Our Services

Ecological garden design, rooted in place.

At Fairnilee, we don’t just install plants — we grow living systems. Whether you’re starting from scratch, restoring a forgotten corner of your land, or caring for an existing garden, Lydia brings deep ecological knowledge and a personal, hands-on approach to every project.

Her work is guided by observation, adaptation, and relationship — with the land, the plants, and the people who call it home.

Tall purple flowering plants in a garden with trees and a mountain in the background on a sunny day.

Consultations

A walk through your landscape. A beginning.

The first step in any project is a one-on-one site visit. Lydia walks the land with you, listens deeply to your goals, and shares insights drawn from years of native plant study and garden making.

You’ll receive personalized advice and guidance on:

  • What to keep, what to remove, and what to reimagine

  • Native and invasive plant ID

  • Site-specific planting suggestions

  • Ways to improve habitat and ecological function

  • Design ideas and plant lists tailored to your space

“Even if you’re not ready to plant, a consultation can be a doorway — to understanding your land, to gaining confidence, and to planting with purpose.”

Dense patch of red bee balm flowers in a lush green garden setting.

Design & Installation

An evolving process. A garden that belongs.

Lydia approaches design as a living art. She creates intuitively, responding to the land in real time — not with rigid blueprints, but with seasonal awareness and site-specific flow. Every design evolves during installation, shaped by available plants, soil conditions, and the spirit of the place.

This service includes:

  • A custom native plant garden plan

  • On-site design during installation

  • Adaptations based on plant availability and timing

  • Thoughtful, artistic planting that honors your space

  • Optional collaboration with skilled installers

Design and installation are woven together — always guided by care, beauty, and ecological integrity.

Maintenance & Stewardship

Gardens grow. They need tending.

Native gardens aren’t set-it-and-forget-it — especially in the early stages. Lydia offers seasonal maintenance and ongoing stewardship to help your garden take root and flourish.

This may include:

  • Weeding and invasive plant control

  • Pruning, editing, and seasonal replanting

  • Soil care and natural mulching

  • Plant additions and succession planning

  • Long-term guidance and garden coaching

Whether Lydia maintains the garden herself or works alongside you, this service ensures your space stays healthy, dynamic, and full of life.

Custom Projects

Have something else in mind? Lydia also collaborates on:

  • Meadow creation

  • Woodland restoration

  • Streamside and riparian planting

  • Seed collection and propagation

  • Educational gardens for schools or nonprofits

Let’s talk about what’s possible.