We can make your garden dreams become reality
From designing a small backyard oasis to developing plans for a self-sufficient family homestead, we provide the expertise to guide your journey.
Discover a world of possibilities
With twenty years of experience growing organic vegetables, medicinal herbs and flowers, I know first-hand how gardens can transform our lives. I believe everyone should have a garden whether it is a beautiful spot in your backyard to relax, or the empowerment of growing your own food. Starting out can feel overwhelming but I’m here to help you through it. I love incorporating native plants and diversifying beds for maximum pollinator habitat.
After years of providing growing advice to friends and acquaintances, I’m excited to formally launch a set of services to the greater Rochester area.
Services
Online or In-Person Consultations, $100
Are you new to gardening or recently bought a new home and don’t know where to start? I can walk you through evaluating your site, identifying plants that work best for your needs, and recommend a plan and support for continuing care. If you live in the greater Rochester area, I would love to walk through your site and discuss your needs. I will help you evaluate potential garden locations based on soils, shade, and existing infrastructure. You will receive a custom assessment with design ideas, plant recommendations and trusted suppliers, and continuing care. If you live further away, we’ll meet for an hour over zoom and I will draft up a garden plan to improve your site, including:
Site Evaluation: Analysis of environmental factors like sun/shade, soil type and topography, infrastructure – proximity to water, electricity, paths, etc.
Plant Analysis: Identification of existing plants, their health, suitability for the site, and recommendations for moving or removing them.
Design Recommendations: Ideas for new and/or improved garden beds, suitable plants, walkways, and ways to manage trouble spots.
Actionable Advice: Specific tips for plant care, suppliers/installers, pest management, and ongoing maintenance.
What’s Included
I hold degrees in Environmental Science and Geomorphology, which is the study of the surface of the land- reading topography and deciphering why it looks and acts the way it does. I have over a decade of professional experience advising farmers and landowners about soil health, climate resilience, and land use management with the Soil & Water Conservation District and American Farmland Trust. This has provided me with extensive training and research experience and I know what resources are available to help you. In 2012, I completed Master Gardener coursework through the University of Vermont Extension. But my most valuable knowledge has simply been from learning through my own mistakes every growing season. The hard knocks are the best teachers. Here are areas I can help you with:
- Backyard Pollinator Habitat
- Cut Flower Gardens
- Perennial Landscaping for Western New York
- Home Vegetable Gardens + Homestead Planning
- Easy-Care Gardens + Gardening with Dogs and Kids
- Native Plant Recommendations
- Medicinal Herbs and Tea Plants
- Identifying Trouble Spots
- Connecting with Resources, such as Technical & Financial Assistance
Contact
The best way to get in touch is by email or sending a message using the form. Tell me a little about your garden needs and goals and we can set up an initial consultation. I respond to all inquiries within 48 hours.
tenderfootflora@gmail.com
