Urban Rewilding & Food Project specializes in creating beautiful and fully functional ecosystems within urban landscapes. If your goal is to have a completely PNW-native plant yard or to add some native plants to your existing landscape, it helps to hire a designer who understands all the considerations that go into creating a healthy native plant landscape.
Our goal is to deliver a lush and visually captivating native plant landscape that, like anything of real value, only gets better with time.
The Considerations
When designing a functional ecosystem, a native plant landscape designer works from the top down, considering the many layers of plants and trees that make up a functioning PNW native forest. The designer considers everything from the canopy to the soil and everything in between.
Plant Selection: We not only carefully choose plants native to our area but know how to pair them perfectly, both with each other and the individual climate and conditions of your yard, such as soil type, sun exposure, and moisture retention. If a native plant is in the right conditions, it grows with little to no maintenence because it has evolved over millions of years to survive in those conditions.
Ecosystem Considerations: We take into account the interconnected relationships between native plants, wildlife, and our urban environment and are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and self-sustaining ecosystem within your space that supports birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects with their favorite plants to live in and eat from.
We strategically design elements that support the entire life cycle of the insects and pollinators who depend on us to create a thriving microcosm in your backyard.
By emphasizing biodiversity, we contribute to the health of our local environment, creating space for us to coexist with nature and actively participate in its rejuvenation.
Sustainable Design: A native plant landscape designer creates landscapes that do not use pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, conserving water and minimizing the environmental impact of the project.
Our designs create ecosystems that can remediate water and erosion issues, filter the air and water, and prevent invasive species from growing.
Aesthetics: While functionality and sustainability are key, native plant landscape designers also focus on creating visually appealing landscapes that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings.
Urban Rewilding places a strong emphasis on the artistry of native plant landscapes. We integrate aesthetic considerations into every project so that the visual appeal of your outdoor space is as captivating as its ecological benefits.
We approach each design with an understanding of balance, color coordination, and natural form by carefully selecting native plants that grow together in the wild so that your native plant landscape benefits the environment and becomes a visual delight for you and your community.
Why it's important:
Biodiversity Conservation: Using native plants helps preserve and support local biodiversity. Native species are adapted to the region and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Water Conservation: Native plants are well-adapted to local climate conditions, reducing the need for excessive watering. This helps conserve water resources, especially in regions facing water scarcity.
Wildlife Habitat: Native landscapes provide essential habitats for local wildlife, including birds, insects, and other species. This contributes to the overall health and balance of ecosystems.
Resilience to Climate Change: Native plants are better suited to withstand local climate conditions, making landscapes more resilient to climate change impacts such as extreme weather events and temperature fluctuations.
Reduced Environmental Impact: By avoiding exotic or invasive species, native plant designs can minimize the negative impacts on ecosystems and prevent the spread of non-native plants that may outcompete local flora.
In summary, native plant landscape designers play a crucial role in creating environmentally friendly and sustainable landscapes that support local ecosystems, conserve resources, and contribute to the environment's overall health.
Why Hand Draw?
Hand-drawing native plant landscape designs provides a unique and personal touch to the creative process and allows for artistic expression and creativity. Designers can convey their unique style and capture the essence of the landscape in a more personal and natural way.
Customization: Hand-drawn designs enable a high level of customization. Designers can tailor the layout, colors, and details to meet the specific needs and preferences of the client or the local environment.
Connection to Nature: Drawing by hand fosters a deeper connection to nature and the landscape. Designers often spend more time observing and understanding the natural elements they are representing.
Intuitive Design Process: The tactile nature of hand drawing allows for an intuitive design process. Designers can quickly sketch and adjust elements as ideas flow, leading to more spontaneous and organic designs.
Emphasis on Detail: Hand drawing allows designers to emphasize specific details in the landscape, such as the intricate features of native plants or the relationships between different plants and natural features.
Less Reliance on Technology: Hand drawing reduces dependence on digital tools. This can be advantageous for designers who prefer a more hands-on and unplugged approach to their work.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of native plant landscape designs can vary widely based on several factors, including the scope of the project, the expertise of the designer, the size of the area to be landscaped, and the client's specific requirements. Many considerations go into the cost, but you can expect to spend around $.75 per sq ft.
Scope of the Project: Larger projects with extensive landscaping needs or complex design elements may incur higher costs than smaller, more straightforward designs.
Site Conditions: The existing conditions of the site, such as terrain, soil quality, and existing vegetation, can affect the complexity of the design and, consequently, the cost.
Customization and Detail: The design's level of customization and detail can influence the cost. Intricate and highly detailed designs may require more time and effort from the designer.
Implementation Costs: The cost of implementing the design, including purchasing native plants, materials, and labor for installation, should be considered in the overall budget. This is separate from the design fees.
Additional Services: Some designers may offer additional services, such as ongoing maintenance plans, which can add to the overall cost.
Scale and Complexity: Larger-scale projects or those with complex features like water features, hardscaping, or specialized plantings may require more time and expertise, impacting the cost.
Client Preferences: If the client has specific preferences or requests that involve additional research or design work, it may affect the overall cost.
At Urban Rewilding, it's not just about designing gardens; it's about cultivating a sustainable legacy. We believe in the power of nature-inspired transformations that go beyond visual appeal, fostering a deeper connection to the environment.
So, join us in the journey of nurturing biodiversity, embracing the beauty of native plants, and creating landscapes that stand as testaments to our commitment to a more biodiverse and resilient world.
Let's turn your outdoor space into a masterpiece of ecological harmony, where every leaf and petal tells a story of sustainability and natural elegance. Together, we'll cultivate a future where your garden isn't just a place—it's a thriving ecosystem that reflects your love for nature and dedication to a healthier planet.
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