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After finally deciding to improve our landscaping this spring using native plants, I had to tackle the next big step: finding the right person or company to help me. But before I could do that, I had to set a realistic project budget.
I based my budget on what I roughly remembered paying the first time we did our landscaping—which included some hardscaping—so I factored that in. I also leaned heavily on intuition and what I wanted to put into the yard this time around. Not exactly scientific, but let’s be honest: that’s how many of us make these decisions. #Adulting
There’s a local native plant nursery I knew offered installation services alongside their retail shop. I scheduled a consult via their website. After three days of playing phone tag (incoming calls are like catching lightning in a bottle for me), I finally connected with someone.
The man I spoke with explained that he was a third-party contractor hired by the nursery. He spent 30 minutes describing his credentials—one of which included designing a $20 million Bahamian resort landscape, complete with an on-site nursery. Impressive, yes—but definitely out of alignment with my project’s size and budget.
I asked directly about the typical budget range for his projects. He said the minimum was usually $8,000–$10,000. I told him mine was around $1,000. He kindly tried to relate, mentioning a “little old woman” with a similar budget. Still, I couldn’t help feeling like a small fish in his very large pond. I want to work with someone who wants to work with me—who respects my budget and gives me their full attention. Disappointed, I moved on.
I have a Facebook group for everything I care about—and that includes native Florida gardening. This group is full of passionate and helpful gardeners, so I turned to them for recommendations. I posted asking for landscapers in my area who specialize in native plants.
And wow—did they deliver! I received six solid recommendations. Unsurprisingly, the company I had already contacted was the most recommended. But one name stood out: a smaller business that three different people mentioned. That kind of consistency caught my eye.
I checked out their website and loved what I saw. I emailed the owner right away—she responded quickly, and we scheduled a consultation. Ten days later, she arrived on-site. We discussed my vision, my preferences for textures, shapes, and colors, and her design process.
A week later, she emailed me a complete project plan, including a computer mock-up of my home and all the suggested plantings. It was incredibly detailed, outlining each plant variety and care instructions. I knew exactly what I was getting, and I was thrilled.
The only change I made? I asked for more flowers—because let’s be honest, you can never have too many. Two weeks after that, she and her team showed up for installation!
Here’s what helped me find the right landscaper for my native plant garden:
Ask gardening friends or join a local gardening Facebook group. Use search terms like “Florida native gardening” or “[Your City] native plants.”
Check with local native nurseries. Many offer landscaping services or can recommend someone who does.
Look for community groups like “crunchy mom” groups or sustainability communities—they often swap recommendations.
What’s the average budget for your projects?
What’s your design approach for native landscapes?
Will I receive a plant list with care info?
What’s your timeline for starting the project?
My budget is $X—can you work within that?
Do you offer installation, or just design consultations?
From the beginning, my landscaper was responsive, approachable, and kind. She answered every question—including those from my curious little boy—and made sure I was informed and comfortable throughout the process. Her team did a beautiful job and left everything clean and tidy.
Some of the native plants now blooming in my yard (which you can also buy from Direct Native Plants!):
About the Author
Nicole Karon is a crunchy momma to two amazing kids, a wife, Transformation Coach, and marketing consultant. She’s been living a non-toxic lifestyle for 17 years and is passionate about building a healthy life for her family.
