ADGD focuses on naturalistic planting design to nurture biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. We use principles from Permaculture, Ecology, and Horticulture to design solutions for you and your land. Treading lightly, working with nature.

We feel nature does it best. A woodland edge bordering the forest canopy, a open meadow with long views, or a wildlife pond nestled close so you can enjoy natures play in front of you, these are some of the settings we draw inspiration from to replicate in your garden.

Each site is different. Working with the attributes that make your specific location unique is what ADGD aims to bring out to create a distinct sense of place.

Design Process:

Information Gathering

I meet with you to discuss what you like about your property, things you want to change, what your goals are, how you imagine using your property? We look at existing trees and shrubs currently on the site along with analyzing existing site conditions and features to see what attributes can be accentuated or are causing problems.

A proposal is written stating ADGD intentions for your property.

Measuring the Site

After agreement, I will begin measuring your property along with buildings and notable land features to create a base map. This scaled plan will underlay all subsequent design work throughout the process.

Creating Functional and Concept Diagrams

Once a base map is drawn, ADGD begin analyzing the data gathered from our site visits, our conversations with you, and other factors such as soil, water, views, and climate, to deeply understand your property. ADGD creates functional diagrams that loosely suggest how things may flow in relation to each other. Refining these broad strokes, we develop Concept diagrams that further elucidate design ideas.

Once I have several concept sketches to show you, we’ll schedule a meeting to go over these ideas together to find an approach that excites you.

Final Design

Now that we’ve agreed on a concept plan, it’s back to the studio where I crystallize elements in the layout. The final design will have planting plans, plant list with images, notes on how to steward, and what to expect from the plantings over time.

Garden Design fees vary based on size of your property:

Yard 200-800 sq.ft starts at $700.

Townhouse 800 sq.ft. - 1/4 acre, $1500-

Cottage 1/4- 1 acre, $2600-

Estate 1 acre- larger, $3800-

These are estimates to provide insight into cost expectations. Each site is unique and may vary from these generalizations.

Design fee does not include installation of plantings, hardscaping, or built features. These are additional costs that are proposed along with final design presentation.

Please email me at: austin@austindodson.com for more information or to set up a meeting.