Planting and Garden Care Service
A thoughtfully designed garden that feels intentional from the very beginning.
We curate plantings that suit your space and the way you live in it. From the first season, your garden feels layered, cohesive, and complete — and with thoughtful early care, it matures gracefully into a calm, enduring landscape.
We transform overgrown, haphazardly planted beds into a refined garden that looks finished.
Instead of trial and error, you get a clear, thoughtful plan. Every design is guided by the land itself — its grade, sun exposure, soil, and the specific needs of each plant. We redesign the space, select plants suited to your property and install everything with intention — so the result feels calm, cohesive, and complete from day one.
For most projects, this means reshaping and redefining beds so they feel structured rather than crowded. You can clearly see where each plant belongs and how the garden will fill in over the coming seasons — without worrying about damaging something valuable.
Our approach centers on four essentials:
- Clear structure. Defined bed lines and thoughtful spacing create a balanced, intentional garden.
- Plants that thrive. Selections are tailored to your property’s light, soil, and natural conditions.
- Purposeful seasonality. Bulbs and rotating accents are designed as cohesive layers — not fleeting additions.
- Designed to Endure. Proper mulching supports lasting vitality and provides the rich, grounding layers that makes the planting feel complete.
If a low-maintenance landscape is your goal, we thoughtfully tailor the design to ensure long-term ease without sacrificing beauty. The result is a landscape that feels deliberately designed and offers beautiful seasonal interest. Available in Northwest DC, Bethesda, and Chevy Chase.
As recognized by:
Association of Professional Landscape Designers 
National Association of Landscape Professionals Landscape Contractors Association Maryland Home Improvement Commission D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) nextdoor Bethesda Today
From first walkthrough to the final watered plant, every step is intentional.
The Experience
We walk you through each plant selection. You’ll understand not only how the garden will look immediately, but how it is designed to evolve and fill in over time. Before we leave, you’ll receive straightforward written guidance outlining realistic expectations for watering and care — so your garden remains healthy and beautiful without becoming another responsibility.
Clarity in what remains — and what makes way
Guided landscape walkthrough & curated keep/remove plan
Inherited plantings can feel layered and uncertain — a space you didn’t design, but now feel responsible for. You may want to simplify and refine it, yet hesitate to remove something that still holds value.
Through a guided walkthrough, we assess what is thriving, what is struggling, and what may be overwhelming the space. From there, we develop a clear, thoughtful keep-and-remove plan that honors the garden’s strengths while creating room for improvement.
The result is confidence in every decision — and a landscape that transitions from cluttered to composed, with intention.
Way exceeded my expectations. My front yard had gotten so unruly I didn't know where to start, or what was a weed or a plant I should keep. The crew weeded and mulched so everything looks organized now and we even have some pretty flowers that were hiding under everything. I feel really proud of my yard after the work they've done, and the price was very reasonable.
Designed to look complete now — and composed years from now
Scaled planting layout and spacing preview
It can be difficult to imagine how small nursery plants will look once they mature. Too often, gardens are either overcrowded or spaced so widely that they feel sparse for years.
We design with the future in mind. We plan for the full life cycle of each plant, ensuring the garden remains balanced as it matures. Each perennial and shrub is placed according to its natural spread and long-term growth, creating a layout that feels finished from day one while allowing deliberate room to evolve. The result is a landscape that develops gracefully over time — structured, predictable, and beautifully composed rather than chaotic and overgrown.
We can provide a scaled 2D layout to help visualize placement, spacing, and long-term growth before installation begins.
They asked for my input, but also added what they thought, and why, which helped me understand why certain plants and trees were better than others and what to expect. My yards, front and back are beautiful, and cannot stop looking at them!
Care guidance aligned with your plants — and your life
Written care guide & realistic maintenance plan
A fresh planting can bring uncertainty — especially if you’re unsure how often to water. Generic advice from plant tags or online articles rarely reflects your property’s conditions or your actual schedule. So we make it simple.
You’ll receive clear, written guidance tailored to your specific plants — including a realistic watering plan with straightforward direction on frequency, timing, and what truly matters in the first weeks and months.
With a thoughtful plan in place, your garden establishes confidently — without becoming another responsibility.
They transplanted a Japanese maple tree early this spring, gave me care instructions, and it is budding as predicted. Thank you Tenleytown
Curated Plant Selections Guided by Your Landscape
Site specific plant selection for perennials and annuals
When plants are chosen for appearance alone, they often struggle or decline after a challenging season. Without understanding the conditions beneath the surface, repeating the purchase seldom solves the issue.
We make sure each plant is positioned where it can truly thrive — in full sun, shade, or somewhere in between. Each plant earns its place by supporting the overall structure, texture, and rhythm of the garden, creating a landscape that fills in beautifully and improves with time rather than needing to be replaced.
I asked them to dig out an old flower bed in my backyard and replace the old plants with new native plants. Now I have a lovely new bed that I, and the local birds and pollinators, can enjoy.
Built from the ground up.
Healthy growth starts below the surface.
Soil conditions, nutrients, moisture levels, and sun exposure all shape how a plant performs over time.When something is off, the signs are often visible — yellowing leaves, weak growth, scorched edges, standing water, or plants that simply fail to fill in as expected.
Rather than leaving you to guess what went wrong, we address the foundation. We loosen compacted soil, amend it with organic material, and prepare each planting area so roots can establish properly.
With the right preparation beneath the surface, your plants are given the best possible chance to thrive — resulting in stronger growth, greater resilience, and a landscape that performs as beautifully as it looks.
Their landscaping crew did a fantastic job last August. The popcorn drift rose bush bloomed beautifully later that fall and the popping purple azaleas started blooming about a week ago. Thank you Lisa and crew!
Clean Lines. Defined Borders.
Edging, mulching, and weed suppression
Clear definition is what makes a garden feel intentional. Without it, lawn and planting areas blur together, and even a well-designed space can look unfinished.
We cut a precise, physical edge to clearly separate turf from planting areas, creating sharp lines that frame the garden and highlight the design. A measured layer of organic mulch completes the look, protecting the soil while adding depth and contrast.
The result is a landscape that feels structured, finished, and thoughtfully maintained — where the borders hold their shape and the design reads clearly from every angle.
The attention to detail, from the clean lines of the edging to the thoughtful plant selection, really made everything come together beautifully.
Spring Color That Feels Intentional — Not Accidental
Bulb planning and seasonal color timing
Bloom times are planned with intention. Seasonal color should feel effortless — not rushed, mistimed, or fleeting.
We design bulb and annual plantings around carefully staggered bloom windows so early, mid, and late-season flowers flow naturally into one another. Plant pairings are thoughtfully considered.
The result is a garden that offers steady, uplifting color throughout the season — composed, reliable, and beautifully timed.
Tenleytown did an amazing job in transforming our front yard from a few flowers and plants to super "curb appeal." They did an equally wonderful job in the backyard too, putting down colorful plantings. Now it's so nice and manageable. It's got personality! Everything was left very clean and clear when they were done. Excellent.
Everything included to create a low maintenance garden that looks intentional from day one
- A finished garden that looks intentional right away. Your front and back beds read as tidy and cohesive from the street and close up, without looking crowded or bare.
- Predictable, genuinely low maintenance upkeep. Plant choices, mulch, and edging are set up so normal care fits into short, periodic tasks rather than full weekend projects.
- Clarity on what stays, what goes, and why. A guided walkthrough and simple keep and remove plan protect valuable plants while clearing space for new, better placed additions.
- Plants chosen for your exact light, soil, and watering habits. Perennials, annuals, and bulbs are selected and placed to suit your conditions so more of them thrive and return.
- Deeply prepared, healthier garden beds. Soil is loosened and amended and beds are reshaped so roots establish quickly and you start with fewer issues around drainage and plant stress.
- Clean edging, mulch, and long term weed suppression. Defined borders and a measured layer of organic mulch help keep grass out, slow new weeds, and make any needed weeding faster and easier.
- Thoughtful layout and spacing that consider mature size. Plants are placed with their expected spread in mind so beds look finished now yet grow into a calm, controlled structure instead of a future tangle.
- Spring bulbs and seasonal color that feel planned. Bulbs plus coordinated annuals are installed with simple timing in mind so your color show is generous rather than hit or miss.
- Straightforward process from first inquiry through installation. You move through a clear sequence of assessment, plan, proposal, and planting so you always know what will happen next and when.
- Written care notes and access to ongoing support. At handoff you receive plain language instructions for the first weeks and first year and have the option to discuss seasonal check ins or maintenance with the same team.
Still have questions? We've got answers.
Do you provide seasonal flower changes?
Yes. Seasonal flower planting is available as a one-time service rather than a recurring maintenance service. We can replace seasonal flowers to keep your landscape looking fresh throughout the year.
We choose plants based on the season and expected weather conditions. In spring and summer, we can install flowers suited to warmer weather. As temperatures drop, we can replace them with plants that tolerate cooler weather. We can also help prepare your garden for winter.
Can you update my existing garden boxes and pots?
Yes. We can refresh existing planters, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Depending on the condition of the plants, we can repot them, divide overcrowded plants, add fresh soil, or replace plants with new seasonal flowers.
We choose plants that fit the size, location, and growing conditions of each container.
What happens if my new plants do not survive?
We install healthy, high-quality trees and shrubs. If you follow our watering instructions and a covered plant does not survive during the first year, we provide a replacement based on the following schedule:
- First six months: We cover 100% of the plant cost and planting labor.
- Months seven through twelve: We cover 50% of the plant cost and planting labor.
This policy does not cover annuals, bulbs, or plants kept in containers. It also does not cover loss caused by wildlife, lack of water, or severe weather.
How do I care for my plants after you install them?
We provide written watering instructions for your new plants. New shrubs and larger plants usually need slow, deep watering so moisture reaches the root system.
New flowers may need to be watered daily during the first week or two, depending on the weather and planting conditions. Following the watering instructions we provide gives your plants the best chance to establish successfully.
Do you use seeds or established plants?
We use both, depending on the project and your goals. Established plants provide more immediate results in a planting bed or border. Seeds can be a cost-effective option for larger areas where immediate results are not as important.
We choose the planting method based on the type of plant, the site conditions, your budget, and the results you want.
What types of plants grow best in the Washington, DC area?
The Washington, DC area has four distinct seasons, so we choose plants that can grow well in our local climate. Depending on your landscape, we may use perennials that return each year, annuals for seasonal color, or bulbs and other plants that return each spring. We select plants based on your site, including the amount of sunlight, soil conditions, and available space.
When is the best time of year to plant in the DC area?
Many plants can be installed during much of the growing season, but early spring and fall are often the best times to plant. Moderate temperatures give roots time to establish before summer heat or winter cold.
For plants that are sensitive to cold, we also consider the local frost dates before planting. Hardy trees and shrubs can often be planted later in the fall.
What is the difference between hardy and tender plants?
Hardy plants can tolerate the winter conditions in the Washington, DC area and may return the following growing season.
Tender plants are more sensitive to cold weather and may not survive the winter outdoors. We often use tender or less cold-tolerant plants for seasonal color in containers, window boxes, and other areas where they can be replaced as the seasons change.
Can you help me get flowers to bloom indoors during the winter?
Yes. We can help you grow certain bulbs indoors during the winter. Some bulbs, such as amaryllis and paperwhites, can be planted in containers and encouraged to bloom indoors.
We can recommend suitable bulbs and help with the planting process so you can enjoy flowers indoors during the colder months.
How much does it cost to create a new planting bed?
A new planting bed typically costs around $3,500, depending on the size and scope of the project.
The base cost includes laying out the bed, preparing the area, and improving the existing soil. The final price depends on the site conditions and the plants selected for the finished landscape.
What is the cost of your seasonal annual planting service?
A one-time seasonal planting project typically costs around $950.
This includes one visit to install seasonal annuals and add color to your landscape. The plants we use depend on the season and current weather conditions.
This is a one-time service rather than a recurring maintenance service. Many clients choose to schedule it twice a year, such as once in spring and again in fall.
Do these estimates include the cost of the plants?
Not usually. The base prices for creating or cleaning up a planting bed primarily cover labor, soil preparation, and equipment.
The cost of plants is separate and depends on the landscape plan. For example, a bed filled with established perennials will have a different plant cost than one planted from seed or smaller plants.
We will discuss the plant selections and their costs as part of your project plan.
How do you prepare the soil for new plants?
Healthy plants begin with healthy soil.
Before planting, we prepare the existing beds and amend the soil with organic matter where appropriate. We also loosen the planting area so new roots can establish more easily and have access to the air, moisture, and nutrients they need.
Every property is a little different. If we encounter significant rock, buried construction debris, unusually compacted soil, or other unexpected conditions below the surface, we’ll let you know before proceeding with work that may require additional labor or materials.