What happens once I become a Larkspur client?

We operate as a collaborative team, so while you will most likely be assigned a leading designer, everyone on our staff will provide valuable input throughout the process. The overall process varies from client to client, as each site and situation is different, but typically there is an outline to this process: understanding the project goals and getting to know the site, coming up with a concept design, receiving client feedback, altering this design to a final design, and providing a planting plan and plant list. From here, it is up to the client on whether they’d like to have the project installed by a professional contractor, or if it’s something they’ll implement themselves. Larkspur works as the contractor in between the customer and installer to ensure a smooth planting experience.

How soon will I get my design and have it planted?

We typically work on designs during the colder months, from mid-autumn to late spring, and install them from late spring through mid-autumn. If you sign a contract in March, for example, we would likely begin your design in the following autumn or winter, with installation planned for the summer of the next year. Due to Maine's shorter planting season (early June to late October), designs are generally installed the year after the design process begins.

My garden that you designed has been planted - is it now a completely hands-off experience regarding taking care of the garden?

No! This is a common misconception. We strongly recommend considering the time and effort required to care for your garden, whether you plan to tend to it yourself or hire a professional team to manage it. Gardens are always evolving. Just like moving into a new home, plants need time to establish themselves and grow over time.

Our long-term goal is for your garden to become self-sufficient and low-maintenance. However, in the beginning, it will require some attention as it settles in. Here are a few key principles to keep in mind:

1. Establishment Takes Time
   Plants require time to establish themselves in their new environment. Be prepared for a period of growth and adjustment, during which you may see changes in plant health and appearance.

1. Dynamic Landscapes
   Landscapes are not static; they will change over time. Plants interact in unique ways, and their growth patterns can vary significantly. Some plants may thrive, while others may not last long after establishment. Embrace the evolving nature of your garden.

2. Seasonal Beauty
   While many plants showcase vibrant blooms from late spring to autumn, it’s important to appreciate the winter and early spring seasons as well. Leaving plant stems and seed heads standing through the colder months enhances the garden’s architecture and provides essential habitat for birds, bees, and other wildlife.

3. Sustainable Care
   After establishment, your garden should not require supplemental watering or mulch. For more information on groundcovers and living mulches, please refer to our document titled Groundcovers and Living Mulch.

4. Natural Practices Only
   We believe in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, which means no fertilizers or pesticides will be used in your garden once all plants are in the ground. The only exceptions to this are during site-preparation, when contractors may use an efficient spray kill for lawn or professionals using pesticides for invasive plant removal. 

I’m not sure if I have the budget to install the entire design, what are the different approaches to making this process more cost-effective?

Many clients choose to implement their projects in phases to manage costs effectively. For example, they might start with the front yard, incorporating shrubs and groundcovers, and then add perennials and work on other areas like side or back yards in later phases. The overall cost will depend on factors like plant quantities, sizes, and the amount of hardscaping needed. Additionally, designs that don’t include lawns will require more plants, which can increase costs. We can consider strategies such as using cover crops or designating a portion of your property to lawn temporarily to help keep expenses down.

Is the general guideline on your intake form of $10,000 to $100,000 for implementation inclusive of your team’s efforts + materials + landscapers’ labor?

Yes, that ballpark number includes both our costs and the installers' costs. From our end at Larkspur, this encompasses everything from project management and sourcing materials to purchasing, receiving, and placing the plants. We also handle connecting with contractors, obtaining quotes, marking up plans, measuring and staking out garden beds, and providing on-site support. Additionally, it covers travel and other direct expenses like prints and copies of the design. The contractor will have their own installation costs, which may include travel time, labor for their crew, and direct expenses like mulch and irrigation supplies.

What is the difference between native and invasive plants? 

This is a tough question to answer, and one that is heavily contended. In New England, native and invasive plants differ significantly in their origins, ecological roles, and impacts on the environment. Native plants have evolved over thousands of years in the region, adapting to local climate, soil, and other conditions. It’s hard to draw a line exactly on the border of where a plant is native to - native only to Maine…? New England…? The entire northeast…? The entire east coast…? Native to North America…?!

Examples of native plants in our area include Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), Coastal Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)... to name a few! There are over 1500 native plant species throughout the state. They play a vital role in supporting local ecosystems by providing food and habitat for wildlife, enhancing soil health, and maintaining water cycles. 

In contrast, invasive plants are not originally from New England; they are often introduced intentionally or accidentally from other regions. Examples of invasive plants in our area include Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), Norway Maple (Acer platanoides), Bishop’s Weed (Aegopodium podagraria), and Asiatic Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)… again, only naming a few of many. These species can thrive in their new environment due to a lack of natural predators / natural competition, allowing them to outcompete native plants for essential resources such as light, water, and nutrients. While native plants contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem stability, invasive plants frequently disrupt these systems, leading to reduced biodiversity and negative ecological consequences.