan includes:

    • Initial Consultation extended to 90-120 min visit, needed for larger properties.

    • Marking on the plan existing structures, vegetation, micro climates, and the future needs/desires for the site.

    • Suggested locations for any decking, water tanks, paths, seating, recycle/compost areas and garden beds, these locations are chosen for mutual interactive benefits.

    • Recommendations of materials to be used, and plant species,

    • Copy of 2d plan with photographic examples of suggestions provided.

  • Consultation + Concept Plan Fee: $450 for a standard house section. Larger properties will require additional time and therefore cost An estimate of time/cost for your specific project can be given at consultation phase.

    At this stage an estimate can be made for materials and labour costs. 

    A fixed quote will depend on the confirmation of all plants and materials.  For this level of detail, a Design Plan is required.

    Please note: Unlike other Trades (ie painting) it is very difficult to give a 'quote' when seeing your garden for the first time.  If you have a fixed budget and you know exactly what you want, I can design the work and plant selection to meet this.  Otherwise a Design Plan is necessary, where all works, materials and plants will be itemised and costed.

Consultation + Concept Design + Design Plan

Develop Concept plan into a detailed, scaled Design plan.

This option details specific placement of all elements and includes specific plant species. This option gives you confidence in the unity of an overall design plan. Depending on your time frame and budget, elements (including hard construction) can be implemented at later stages.

  • A design plan includes:

    • The consultation and concept plan, as above.

    • A review by you of the concept plan. Any modifications are now made with the scope of works confirmed.

    • Final selection of all construction materials and plant selections are made.

    • Exact locations* and dimensions of construction and planting areas are presented, on a hand (or computer) drawn 2-d plan, with a minimum of 2 side-view elevation drawings.

    • Photographic examples of materials, structures, and plant selections are presented.

    • A fixed quote is calculated, including the cost of all materials, plants, and the time it will take to carry out the works.

  • Consultation + Concept Plan + Design Plan Fee: Starting from $1000. Actual fee will depend on the size of your property and detail required. An estimate of time/cost for your specific project can be given at Consultation or Concept Plan phase.

    Please note: If detailed construction or engineer drawings (for structures or earthworks) are required this will be additional cost and depend on the level of detail required. These designs can be sourced from the relevant trades person or engineer and we can assist with this, where necessary.  Likewise irrigation and/or lighting designs may require additional time, please discuss this at the Consultation/Concept stage.

Implementation

Building your dream garden.

    • Creating paths, driveways, garden edging, raised beds, pergolas and decks.

    • Installation of optimal growing media, organic compost and aged mixed arborist mulch.

    • Installation of all plantings.

    • Set up of compost or worm farm systems.

    • Mulching all planted areas and the planting of suitable long term ground cover (living mulch).

  • Installation and construction projects are undertaken on acceptance of a fixed quote for the entire project. Full material costs are to be paid for in advance. Labour costs are to be paid in 2 installments - half at a project's midpoint, the final half at completion.
    Alternately, if agreed by both parties, materials can be paid for in advance and works paid at an hourly labour rate. If this is the case, payments are to be made on receipt of periodic invoices.

  • If any specialist tradespeople or mural artists are required we will recommend and they will also provide fixed cost quotes. Materials are to be paid for in advance with the balance for labour at the completion of works.

Maintenance

Caring for your garden.

    • Pruning, mulching, and feeding your soil, and plants.

    • Selection of appropriate plant species for your site.

    • Minimising waste in the garden - setting up and monitor organic recycle systems (inluding paper/card/ food waste) for compost, worm farms and mulch.

    • Education – we share the skills so you can correctly prune and maintain your own

    • Manage a beehive on your site

    • Reduce water usage

  • Half day, 4 hrs $240

    Full day 8 hrs $440