Each project has unique considerations, however, in general we use the following process:

• Property visit: We’ll walk the property with you to discuss your dreams. We’ll discuss what features you want to keep, what to remove and we’ll gather the information we need to create your design. At this point we will also give you a price for the Design Package.
• Design: We’ll put everything together on paper in the Design Package to illustrate the plan. You’ll have a chance to review, give feedback and we’ll make changes until its perfect.
• Budget: Once we’ve settled on the design, we’ll put a price to it so that you know the cost to bring the design to life *ideally you will give us your budget range at the beginning so there are no surprises here!
• Install: Finally, our team will make the magic happen and bring your project to life.

Example of Design Package: Plant palette, landscaping design, and illustrative sketch

* While we aim to use at least 80% native plant species in our designs, we will work with you to find the perfect combination of plants for your project.

We love to transform properties. From start to finish we will manage the build of your new landscape. As part of our project management process we:

• Provide a quote for installing your landscape: As the last stage in our design process, we provide a quote for bringing the design to life.
• Coordinate all trades on site so you don’t have to: While the ALDER team generally completes site prep and planting, we subcontract most irrigation and hardscaping work. We work with the most talented landscaping companies in the area. Each one is aware of our environmental values and upholds strong attention to detail at every stage. We ensure the stages of work flow and work is completed efficiently.
• Design adherence and quality control: We remain onsite throughout the build to ensure everything is in it’s perfect place and that you are happy with every detail.
• Landscape overview once complete: Once the landscape is installed, we take the time to give you a thorough introduction to your new surroundings. We will walk the landscape with you to point out plant species, discuss care and maintenance requirements and ensure you are completely thrilled by the project outcome!

Feel good knowing your landscape maintenance is taken care of by reliable, environmentally minded professionals. Maintenance is a core part of what we do.

For newly installed landscapes, regular maintenance ensures that the plants successfully root and fill in ahead of weeds and invasive species. Often the first three years are crucial to steer the landscaping towards the desired aesthetic and plant species.

For mature landscapes, maintenance can be minimal. Often properties designed with traditional landscaping are more work than necessary. We can help transition the landscape to a lower maintenance, more natural space.

Our landscaping techniques are not traditional. We focus on incorporating native plant species, planting densely and retaining a cover of mulch year round. We never apply pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers.

The PNW has some of the most beautiful native plant species in the world. We are fortunate to live in such a spectacular climate – one of the reasons many of us choose to live here. To us, it is a no-brainer that our local plants are included in our landscaping since they thrive here naturally making them especially low maintenance, resilient to climate change and disease resistant.

Whenever we work on a property we ask ourselves, what would nature do here? We take time to understand the elements at play and microclimates of each area and following natures lead, create landscapes that celebrate our region’s natural beauty.

On Vancouver Island we have one of the highest rates of biodiversity in the world. We also have among the highest number of species that are at risk of extinction. Habitat loss is the biggest reason why plants and animals go extinct and climate change is adding pressure to an already challenging situation.

Your property is an important piece of habitat in our community’s ecosystem.

Whether you have a small garden space or a 10 acre parcel, your landscaping choices can make a difference to restore habitat and contribute to climate change resilience. Our landscapes: support biodiversity, create habitat, reduce maintenance requirements, and eliminate the need for chemicals. Our approach is founded the principals of ecological restoration. We create eye-catching West Coast landscapes that restore nature by working with the ecology of your property.

The benefits of using native plants on your property include:

• Lower maintenance, hardier and more adaptable than most exotic species
• Reduced dependency on pesticides, water and irrigation systems
• Resistant to frost damage, drought, common diseases, and herbivores
• With maturity, will form self-sustaining plant communities
• Produce long root systems to hold soil in place and resist erosion