Frequently Asked Questions Victoria
Welcome to our FAQs—your quick guide to stress-free, high-impact landscaping in Victoria, BC. Here you’ll find clear answers on native plant gardens, design and installation, irrigation, seasonal maintenance, pricing, and timelines across the CRD (Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, Westshore, and more).
We built this page to help you plan confidently, avoid costly mistakes, and get a beautiful, low-maintenance yard that thrives in our coastal climate. If you don’t see your question, reach out—our team is happy to recommend plants, schedule a site visit, or provide a fast quote. Let’s turn your outdoor space into your favorite room on the property.
Native Plant & Ecological Landscaping
What is a natural plant garden and why choose one in Victoria BC?
A natural plant garden uses plants adapted to our coastal climate, needing less water and fertilizer while boosting birds, bees, and butterflies—perfect for sustainable landscaping in Victoria.
Will a native garden look “messy”?
Nope. With layered heights, defined edges, and seasonal interest, we design native gardens that look intentional, tidy, and beautiful year-round.
Do native plants still need irrigation?
Yes during establishment. We design low-water drip systems for the first 1–2 seasons; after that, most natives thrive on rainfall with occasional deep watering.
Can you blend native plants with my existing ornamentals?
Absolutely. We create mixed palettes that pair natives with your favorites for color, bloom time, and structure without losing that natural look.
Do you offer deer-resistant native options?
Yes—think sword fern, salal, evergreen huckleberry, kinnikinnick, oceanspray, and red-flowering currant. “Resistant” isn’t “deer-proof,” but we plant smart and can add deterrents.
Will a natural plant garden attract pollinators and birds?
Big time. Nectar, berries, shelter, and staggered bloom times make your garden a living habitat.
My site is windy/shady/rocky—can natives still work?
Yes. We match species to microclimates—from coastal winds to deep shade—and amend soil where needed.
Garden Design & Consultation
What happens during a garden design consultation?
We walk your site, discuss goals, style, budget, maintenance level, and take measurements/photos to build a clear plan for your Victoria property.
What design deliverables do I get?
Depending on scope: a concept plan, planting plan with species list, materials palette, and a phased install roadmap.
Do you provide 2D or 3D visuals?
We typically deliver 2D scaled plans; 3D renderings are available for select projects if helpful for decisions.
How many revisions are included?
At least one structured round is standard. Extra iterations can be added if your project needs more fine-tuning.
Can you design for low-maintenance landscaping?
Yes—right plant, right place, smart irrigation, and mulch strategies to keep care simple.
Do you design small courtyards and townhome gardens?
We love them. Compact spaces shine with good structure, vertical layers, and purposeful materials.
Can you help with strata/HOA approvals?
Yes—we package plant lists, visuals, and notes to streamline approvals.
Installation & Hardscaping
Do you install paths, patios, and edging?
Yes—gravel, pavers, natural stone, and steel/rock edging for clean lines and drainage.
What materials hold up best to coastal weather?
Permeable pavers, crushed gravel, basalt/flagstone, and rot-resistant woods or metal edging perform well in Greater Victoria.
Do you handle site prep and disposal?
We take care of excavation, soil amending, green-waste recycling, and clean-up—start to finish.
Can you build raised beds and planters?
Yes—cedar, metal, or stone raised beds sized for accessibility, drainage, and longevity.
Can projects be phased over time?
Absolutely. We can install in logical phases to match your budget and schedule.
Do you coordinate with other trades?
Yes—we coordinate with electricians, plumbers, and others when needed for lighting, drainage, or structural elements.
Lawn Alternatives & Sod
Do you install new sod lawns in Victoria?
Yes—drought-tolerant sod with proper grading, soil prep, and irrigation for a durable, family-friendly lawn.
What are good lawn alternatives?
Eco-lawn blends, micro-clover, and native meadow plantings offer green coverage with less watering and mowing.
Can you convert an existing lawn to a low-water garden?
Yes—sheet mulching or removal, soil building, drip irrigation, and drought-tolerant plantings.
Are clover or eco-lawns okay for kids and pets?
They’re great—soft underfoot, resilient, and lower-input than traditional turf.
How soon can we use a new lawn?
Plan 2–4 weeks for establishment before heavy play; we’ll give you a simple watering schedule.
Irrigation & Water Management
Do you design and install drip irrigation?
Yes—zone-based drip with pressure regulation and emitters matched to plant needs saves water and money.
Can you add smart controllers?
We install Wi-Fi controllers that adjust to weather and watering restrictions.
How do you manage water restrictions?
We design efficient systems, set appropriate schedules, and prioritize drought-tolerant plants.
Do you offer rainwater harvesting options?
Yes—rain barrels/cistern tie-ins for garden use where feasible.
Can you fix soggy spots or pooling water?
We assess grading and add French drains, dry creek beds, or soil amendments to improve drainage.
Do you handle backflow/permit coordination?
We’ll advise on backflow requirements and coordinate licensed installers when necessary.
Seasonal Maintenance & Cleanup
What’s included in a spring cleanup?
Bed edging, weeding, pruning of winter damage, soil amending, mulch, and irrigation start-up.
Do you offer monthly garden maintenance?
Yes—custom plans for weeding, pruning, fertilizing, and seasonal color to keep your landscape show-ready.
Can you handle post-storm cleanups?
Yep—debris removal, limb pruning, and plant health checks with safety first.
How do you treat fall leaves?
We mulch in place where beneficial or remove excess to protect lawns and drains.
Do you refresh mulch annually?
Typically every 12–18 months for weed suppression, moisture retention, and polished look.
Can you prep gardens for home sale photos?
Yes—fast “curb-appeal lifts” that photograph beautifully and help listings pop.
Do you offer one-time tidy-ups?
Absolutely—perfect before events or seasonal transitions; minimums apply.
Soil Health & Composting
How do you assess my soil?
We check texture, drainage, pH, organic matter, and, when useful, lab tests to target amendments.
Do you bring in quality compost and soil?
Yes—locally sourced compost and premium soil blends for beds and planters.
Can you build vegetable-ready soil quickly?
We layer compost, mineral amendments, and mulch to create productive raised beds.
Do you use organic fertilizers?
We prefer organic, slow-release options that build long-term soil health.
Which mulch is best here?
Arborist chips, bark, or crushed gravel depending on plantings, slope, and style.
How long until soil improves?
You’ll see early gains in one season, with significant improvement over 1–2 years.
Pest, Weed & Wildlife Management
Do you use pesticides?
We lead with Integrated Pest Management—cultural practices, hand removal, barriers, and targeted treatments only when necessary.
How do you deter deer and rabbits?
Strategic plant choices, fencing where needed, and safe deterrents help protect key areas.
Can you help with lawn grubs/chafer damage?
Yes—soil rehab, resistant turf options, and timing care to interrupt life cycles.
Do you remove invasive plants?
We tackle ivy, blackberry, and other invasives; for regulated species like knotweed we coordinate specialists.
How do you control weeds in paths and patios?
Proper base prep, polymeric sand, and spot-controls keep joints clean.
Are your methods pet-safe?
Yes—we prioritize pet-safe practices and let you know whenever an area needs temporary off-limits time.
Trees, Hedges & Pruning
Do you prune hedges and small trees?
Yes—formative and seasonal pruning for cedars, laurels, fruit trees, and ornamentals under safe working heights.
What’s the best time to prune?
Most hedges: late spring/summer touch-ups; fruit: dormant or post-fruit. We’ll time it to species and goals.
Do you plant new trees and screen hedges?
Yes—right species, spacing, and staking for privacy and long-term health.
Can you handle large or hazardous tree work?
For big removals or risky limbs, we refer and coordinate certified arborists.
How do you keep hedges neat along sidewalks/lanes?
We shape to bylaw-friendly widths/heights and maintain crisp lines.
Project Process, Pricing & Timelines
How do I get a quote for landscaping in Victoria?
Start with a quick call or message. We’ll book a site visit, confirm scope, and send a clear proposal with options.
Is there a minimum project size?
Yes—there’s a small project minimum; maintenance days and phased installs keep things flexible.
How long does design take?
Most designs take 1–3 weeks depending on scope and revisions.
How far out are you booking installs?
Spring fills fast in the CRD—booking 2–6 weeks ahead is common. We’ll share current availability.
How long will installation take?
Small refreshes: 1–3 days. Medium projects: 4–10 days. Larger builds scale from there.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes—a deposit secures your spot and materials. Balance is tied to milestones or completion.
What payment methods do you accept?
E-transfer, credit card, or cheque, with receipts for all work.
Are you insured and covered by WorkSafeBC?
Yes—full liability insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage for peace of mind.
Where do you work?
Greater Victoria: Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Langford, Colwood, and nearby communities.
Warranties, Guarantees & Aftercare
Do you warranty plants you supply and install?
We offer a standard plant guarantee when our watering and care guidelines are followed. Details are outlined in your proposal.
Is hardscaping workmanship guaranteed?
Yes—our workmanship is covered for a defined period; we’ll document specifics for your project.
What voids a plant warranty?
Neglect, wildlife damage, unauthorized relocation, or irrigation shut-offs during heat waves typically void coverage.
Do you provide care guides after installation?
Yes—simple watering, pruning, and seasonal checklists so your new landscape thrives.
Can you do a post-install checkup?
We offer tune-ups to adjust irrigation, top up mulch, and fine-tune plant care.
Accessibility, Sustainability & Permits
Can you design accessible paths and raised beds?
Yes—comfortable grades, stable surfaces, and ergonomic bed heights for easy access.
Do you practice sustainable landscaping?
We prioritize native plants, water efficiency, composting, electric tools where practical, and local suppliers.
Can you help with permits or utility locates?
We call before-you-dig locates and advise on permits for elements like retaining walls or tree work.
Do you work with strata and property managers?
Yes—clear scopes, scheduled maintenance, and tidy worksites keep strata projects smooth.
What happens to green waste?
It’s recycled into compost/mulch whenever possible; we minimize landfill use.