What it’s like to work with us
It’s the first Monday of February, and for us at GFG, this month marks the start to our spring season. We’ll start installing the gardens we designed over the fall/winter months, and we’ll be exploring new backyards throughout Boise to bring you even more gardens in 2022. That’s why this week, we wanted to give you a peek behind the scenes to show you what it’s like to work with us.
You’ve heard us say that every garden starts with a single seed, so we’ll outline our process with garden metaphors (of course). Here’s how it goes:
Seeding Stage: Consultation
Every garden starts with a consultation. This is when we plant the seeds of what your future garden will hold for you in your mind. We start by asking about your previous garden experience (where you’re starting) and then we talk about your goals for the garden (where you want to go). It’s important for us also to learn about your lifestyle: what kind of time you want to spend in the garden and who you’ll be spending that time with. From there, we create a garden fully customized to your space and your lifestyle so you can truly get the most out of your brand new garden.
Sprouting Stage: Design Review
When we deliver your design, it showcases a 3-D rendering if your new garden space, as well as an abundance chart so you can see how much you’ll really get out of that garden space. Our design deliverable also includes a fully delineated estimate, as well as a story about your garden and how we think it will enhance your life. You review this design with your family, and select your favorite materials (e.g. steel or cedar beds, large gravel or small, modern trellises or traditional ones). From there, your garden proposal is created, signed and a deposit is made.
Transplanting Stage: Installation
Once your deposit is made, we’ll schedule your installation. Right now, we’re scheduling for April/May installations (just in time for tomato season!) We have a professional team of installers who are fully licensed and insured to bring our garden design to life for you. We start by excavating your current landscape, lay the foundation for your garden, install your raised beds, fill them with the best quality organic soil, top it with our tried and true irrigation layout and supported with high quality trellises. From there, you’re welcome to join us on planting day to get your hands dirty and learn all about your garden.
Rooting Stage: Coaching
Once your garden is installed, we include the first month of coaching and maintenance for free. That means two weeks after your garden is planted, we’ll come back to check on it, add any soil amendments or replace any plants that didn’t make it, and ensure all elements of the installation are still performing well. In another two weeks, we’ll come back for a coaching session to discuss the next steps to expect in your garden. Plus, you receive lifetime access to our private Facebook group where you can ask questions anytime. When you install a kitchen garden with us, it’s our goal to ensure you feel fully supported to grow your confidence.
Trellising Stage: Maintenance
After that first month, things in your garden will really start to pop off. We offer bi-weekly and monthly maintenance and coaching options to ensure your first growing season is a success. In our coaching program, we’ll teach you how to replant seeds/plants, feed your garden, train your plants on trellises, harvest, prune and even transition between seasons. Or, if you just want us to keep your garden growing while you harvest and enjoy, we offer maintenance. That way, you can feel free to take off for the weekend (or weeks!) and come back to a thriving garden (instead of a mess!).
Fruiting Stage: Harvesting
After a few seasons with us, our hope is that you feel confident enough in the garden to grow on your own. If not, though, we’ll always be here for you. It’s our goal to get everyone in Boise growing some of their own food. While we can’t be in everyone’s garden, we hope that by doing our work, we can inspire folks everywhere to make gardening a part of their lifestyle. That way, our world can be healthier, happier and more sustainable.
If you’d like to work with us this season, we’d love to work with you. Click the link below to make an inquiry and get started on your kitchen gardening journey.