Fine Gardening FAQ

How is Fine Gardening different from a standard "Mow and Blow" service?

Mow and blow” services are task-based and surface-focused. Fine Gardening is stewardship-based. Our team manages your landscape with horticultural expertise, providing precise pruning, soil and plant health care, and consistent oversight to protect your investment and support your long-term property goals.

Do you do hand-pruning, or do you use power shears?

We prioritize hand-pruning for the majority of our work. In the Pacific Northwest, iconic specimens like Japanese Maples and Rhododendrons require surgical cuts to maintain their natural, graceful forms. Power shearing often creates "stubs" that lead to disease and unsightly regrowth; hand-pruning ensures your plants look beautiful and stay healthy year-round.

What is your plan for Seattle’s "Dry Summer" transition?

The budget for a typical home in Seattle will range between $3,000-$15,000. It depends on the fixtures, technology and scope of the project.  Larger lots can be in the $10,000-$30,000 range.  Each project is customizable for your budget.

Why are my outdoor lights flickering or tripping the breaker?

Despite our rainy reputation, Seattle summers can be taxing on plants. We manage this transition through:

Moisture Retention: Applying high-quality organic mulch to keep roots cool.

Targeted Watering: Monitoring for drought stress in sensitive or high-value specimens.

Irrigation Audits: Adjusting systems to ensure efficiency without over-watering.

Are your methods organic and safe for the Puget Sound?

Environmental stewardship is at the core of what we do. We follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, meaning we never "blanket spray" chemicals. We use targeted, organic-first solutions that are safe for your family, your pets, and the local pollinators that call the Puget Sound home.

How do you handle our specific "Heavy Clay" or "Glacial Till" soil?

Seattle soil can be challenging—either holding too much water or none at all. We focus on Soil Health as the foundation of every garden. Through consistent organic amendments and proper mulching, we improve soil structure over time, helping to turn difficult clay or rocky till into a nutrient-rich environment.

When exactly will you prune my hydrangeas and roses?

Timing is everything in horticultural care. We follow a strict Pruning Calendar tailored to the PNW. For example, we prune Hydrangea macrophylla at a different time than Hydrangea paniculata to ensure we never accidentally remove next year’s "old wood" blooms.

 Can you help with "Winter Interest" so my garden isn't just grey?

A well-designed garden should be beautiful 12 months a year. We emphasize structure and texture, using plants with interesting bark, evergreen "bones," and late-winter bloomers like Sarcococca (Sweet Box) to ensure your view is vibrant even on the greyest February days.

How do you manage invasive species like Himalayan Blackberry or English Ivy?

Invasive plants are a persistent battle in Washington. Rather than just cutting them back repeatedly, we employ a proactive removal strategy. We focus on getting to the root of the problem (literally) to ensure these aggressive species don't reclaim your garden.

Can I add lighting to my existing irrigation system trenches?

This one is a bit confusing.  Yes.  Placing landscape wire into the irrigation trenches does work. Can be an effective strategy.  But there are some things to keep in mind.   Ensure that you provide flexibility on final placement of wire by having wire exposed above ground for easier access.You don’t want to dig down looking for wire and hit a fragile irrigation line!

 Is there a specific "Lead Gardener" assigned to my property?

Yes. Consistency is key to exceptional landscape care. Your property is overseen by a dedicated Lead Gardener who is familiar with its unique conditions, past work, and ongoing needs — ensuring continuity of care, and steady progress toward your property goals.

What should I be doing between your visits?

We love working with "weekend warriors!" We are happy to provide professional guidance on light tasks you can enjoy—like deadheading flowers or light weeding—while leaving the technical pruning and soil management to our expert team.