Gardenwise Design and Consulting Services in the Yakima Valley

The foundation of all Gardenwise work

The Starter Garden Consult is an on-site advisory service designed to help you understand your space, clarify priorities, and identify practical next steps. During the visit, we assess site conditions such as sun exposure, soil, layout, and water considerations, and discuss opportunities and constraints specific to your garden. You’ll receive:

• a visual site concept with design notes

• a written summary of key observations

• and clear recommendations to move your garden forward.

*This service provides high-level guidance and direction, not a finalized design or planting plan.

** This consult can stand alone or lead into design, install coordination, our optional add-ons services, and/or seasonal support.

Clear, actionable plans tailored to your space

Garden Design Plans are ideal for homeowners who want a clear, site-specific roadmap for how their garden should be organized and evolve over time. Design work builds directly on insights from the Starter Garden Consult and translates those observations into a cohesive, planning-level layout.

Design plans focus on structure, flow, and strategy rather than plant shopping lists or installation details.

Design plans may include:

• Scaled garden layout for planning purposes

• Defined garden zones based on sun exposure, access, and use

• Circulation and access paths

• Placement of beds, structures, and key features

• Functional plant groupings based on conditions and goals

• Consideration of soil, drainage, wind, and irrigation feasibility

• Phasing guidance to support implementation over time

Each design is tailored to the size, complexity, and priorities of the site.

Design plans do not include:

• Species-level plant lists or quantities

• Final planting plans or installation drawings

• Construction or engineering documentation

• Purchasing or sourcing guidance

*Design services are scoped and quoted after the Starter Garden Consult to ensure recommendations reflect real site conditions and priorities.

**Design plans can be used independently or serve as the foundation for plant selection, coordination, or seasonal support.

***For clients interested in heritage or native landscapes, Gardenwise can incorporate design considerations that support alignment with Heritage Garden Program certification requirements when appropriate.

Support to help your plan come to life

Design + Install Coordination is for clients who want guidance beyond the planning phase and support bringing their garden plan into place. This service focuses on sourcing, sequencing, and coordination rather than full installation or construction.

Coordination support may include:

• Plant and material sourcing guidance

• Installation timing and sequencing recommendations

• Coordination with local landscapers or contractors for medium-sized projects

• Limited, hands-on planting support for small garden areas, when appropriate

Gardenwise works collaboratively with clients and local professionals to ensure the design intent is carried through clearly and realistically.

Gardenwise does not provide full-scale landscaping, hardscaping, or ongoing maintenance services.

** This service is scoped after the Starter Garden Consult and design phase, based on project size and timing.

Guidance for gardens that evolve over time

Seasonal & Ongoing Support is designed for clients who want continued guidance as their garden develops through the year. This service focuses on timely advice, seasonal decision-making, and helping you work with your garden rather than against it.

Support may include:

• What to plant, adjust, or remove by season

• Guidance on pruning, soil care, and garden upkeep

• Planning for upcoming seasons and phased improvements

• Troubleshooting challenges as conditions change

Seasonal support is flexible and can be offered as individual sessions or short-term packages, depending on your needs and timing. This service is available after the Starter Garden Consult.

Requires approved Design plan.
Includes specific plant recommendations, quantity ranges, seasonal considerations, and a 4-season succession garden plan.

Does not include purchasing or ongoing plant support.

For clients who want a deeper data-backed insight into soil conditions, Gardenwise offers an optional soil health consult. This add-on includes soil sampling, lab coordination or testing guidance, and interpretation of results with tailored amendment recommendations.

** This service is recommended based on site conditions and is scoped after the initial consult.

A targeted evaluation of site conditions that affect irrigation feasibility and long-term water efficiency.

Includes:

• Review of existing irrigation systems and water sources

• Preliminary assessment of water pressure, flow, and coverage constraints

• Evaluation of slope, drainage, and soil-water interaction

• Identification of site limitations affecting planting and layout decisions

• High-level recommendations and guidance on next steps

Does not include:

• Engineered irrigation plans

• Permit or water rights determinations

• Licensed contractor services