Gardenwise Design and Consulting

The process begins on the Book a Consult page, where you’ll complete a short intake form. Each request is reviewed personally before moving forward.

If your project appears to be a good fit, you’ll receive a pre-consult questionnaire. All Gardenwise services begin with a paid Starter Garden Consult.

The Starter Garden Consult is a 90-minute, on-site visit focused on understanding your space, priorities, and constraints. During the visit, we assess site conditions such as sun exposure, soil characteristics, layout, drainage, and water considerations, and discuss opportunities specific to your garden.

You’ll receive a visual site concept with design notes, a written summary of key observations, and clear, prioritized recommendations to move your garden forward. This service provides planning-level guidance and direction, not a scaled design, finalized planting plan, or construction documentation.

No. The Starter Garden Consult stands on its own. Any additional services are optional and only offered if they make sense for your goals and site.

Gardenwise does not offer free consultations. The Starter Garden Consult is designed to provide focused, professional guidance and is paid prior to the site visit.

Starter Consult pricing is fixed at $175. Design, plant selection, and design and install services are scoped and quoted after the consult to ensure they reflect actual site needs.

A high level pricing menu is shared with the Starter Garden Consult invoice so you can plan ahead. Exact pricing for any next step services are confirmed only after the consult, and dependent on scope and size of a project. There is no obligation to move forward beyond the Starter Garden Consult.

Gardenwise provides consulting, design planning, and coordination support only. Full-scale landscaping, hardscaping, and ongoing maintenance services are not offered.

For select projects, Gardenwise may provide limited, hands-on planting support for small garden areas or coordinate with licensed landscapers or contractors when appropriate. Gardenwise does not act as a contractor and does not manage construction work.

The Starter Garden Consult includes a high-level soil condition assessment completed during the on-site visit. This includes visual and hands-on observations such as soil texture, compaction, drainage indicators, and overall suitability for planting. The goal is to inform immediate decisions and provide practical, DIY-friendly recommendations.

The Soil Health Consult is an optional add-on for clients who want a deeper evaluation. It focuses on improving soil performance over time and may include soil testing coordination or interpretation, nutrient and pH analysis, customized amendment recommendations, and a longer-term soil improvement strategy.

In short, the Starter Garden Consult addresses soil readiness for next steps, while the Soil Health Consult supports long-term soil health.

Most clients do not need this level of analysis. It is typically recommended for properties with slopes, large planting areas, aging or unknown irrigation systems, or water access limitations.

The Starter Garden Consult includes basic irrigation and site observations. The Irrigation Feasibility Consult is a deeper evaluation designed to inform larger design, planting, or installation decisions when needed.

Gardenwise commonly works with kitchen and edible gardens, cottage gardens and layered borders, pollinator and cut flower gardens, and Heritage or native water-wise landscapes. Many gardens span more than one category.

Gardenwise can support homeowners who are interested in aligning their gardens with Heritage Garden Program certification guidelines. This may include guidance on plant selection, layout considerations, and documentation support based on program criteria and site conditions.

Gardenwise does not provide certification and cannot guarantee eligibility or approval. Certification decisions are determined by the program itself.

Availability varies by season. Gardenwise limits the number of consults and projects taken on each week to ensure quality and focus. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak spring and fall seasons.

Gardenwise primarily serves homeowners in the Yakima Valley. Limited exceptions may be considered depending on location and scope.

After your intake form is reviewed and your project is confirmed as a fit, you’ll receive a brief pre-consult questionnaire and a short prep sheet by email. Reviewing these materials in advance helps ensure the site visit is focused, efficient, and tailored to your priorities.

For the consult itself, I recommend setting aside uninterrupted time so we can walk the space, review key areas, and discuss your goals without distractions. This allows us to make the most of our time together and ensures the guidance you receive is as clear and actionable as possible.

You can begin the process on the Book a Consult page by submitting an intake form. If your project is a good fit, you’ll receive a pre-consult questionnaire. After review, you’ll receive an email with our pricing list and invoice for the Starter Garden Consult. Once payment is received, you’ll be invited to schedule your visit.