I would like to know the cost of hiring a gardener for an opinion on my garden, and plant ideas. I checked your web site but did not see this. Thanks
Dear Gardener,
Thank you for reaching out to Toronto Master Gardeners concerning hiring a gardener for an opinion on your garden plans. How exciting to be planning such a project! While the Toronto Master Gardeners does not make specific recommendations regarding businesses involved in horticulture or the cost of a gardener, the list of resources is this article may be of help: Pollinator Garden Design. Included in this list is Landscape Ontario which has a find-a-company link. Your local garden club or horticultural society may also be a source of referrals.
Some considerations, in your planning, are: the size of the garden(s) you are creating, the amount of sun/shade the garden will receive, the type of soil, ease of watering, and the space each plant or groups of plants requires, and the goals for specific gardens, etc.
As the amount of available sun determines plant selection and their location for optimum plant growth and health, a good place to start is mapping. You may find this resource useful: Planting in Sun or Shade. You might develop goals for each garden, e.g. level of maintenance, choice of annual or perennials, appearance of a garden at night, inclusion of edible plants in various gardens, dedicated vegetable garden with plants which encourage pollinators to promote pollination. This resource, Sample Garden Design, may be a source for great ideas to use in your creative process.
For further information, please see: Planning Your Garden
Enjoy the planning and development of your garden(s)