EARTHWISE HORTICULTURAL SERVICES, LLC
SANFORD, FLORIDA

This article covers advanced topics and it is helpful to have read the introduction first. A: When I first got into this business, I did too. This question is what sparked my interest in water conservation in the landscape. Mainly it is due to the absence or inoperability of simple and inexpensive equipment (rain sensor 20 bucks) that shuts off irrigation during rain. EARTHWISE Horticultural Services I am not a landscape architect. I won't charge big firm fees. I am a horticulturalist. What this means is that I am educated, specialized, and experienced in selection, arrangement, establishment, and care of plant material in the landscape. I hold a master of science degree from University of Florida in this field. I currently focus on residential work. First, so that I could make my living doing something I believe in. In business, I have expanded this to include other ways to conserve water such as: We can help by: My humble hope is that through this business I can help others to understand the impact their landscape is having on the surrounding ecosystems, and how they can take steps to make their yards more efficient & practical, costing less money. Philosophy When I created Earthwise Horticultural Services, my philosophy & style was influenced by multiple disciplines of landscaping. These disciplines include Florida friendly landscaping, water-wise, organic, IPM, as well as traditional & contemporary influences. In Florida friendly landscape design the task is straight forward, select the right plants for the right place while also making sure the preferences of our valued clients are completely understood & met with enthusiasm. Florida friendly landscaping is a system of landscaping developed by the University of Florida. This type of landscaping addresses many issues such as water management, waste management, nutrition management, and plant material selection. This philosophy also helps one to understand how to manage pests responsibly and attract a multitude of beneficial wildlife such as birds and butterfly. I am not a landscape architect. I won't charge big firm fees. I am a horticulturalist. What this means is that I am educated, specialized, and experienced in selection, arrangement, establishment, and care of plant material in the landscape. I hold a master of science degree from University of Florida in this field. I currently focus on residential work. First, so that I could make my living doing something I believe in. In business, I have expanded this to include other ways to conserve water such as: We can help by: My humble hope is that through this business I can help others to understand the impact their landscape is having on the surrounding ecosystems, and how they can take steps to make their yards more efficient & practical, costing less money. Philosophy When I created Earthwise Horticultural Services, my philosophy & style was influenced by multiple disciplines of landscaping. These disciplines include Florida friendly landscaping, water-wise, organic, IPM, as well as traditional & contemporary influences. In Florida friendly landscape design the task is straight forward, select the right plants for the right place while also making sure the preferences of our valued clients are completely understood & met with enthusiasm. Florida friendly landscaping is a system of landscaping developed by the University of Florida. This type of landscaping addresses many issues such as water management, waste management, nutrition management, and plant material selection. This philosophy also helps one to understand how to manage pests responsibly and attract a multitude of beneficial wildlife such as birds and butterfly. Q: What I mean is, how can I claim to be an eco-friendly landscape company? A: If you choose to have a traditional or turf dominant landscape using St. Augustine and other grasses then I can help to reduce demands and your subsequent long term costs A: All landscape practices can be tailored to help conserve water. The key is to understand what your landscape requires and make sure to do so. All plant material & lawn combinations are different, we will assess your landscape and determine the most economical way to irrigate. Some folks are just interested in shopping around for cost. Many companies are willing to take a few measurements and give you a 'ballpark' estimate. As I gained experience over the last decade of doing business, I've learned things are not that simple. 'Ballparking' or 'take off' estimation is the same as guessing, or its over priced to compensate. There are too many variables. Bidding without explaining your options and best approaches is a haphazard approach. So, during the process of developing the plan and the bid, you are provided with the relelvant information to make a decision based on facts, not speculation. A: I'll provide you with instructions to help keep things looking good. No landscape is maintenance free. I'll make sure you understand what to do over the next few weeks and long term. Q: I really don't have time for this, can you help? A: As of now, I do not offer any maintenance services. When we are done, you will have a full understanding of what needs to be done and you can educate any willing service provider A: Nothing is maintenance free. We know how to install rock beds to minimize the care required, and provide you with instructions on how to keep it looking good. Q: What services are not available from your company? I will provide links in the future for companies I refer.... Earthwise: not the usual landscape design and build service. We are highly detail oriented and specialize in what we do. We emphasize quality over quantity and your property will be receiving the very best of our attention. We have very thorough procedures revolving around landscape design and build services which will become apparent as the project progresses. When we are done you will definitely have that wow factor you are looking for.