My name is Kaleb Meade and I have been working with, and living among, our Virginia landscapes my entire life. My passion is driven by a profound love for Virginia's diverse habitats, both past and present.  This passion has driven a thirst for knowledge about all of our native ecosystems, and the delicate webs of species that call them home that has taught me everything I know.

My philosophy on gardening goes beyond conventional landscaping; it is rooted in a deep commitment to habitat restoration & bringing holistic land Management principles into suburban backyards. Growing up in a rural farming town outside of Richmond Virginia, I instinctively knew the brilliant copper spires of the Little Bluestem grass that demanded my attention every autumn were special. I have vivid memories of watching them swaying, like ocean tides, as the wind danced across their tips in waves. A site that still mesmerizes me to this day. THAT was my “goldenrod”, which subsequently made it very confusing years later when I learned its common name and that “goldenrod” was actually a very different plant growing in the same habitat. Long before I knew its name though, I was enamored by its beauty. Along with other species like River Oats which I affectionately called "rain plant". With its delicately dangling seed heads that dance upon its long thinly curved and bowing stems, It reminded me of how the dew slowly drips off the blades of grass on cool spring mornings. I knew it was often found hiding in damp places among other grasses, and because it reminded me of the rain, and was always in wet ground, “Rain Plant” simply must be its name! Then there was Bottle Brush, another native grass, with its whisker-like seed heads that reminded me of cat whiskers so it must be a “whisker plant”. Of course this all made perfect sense to my child-mind, naturally. Getting older and diving into the complex ecosystems and endless species and complex relationships they form only deepened my appreciation, love, and passion for our wild spaces; but that love sprouted and was nurtured from my very start decades ago, emersed directly within it's wonder.

These early experiences in wild spaces profoundly shaped me and my interests in life and fostered an appreciation for the Commonwealth and our incredibly diverse landscapes still driving me today.  It instilled a love for the Piedmont Prairie before I knew it had a name, many people still don't realize it has a name. It wasn't until my teenage years I ever even heard the term “Piedmont Prairie” , let alone that many of the plants I already had such a deep love of often called it their home. I recognized that uniqueness and that it was “special” and then expanded that outward into the amazing legacy of our other natural ecosystems.

I truly believe we, all of us, have an obligation to make sure our children, and grandchildren still have the ability to stare in awe at the creativity, ingenuity and divine beauty of these delicate ecosystems. From the Piedmont Prairie and the Woodland habitats along the forest's edges, to the ephemeral wonderlands and verbal pools that thrive under the deep shaded canopies of our oak and hickory forests. It is imperative we make sure future generations have the opportunity to learn about them by direct immersion of their existence instead of just an “in memoriam” of text. At a time when even our "protected lands" are now at direct risk of being stripped and cleared, that obligation couldn't be clearer.

The author Douglas Adams has a famous quote, "The single raindrop never feels responsible for the flood". To me, it's a profoundly succinct way to convey how our individual actions may seem completely unconnected, but still directly influence the overall whole. This same premise is paramount to my belief that every backyard, big or small, is a single raindrop in a large flood moving towards our future generations. Your space matters for our future, and I would love to help you make your space the most impactful raindrop possible - for the betterment of us all.

If you don't really "care" either way and just need that curb appeal at a reasonable price point, theres absolutely no judgement...but let me "care" for you while arriving at that price point, for the benefit of generations to come.

This venture is my attempt at having a hands-on approach with saving, preserving, creating and restoring vital native wildlife habitat in this beautiful state. "See a need, fill a need ", the need is there, and it is my intent to fill it. It's incredibly frustrating to be aware of habitat loss while simultaneously seeing so much "unused" green space, and knowing that simple intent could dramatically combat the persistent loss. I'm tired of being frustrated about it and am taking initiative to do something about it. I would love your company on this journey!

I may be an unconventional choice when it comes to landscaping, and I hope to always be able to say that. There are countless more traditional options out there, and even a large variety of incredibly well- credentialed ecologist, landscape architects, and contractors with similar passions to my own to choose from- at markedly higher rates. 

If the lavish & exquisite don't quite fit your taste, and the cookie-cutter, finely tuned, Garden-variety landscaping doesn't "do it " for you either... 

If you value our protected wild spaces and just "Wish you could do more", but think your space isn't quite right or big enough...

If you have a concern for the well-being of our natural world and want to start converting your yard into valuable habitat, but don't know where to start ...

Then let me help you take your land in a new direction. Focusing on the land's health, direct wildlife benefit and long-term value, let me help you create a visually stunning and practical space for you and your family for the most economical cost I can. Go to the "Contact Me" Link at the top of this page and get in touch today to schedule your free consultation or continue to "current services" page for more information about what I can offer.

You may also read more about My Mission, immediate goals and even my current plans for GardenWild Service's future by following the links at the top of this page.

I'm glad you found me. Let's create something wonderful together!

Thank you, reader, for your time

-Kaleb Meade

GardenWild Services