About Victoria Gardener
At Victoria Gardener, we design, install, and care for natural plant gardens that feel calm, look intentional, and thrive in Victoria, BC’s coastal climate. We believe great gardens are built from living systems—healthy soil, climate-fit plants, smart placement, and steady stewardship—so they get better year after year instead of demanding constant rescue.
“Specializing in native plant gardens and ecological restoration, Molly’s extensive background in all things gardening and the outdoors results in high quality, sustainable, and personalized landscaping services that her clients appreciate and can rely on.”
Our Philosophy: Natural, Low-Maintenance, Designed to Last
Natural planting doesn’t mean “wild.” It means plant communities—groundcovers, perennials, compact shrubs, and small trees—layered to suit your sun, soil, wind, and drainage. The result is four-season beauty with lower water use, fewer weeds, and a clean, intentional look from the curb. We plan for what your garden will be in 12–36 months, not just day one.
- Right plant, right place: Native and climate-fit species selected for Victoria’s dry summers and mild winters.
- Soil-first approach: Compost and mulch to build structure, protect roots, and reduce inputs.
- Deer-aware, drought-smart: Palettes and layouts that respect local realities.
- Maintenance built in: Pruning by plant type and density that suppresses weeds.
Who We Are
Victoria Gardener is owner-operated, ensuring clear communication, tidy job sites, and reliable follow-through from first visit to final mulch. Clients work directly with the person designing and installing their garden—and, if they choose, maintaining it season after season. That continuity protects the design intent and your investment.
About Our Lead Horticulturist
Molly's career spans diverse experiences including working for Saanich Parks - Natural Areas Section, installing and maintaining native plant gardens and ecological restoration sites in some of Saanich’s most beloved greenspaces.
Earlier, she served as a groundskeeper and deckhand at Sailcone Grizzly Bear Lodge, where everyday work reinforced respect for coastal ecosystems and field-ready problem solving. She also volunteers with Habitat Acquisition Trust, deepening ties within the regional environmental community.
Professionally, she holds a Red Seal in Landscape Horticulture and a BA in Environmental Studies from University of Victoria (UVic). This combination—hands-on horticulture, ecological literacy, and local fieldwork—guides every planting and maintenance plan we deliver.
What We Do (and Why It Works)
Natural Plant Garden Installation
We turn front yards, side yards, and “impossible” strips into
layered, resilient gardens. Expect careful site assessment, soil improvement, on-site plant placement, and neat, water-wise finishes. Our designs emphasize four-season interest—flowers, texture, movement, and winter structure—so your space remains engaging year-round.
Landscape & Garden Maintenance
Great gardens are made in the follow-through. We provide seasonal pruning, cutbacks, deadheading, compost mulching, weed suppression, and plant health monitoring. Our stewardship keeps edges crisp and interiors soft, preserving a natural yet tidy aesthetic.
Pocket Gardens & Lawn Conversions
Small spaces and thirsty lawns offer outsized opportunity. We create
pocket gardens that make every square foot count, and we convert turf to low-maintenance planting that saves water and boosts curb appeal.
Why it works in Victoria
Our coastal pattern—wet winters, dry summers, variable wind, and deer pressure—rewards plant knowledge and placement. We match species to microclimates, design for maturity, and build soil so your garden settles in quickly and improves over time.
Our Process (Simple and Clear)
- Site Visit & Goals – We walk the property, discuss how you want to use the space, and note sun, soil, drainage, and deer.
- Plant Palette & Quote – A tailored list and clear scope: prep, installation, mulch, and optional maintenance.
- Preparation & Install – Soil work first, then layered planting with precise spacing and clean edges.
- Establishment Plan – Straightforward watering guidance and optional first-year check-ins.
- Ongoing Care – Seasonal maintenance to protect your investment and keep the design looking intentional.
What Sets Us Apart
- Specialists in natural planting for Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich, Esquimalt, View Royal, and the Westshore.
- Owner-operated: accountability, responsiveness, and a single point of contact.
- Plant-first maintenance: pruning by species and timing, not “one-size-fits-all” shearing.
- Tidy sites, respectful access, clear scopes—no surprises.
- Local ecosystem awareness: pollinator support, soil health, and practical deer-aware choices.
Soil: The Foundation We Never Skip
Healthy gardens start underfoot. We assess texture (sand/silt/clay), check drainage, and build organic matter with compost and mulch. In clay-heavy areas we improve aeration; in sandy pockets we increase water-holding capacity. This soil-first method reduces plant stress, lowers water use, and cuts down on replacements—key to low-maintenance landscaping in Victoria, BC.
Outcomes You’ll Notice
- A garden that fills in instead of thinning out
- Lower maintenance thanks to groundcover density and smart spacing
- Water-wise performance through summer
- Curb appeal that photographs beautifully and supports resale
- Birds and pollinators—without the space looking unkempt
Service Area
Victoria • Oak Bay • Saanich • Esquimalt • View Royal • Westshore
If you’re nearby, ask—we can sometimes accommodate adjacent areas.
Ready to Talk About Your Garden?
Whether you want a native plant garden, a pocket garden, or reliable landscape maintenance, we’ll bring a calm, professional approach and a clear, written plan.
Book a Site Visit – Share your address, 3–6 photos, and goals. We’ll reply with ballpark ranges, schedule a walk-through, and provide a detailed quote.
Credentials Snapshot
- Red Seal – Landscape Horticulture
- BA – Environmental Studies (UVic)
- Professional experience in municipal natural areas, ecological restoration, and native planting
- Volunteer involvement with regional land stewardship organizations
Victoria Gardener exists to make your outdoor space feel natural, designed, and easy to live with—today and as it matures. Let’s build something that thrives here.