What is horticultural consultancy and when would I need it?
Horticultural consultancy is expert advice on the health and management of your garden and its plants. You might call on it when plants are struggling and you are not sure why, when you are planning what to plant and want to get it right the first time, or when you want a clear maintenance strategy for an established garden. As trained Brisbane horticulturists we can advise on plant health, location and aspect, pest and disease management, soil, plant selection and more — across ornamental, productive and native gardens alike.
How do you charge for a horticultural consultation?
We price consultancy based on the size of your garden and the depth of advice you are after — a focused visit to diagnose one problem is different to a full garden assessment with a written report. We will talk through what you need and give you a clear quote before we begin, so there are no surprises. Get in touch with a little detail about your garden and what is prompting the call, and we will recommend the right level of consultation for you.
Can you diagnose what is wrong with my plants?
Yes — diagnosing plant health problems is core to what we do. We look at the whole picture: the plant itself, its location and aspect, the soil it is growing in, watering, and any signs of pests or disease. Often what looks like one problem has its roots in something else entirely, which is why a trained eye matters. Once we understand what is going on, we will explain it plainly and recommend a practical, organic-first course of action to get your plants back to health.
Do you provide a written report after a consultation?
We can. As part of our consultancy work we are able to produce garden reports that capture our assessment, our recommendations, and a maintenance schedule going forward. A written report is especially useful if you want a clear reference to work from, if several people share responsibility for the garden, or if you would like a considered plan rather than verbal advice. Let us know when you book whether a report would be helpful and we will include it in the scope.
Can you help me choose the right plants for my garden?
Absolutely. Plant selection is one of the most valuable parts of consultancy — the right plant in the right place thrives with far less effort, while the wrong choice is a constant struggle. We consider your garden's light, aspect, soil and climate, your maintenance appetite and the look you want, then recommend plants suited to it. We attend plant and design expos and garden shows to stay current with stock and trends, and can point you toward good suppliers as well.
Do you cover native and edible gardens too?
Yes. Our horticultural advice covers all styles of gardens — from ornamental, to productive, to native, and everything in between. Native gardens have their own rewards and quirks, and a productive vegie or fruit garden brings questions of soil, season and harvest. Whatever direction your garden leans, our trained horticulturists can advise on plant health, suitable species, and how to keep it productive and healthy in the Brisbane climate.
Do you do soil testing?
We do. Soil is the foundation of a healthy garden, and soil testing and amelioration is part of our horticultural work. Understanding what your soil is — and is not — giving your plants lets us recommend the right amendments rather than guessing. It is often the missing piece when plants underperform despite everything else looking fine. If you suspect your soil is holding your garden back, a consultation that includes testing is a sound place to start.
Do you service my area of Brisbane?
We provide horticultural consultancy across greater Brisbane and the surrounding suburbs. From inner suburbs such as Paddington and New Farm to leafier areas like Bardon and Ashgrove, we travel to you so we can assess the garden in person — which is essential for accurate advice. If you would like to confirm we reach your suburb, just include it when you contact us and we will let you know.
