Garden Consultant

After taking a break last year to write a book (about my own garden), I have some time to devote to other people's garden dreams.

I am available if you need professional advice about your in-ground or rooftop garden space:

Does an apple orchard on the 17th floor sound nice? Or do you prefer blueberries? Perhaps you like the idea of a native woodland garden and would like to have one of your own. If you have full sun a flowering prairie on the roof might be more appealing.

Maybe you just like lilies.

I assess the space you have in terms of aspect and microclimate: sun/shade ratio, challenges specific to your site, such as deep shade pockets, or orientation with regards to winter winds. We'll talk about what sort of garden you need: edible, ornamental, native? To live in or to look at? What about perennials and shrubs and trees? We'll discuss how much gardening you will be able to commit to personally, or whether you will need to hire a gardener.

I'll go home and think, and come up with some answers, a plant list and detailed seasonal care requirements. If necessary I will go shopping with you to local nurseries and help pick out the plants that will thrive in your garden. Or you can point at plants you like and I'll say yes, no, yes, no... My involvement may last an hour or a year.

I have been creating and implementing small and large gardens for twelve years. I have been gardening since I was four. I write about gardening. I photograph gardens. I have green blood.

What I don't do: haul soil and plant the whole thing myself. I miss it, but my back says: No More. I do advise on local companies or individuals who do good work, or coach (coax) you to plant it yourself, showing you how, and I can rarely resist joining in.

Hourly rates and picture galleries of previous work upon inquiry.

Contact me via email:

marieyviljoen (at) gmail (dot) com