Creating Ecological Gardens

Services Offered by Fern and Primrose

As a solo gardener, I approach every project with care and intention, creating spaces that honor both the land and the life it sustains. My work is grounded in the belief that gardens are living ecosystems, capable of providing sanctuary for wildlife and beauty for people.

Collaborative Design, Rooted in Understanding

Creating a garden that balances beauty, sustainability, and wildlife support begins with understanding your unique needs, tastes, and vision. I work closely with you to weave your aspirations into the natural rhythms of your landscape—taking into account the climate, location, and regional conditions that shape your space.

Our journey begins with an initial complimentary site visit, where I take the time to listen, observe, and develop a sense of your garden’s potential. From these first impressions, I will craft an outline plan that reflects your goals while respecting the needs of the land.

A second visit allows us to explore your garden more deeply. Together, we will discuss possibilities in design and execution, ensuring every detail aligns with your vision and the health of the ecosystem. Following this visit, you will receive a detailed site plan and quote, setting the foundation for a garden that thrives in harmony with nature.

Native Hedgerows: A Lifeline for Wildlife

The bustling native hedgerows of the southwest are a defining feature of the landscape, but they are increasingly lost to development or left in need of care. These ancient boundaries are more than lines on the land; they are vital habitats and throughways for mammals such as dormice and field mice, and they act as aerial guides for bats.

Whether maintaining established hedges or planting new ones, my aim is to preserve these natural lifelines. New hedgerows can soften the boundaries between gardens and wild spaces, offering shelter, food, and windbreaks while connecting your landscape to the wider ecosystem.

Pollinator-Specific Planting

Pollinator decline is a pressing reality of our time, with precious habitats disappearing at an alarming rate. By restoring native plantings, we can create high-quality habitats that support bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.

Through careful plant selection tailored to your garden’s soil, location, and space, I ensure a continuous succession of blooms throughout the seasons. These thoughtful choices encourage biodiversity and help pollinators thrive in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.

Mindful Garden Care

I offer a holistic approach to garden maintenance, focusing on organic methods that nurture the soil and promote long-term health. This includes composting, mulching, and the use of natural fertilizers to support your garden from seed to harvest.

Sustainability is at the heart of my work. I prioritize dividing perennials to rejuvenate plants and create more without additional cost, transplanting self-seeded plants to make the most of what nature provides, and propagating and collecting seeds to ensure a continuous, thriving garden. These practices not only save resources but also celebrate the natural cycles of your garden, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem over time.

Nurturing Edible Gardens

Growing your own food is a rewarding way to connect with the land, and I offer thoughtful care and guidance to help your vegetable garden flourish. From seed to harvest, I work with organic gardening methods that prioritize the health of your soil and the wider environment.

Using natural fertilizers, composting, and mulching, I create a nurturing foundation for your plants while encouraging sustainable cycles within your garden. Every step is taken with care to ensure your vegetable patch is not only productive but also a harmonious part of the ecosystem, supporting pollinators and promoting soil health for seasons to come.

Seasonal Pruning & Orchard Pruning

Pruning is done with precision and respect for the life cycle of your shrubs and trees. By focusing on appropriate timing, I encourage healthy new growth, manage disease, and shape plants to suit your space.

Through restorative pruning, I help shape healthy trees with better airflow and disease resistance, ensuring they thrive for years to come.

I prioritize the use of non powered tools where I can, the battery-powered tools I occasionally use are battery powered Stihl AP systems, minimizing noise and reducing environmental impact. This mindful approach is particularly appreciated in urban settings where harmony with neighbors is key.

If you’re looking for thoughtful, sustainable care for your garden, I’d love to work with you to create or maintain a space that nurtures both you and the natural world around you.