Design Services
A Collaborative, Personalized Process
On-Site Consultation & Lifestyle Conversation
We begin with an in-person visit, exploring how you use your outdoor space and discussing your preferences, priorities, and existing garden conditions. This ensures your design reflects both your lifestyle and the unique character of your property.
Site-Responsive Assessment
Our horticultural evaluation includes:
Sun and shade patterns
Soil structure and health
Existing plant inventory
Water movement and drainage
Microclimates and exposures
Shoreland or environmental considerations (if applicable)
This forms the foundation for designs that perform well over time.
Plant-Focused Garden Layouts
Our planting plans emphasize:
Native and climate-adapted species
Seasonal interest and bloom sequences
Layered textures and forms
Wildlife- and pollinator-friendly selections
Combinations that complement the architecture of your home
These layouts create gardens that are beautiful, resilient, and deeply connected to place.
Detailed, Actionable Plans
Your design package may include:
Planting plans and layout drawings
Plant lists with sizes, quantities, and bloom sequences
Material and hardscape recommendations
Site notes and implementation guidance
Conceptual references and mood imagery
These plans are crafted to support enhancements and long-term Fine Gardening Care.
Flexible Design Services
We offer a range of design options depending on your project’s scope:
On-site concept sketches
Planting updates and garden refresh plans
Partial garden redesigns
Full planting plans for larger beds or landscape areas
Collaboration with other landscape professionals when needed
Whether you need refinement or a fresh start, our design services help shape gardens that thrive.
Integration With Our Care & Enhancement Services
Garden designs reach their full potential when paired with knowledgeable implementation and ongoing stewardship. That’s why design naturally connects with our:
Enhancements - for installation and garden updates
Fine Gardening Care - to ensure long-term health and beauty
We create designs that are practical, sustainable, and fully supported by our horticultural team.
At Garden Life NH, our design work is rooted in a plant-forward, ecological philosophy. We value the structure and intention that landscape architecture brings to outdoor spaces, yet our focus is on the living elements - the layered plant communities and subtle details that give a garden its character, resilience, and long-term beauty. Our designs enhance existing landscapes, integrate seamlessly with your home and property, and provide a strong horticultural foundation for sustainable, flourishing gardens.
Our Design Approach
We begin with an in-person visit, exploring how you use your outdoor space and discussing your preferences, priorities, and existing garden conditions. This ensures your design reflects both your lifestyle and the unique character of your property.
Shoreland Permitting & Compliance Services
Garden Life NH ensures compliance with New Hampshire’s Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act (SWQPA) while preserving the beauty and integrity of waterfront properties. We assist with shoreland and wetland permitting for landscaping, dock installations, and shoreline modifications.
NHDES Shoreland Compliance
Consultation & Planning to meet New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) regulations.
Shoreland Impact Assessments for landscaping, vegetation management, and construction permitting.
Wetland & Dock Permitting
Permitting for docks, including construction, extensions, and modifications.
Perched Beach Design & Permitting in compliance with environmental regulations.
Erosion Control Planning to protect shoreland integrity and water quality.
Shoreland Impact Permitting
Documentation & Applications for vegetation management within the 250-foot protected shoreland buffer.
Low-Impact Landscaping that meets conservation guidelines while enhancing aesthetics.
Stormwater Management & Buffer Restoration for lake and riverfront properties.
Local Town Permitting
Coordination with Conservation Commissions & Planning Boards for local shoreland impact permits.
Preparation of Documentation for building, landscaping, and grading permits.
Shoreline Stabilization & Erosion Control to ensure compliance with town and state regulations.