Our Design-and-Build Approach
The Natural Garden offers a one-stop shop for landscape design and installation. We are set up to offer the full process of design, build, and maintain. We don’t currently offer standalone designs; rather, we design with the intent to build the project ourselves.
We believe that our design-to-build approach improves the quality of the final product because our team is present through every detail from start to finish. Our field team consults with our designers throughout the installation process to ensure that the final result aligns with what the client expects.
Agustina Hein designed this project in 2018. The Natural Garden team completed the entire installation that same year.
This above photograph shows the portion of the garden built from the bottom right portion of the design pictured at left. Our team built the wooden arbor, laid all the stonework, and installed virtually all of the plants. This image was taken about 18 months after completion (October 2020).
FAQs
What does it mean to be a “design and build” company?
Some landscape designers specialize in design, and some companies build from others’ designs. The Natural Garden, however, is a one-stop shop for both designing and building. Think of us as a full-stack web developer, but for landscapes instead of websites.
Which approach is right for you?
There are pros and cons to having the process divided into segments with design separate from installation. If a client wants only a design to implement for himself or herself, a design-only firm makes good sense. Or if a client wants to seek multiple bids for the building phase of a project, he or she can seek out companies that focus only on construction. The disadvantages of a segmented process are that some details can be lost in the transition from the design phase to the implementation phase. Miscommunication can happen between multiple parties, which may create confusion.
The Natural Garden, however, provides a one-stop-shop for the entire process from design to implementation, meaning that we keep track of all the details. Our team includes landscape designers who remain in touch with the field team throughout the entire process and ensure that their designs are implemented as intended. The result is a consistent process and product. If, for any reason, changes need to be made during the installation process, the designer can easily be consulted because she or he is in-house and may be conveniently brought on-site.
Will the Natural Garden design a landscape for me to plant myself?
Because our business model is based primarily on installing projects, we don’t typically design for others to install. Homeowners may, however, purchase plants from our native plant nursery to plant for themselves according to their own designs. Another option is to purchase plants through our Habitat Pack shop, which allows the client to add an affordable on-site consultation with a simple planting sketch (note that this is not the same level of detail as one would get with a master plan).
Clients who want a complete master plan that they would install themselves are encouraged to seek a landscape architect or designer who specializes in design. Of course, our nursery manager will be glad to provide the necessary plants for sale.
We are able to offer competitive pricing for large orders of native plants, so please ask for a quote for your chosen plant list: plants@thenaturalgarden.net
Will the Natural Garden build from a design that someone else has made?
Yes, we are happy to install stonework and landscapes that have been designed by a landscape architect or another landscape designer. We are well equipped to install hardscaping, plant material, meadows, water features, timber projects, stonework, gravel, and permeable paving.
After a design is built, will the Natural Garden also maintain my landscape project?
Yes! We offer a range of packages for maintenance plans depending on your needs. We offer garden coaching visits for clients who want to primarily maintain their gardens themselves. We also offer regular maintenance services for clients who want us to take care of their landscape for them throughout the year. Many clients desire something in between—a few maintenance visits throughout the year combined with guidance about how to do a lot of the maintenance themselves.
One might even say we are a design-build-and-maintain company!
