Transform your landscape with expert plant selection and installation. Shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, and small trees—properly planted for thriving results.
Call for FREE ConsultationPlant installation seems simple—dig, plant, fill. But successful establishment requires understanding proper depth and spacing, soil amendment needs, watering requirements, and most importantly, selecting appropriate plants for your specific conditions.
Poor choices or improper installation lead to struggling plants and disappointing landscapes that never achieve their potential.
Our 39 years in Howard County means we know which plants thrive in clay soils and humid climate, how Maryland weather affects performance, and proper timing for maximum establishment success.
Wrong plant choices: Sun plants in shade, shade plants in sun, varieties that don't tolerate Howard County clay or humidity.
Improper depth: Even one inch too deep or shallow significantly impacts long-term health and survival.
Poor soil prep: Planting in pure clay without amendment or creating "bathtub effect" causing root rot.
Bad spacing: Crowding promotes disease; spacing too far leaves years of sparse gaps.
Establishment failure: Inadequate watering during first season kills plants that would otherwise thrive.
Seasonal color, structure, and screening for your property.
Year-round structure and winter interest for Maryland landscapes.
Return year after year with less replanting than annuals.
Low-maintenance texture, movement, and four-season interest.
Ornamental trees under 25 feet for scale and focal points.
Proper installation gives plants the best possible start in your Columbia landscape.
Evaluate sun exposure, soil conditions, drainage, and design goals. Recommend plants proven to thrive in your specific conditions.
Source quality specimens from reputable nurseries. Inspect roots, check for disease, select well-shaped plants with good structure.
Dig proper-sized holes, amend soil based on plant needs, create drainage where necessary. Set foundation for root establishment.
Plant at correct depth with root flare visible. Loosen roots, position for best viewing, backfill without compacting excessively.
Apply 2-3 inches mulch around plants. Provide thorough initial watering to settle soil and eliminate air pockets around roots.
Provide detailed written care instructions specific to your plants. Available for follow-up questions throughout establishment.
Cooler temperatures reduce stress, adequate rainfall provides moisture, roots establish during dormancy. Plants ready to grow vigorously when spring arrives.
Works well for most plants, especially those needing full season before winter. Provides immediate gratification but requires careful irrigation through summer.
Heat stress makes establishment difficult. Daily watering often necessary. Best for tough, drought-tolerant plants or wait for fall.
39 years of local experience means we recommend plants with proven track records in conditions similar to yours—no guessing.
Correct depth, spacing, and soil preparation techniques developed through thousands of successful installations throughout Howard County.
Wholesale nursery access provides healthy, well-grown stock acclimated to regional conditions at competitive pricing.
Detailed care instructions and follow-up availability throughout critical first growing season ensures success.
Professional installation costs more than DIY with discount plants but delivers results that establish and thrive rather than struggle and disappoint. Most perennial gardens: $300-800 complete.
Plant selection depends on sun exposure, soil conditions, and moisture availability at your specific site. During consultation, we assess these factors and recommend plants proven to thrive in similar Howard County situations. Our 39 years of local experience means we've seen what succeeds and what struggles. Science-based selection dramatically improves success rates compared to choosing plants solely on appearance at garden centers.
Yes, we identify existing plants and source matching specimens to expand throughout your landscape. Repeating successful plants creates cohesion and ensures new additions perform well. However, we also introduce variety to prevent monotony and reduce disease risk. During consultation, we assess whether repeating favorites makes sense or if complementary alternatives would create better overall design.
Amendment depends on plants and conditions. For trees and large shrubs, we amend moderately with compost—too much creates "bathtub" effect, but none makes establishment harder. For perennial beds, we amend more extensively. Some plants actually tolerate clay without extensive amendment. Our site assessment determines appropriate strategy for your specific situation rather than one-size-fits-all approach.
Newly installed plants need consistent watering throughout first growing season—the most critical factor for establishment. General guideline: 1-2 inches weekly through deep soaking 1-2 times weekly rather than frequent light watering. Hot, dry periods require more attention. Fall-planted material needs consistent water through fall but less during winter. By second season, established plants need much less supplemental irrigation except during drought.
We offer one growing season warranty on installed plants with proper homeowner care. This covers installation problems or plant defects but not neglect, environmental extremes, or damage. Warranty requires following care instructions and prompt notification of problems. Extended warranties available with maintenance contracts where we provide ongoing care. We want your investment to succeed and stand behind our work.
We can install customer-supplied plants labor-only ($35-75 per plant), though we recommend letting us source plants for best results. Retail plants sometimes have pot-bound roots, disease, or inappropriate varieties. We can't warranty plants we didn't select. Many discover our installed pricing including quality wholesale plants costs comparable to retail plus labor-only, with better plant quality and full warranty.
Expert plant selection and installation for thriving landscapes. From site assessment through establishment support, we guide you to beautiful, lasting results.
Call (410) 992-8680 for FREE Consultation