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Standard Native Habitat Enhancement Package - $650.00
A mixture of hand-sown seeds (&/or Live Stake Cuttings) of 1 or more species specifically chosen for your site.
Live Stake Cuttings are essentially a live "stick" harvested off of a stock plant, that when planted will root itself and thrive. Live stakes are especially useful in consistently wet/damp areas but allow a larger number of woody species for a much more economical price point, for a more long-term investment. Seeds will be purchased from a native plant supplier, and could be a single or mixture of multiple species for your site. Depending on the size and type of installation planned, using seed is an incredibly economical way of covering large areas, investing in the long-term of the habitat. Mixtures of prairie, meadow, & woodland species are a great way to provide a huge area with enhancement - with visual improvement within 2-3yrs on average. Sometimes even smaller spaces can benefit from additional species via seed. Some species naturalize in an area better, when down from seed. It all depends on what's best for you and your property.
1+ flat(s) of 50-100 plant plugs
Plant "plugs' are a great way to add instant beauty at a fraction of the cost of more mature plants. These plants are usually 6mo-2yr+ old depending on species and source (but generally <1yr). They are grown in flats containing anywhere from 50-100 individual plants. They may be all the same species, or a mixture of multiple depending on site and availability. Because these already have roots, they add instant visual appeal and many may bloom the first year of planting!
5-15 quart or gallon-sized perennials, grasses, or shrubs
These larger plants will be selected after site assessment to best suit your specific needs and will vary with each installation. These will generally be older and more mature plants. Depending on site, they will be used to help provide immediate visual aesthetic while the other plants settle in. At times, this will be a mix of gallon sized and quart sized plants - the goal is the addition of mature, and already flowering or otherwise offering visually appealing, plants.
Our Plants:
Whenever possible, all plants are sourced from local nurseries & growers, including those that grow genetics specific to our Virginia ecoregion, making them the best possible choice for Central Virginia. We also incorporate a mix of species whose genetics, while still native to our state, have been sourced from surviving populations thriving elsewhere. These species are still just as ideally suited for our area and your yard, and their addition to the local seed bank can be invaluable. We will always try to prioritize Virginia growers, as local as possible, but substitutions may occur based on availability.
If applicable or preferred, we may also utilize “Nativar” species. “Nativar” is kind of a made up word used colloquially in the garden trade to mean a plant that is a variation of an individual native species that has been selectively chosen for heightened beauty or aesthetic. Many of the brightly colored coneflowers at garden centers are a good example of this. It will depend on species, but According to Mt Cuba Botanical research center in Maryland, some “Nativars” may provide equal or greater direct wildlife engagement /benefit compared to traditional species. Native species, with local genetics, will always be a priority - but we will utilize all avenues to make sure our installation works best with your expectations!
Free Onsite Consultation with every package: We will schedule a property walk with you to identify potential sites that meet our "minimum preparation" standards. I will assess any existing habitat that can be enhanced and suggest other suitable locations. If you already have a site in mind, our package is incredibly flexible and can be adapted to almost any space. If you've chosen your own site, the consultation will focus on identifying existing native plants, as well as any invasive that would require removal, or non-aggressive non-native species that could be built around. Learn more at the "What to expect- Free Estimates & quotes" Link at top of page.
Nurturing Your Nature; What's next after installation
Your “Native Habitat Enhancement “ installation will undergo a remarkable three-year transformation before you know it. "First they sleep, then they creep, then they leap!"
Year 1: Establishment & Watering: During the first year, consistent watering is crucial for the success of your investment. The exact watering needs will vary greatly depending on your specific site; some areas may require less, while others might need daily watering for several weeks, followed by weekly watering for several months. We will work closely with you to determine the appropriate watering schedule. If watering is a concern, we can discuss options for care after installation, or I can select more hardy species and choose a site that naturally retains more moisture, reducing the need for supplementation. Communication is key, and I am committed to making it work for you.
Year 2: Root Development & Reduced Care: By the second year, regardless of the initial planting type, the plant roots will be much more established. Direct interaction with the habitat will become very minimal, except during prolonged dry spells or other specified circumstances.
Year 3 & Beyond: Enjoyment & Long-Term Maintenance: By year three, your native habitat will be largely self-sufficient. Prairies in the wild thrive due to natural disturbances like fire or animal grazing. For pocket prairies, an annual cut (mowing) is typically needed, ideally in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. If desired for aesthetic reasons, a second cut can be performed. Other management methods may be suitable depending on the installation size, including arranging for grazing services or prescribed burns. However, a good mow once or twice a year will generally be assumed as your responsibility. Beyond that, you simply get to enjoy your thriving native landscape and the abundant wildlife it attracts!