Services
At Mindful Botanica™, we offer garden and landscape design, installation, and care rooted in ecological awareness and seasonal rhythms.
We work in southeastern Michigan and southwestern Costa Rica, with virtual services available year-round.
Southeast MI
Southwest CR
Garden & Landscape Design
(Primary Design Season: Winter ~ Michigan)
Design is the foundation of our work, and winter is our preferred season for Michigan-based design projects.
The quieter months allow for deeper focus, thoughtful planning, and well-prepared spring installations.
Winter design allows us to:
Spend more time refining layouts and plant selections
Develop complete, well-paced planting plans
Coordinate materials and timelines ahead of the growing season
Reduce delays once spring arrives
Design services include:
Site evaluation and concept development
Plant palettes tailored to your site and goals
Garden and landscape layouts
Phased installation planning
Availability
Michigan:
Preferred: Winter (December–March) through our Winter Design Program
Limited availability: April–December, depending on schedule
Costa Rica:
Year-round
Virtual design services: Available anytime
Native & Ecological Plant Design
Whenever appropriate, we prioritize native and regionally adapted plants to support pollinators, wildlife, and long-term garden resilience. Native plant design allows gardens to better align with local soils, climate, and ecological systems — often requiring fewer inputs over time.
Native plant–forward design may include:
Pollinator-friendly plant palettes
Low-input, climate-resilient plant selections
Integration of natives with ornamental species
Site-specific solutions for sun, shade, and soil conditions
Winter Design Program (Michigan Clients)
Our Winter Design Program is the best way to work with us on Michigan-based design projects.
This program is designed for clients who want to:
Use winter productively while gardens rest
Have a clear plan in place before spring
Secure priority scheduling for the upcoming season
The program includes:
Full garden or landscape design development
Planting plans and phased strategies
One Zoom design review meeting
A spring-ready plan for installation or DIY execution
Design work is completed during the winter months so projects can move forward smoothly once the growing season begins.
Winter design clients receive priority scheduling for spring installation.
Garden & Landscape Installation
Installation may include:
Soil preparation and bed creation
Tree, shrub, and perennial planting
Mulching and finishing details
Ecologically mindful planting practices
Installation brings the design to life with care, attention to detail, and respect for the site. Our services include structural plantings as well as seasonal annual and bulb plantings.
Availability
Michigan: April–December
Costa Rica: Year-round
Fall bulb planting is a key part of preparing the garden for spring.
We offer thoughtful bulb placement and installation to ensure strong emergence, natural groupings, and long-lasting seasonal impact.
This service may include:
Design-minded bulb selection and layout
Naturalistic planting patterns
Proper depth, spacing, and soil preparation
Integration with existing perennial and native plantings
Bulb planting is typically scheduled in late fall through early winter, weather permitting.
More examples of fall bulb planting can be viewed in our gallery.
Fall Bulb Planting (Michigan)
Annual Plantings (Michigan)
Seasonal annual plantings are available spring through fall for Michigan clients.
These plantings add color, texture, and seasonal interest while complementing existing perennial and shrub plantings.
Annual plantings may include:
Seasonal color design and plant selection
Installation and bed refresh
Integration with existing garden structure
More examples of seasonal annual work can be viewed in our gallery.
Garden & Landscape Maintenance and Care
We provide thoughtful, plant-health focused maintenance that supports long-term garden success ~ not just short-term appearances. Our work emphasizes ecological balance, structure, and seasonal timing.
Maintenance services may include:
Pruning and hedge trimming
Weeding, mulching, and bed care
Seasonal clean-ups
Invasive species removal and treatment
Soil nourishment and fertility support
Dividing, transplanting, and plant management as gardens mature
Availability
Michigan: April–December
Costa Rica: Year-round
Invasive Species Management & Removal
Invasive species can quickly outcompete desirable plants, disrupt ecosystems, and alter soil and habitat conditions. We offer thoughtful invasive species management focused on long-term control and site recovery.
Before
After
This work may include:
Identification of invasive plant species
Manual removal and targeted treatment
Strategic reduction plans for heavily impacted areas
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care
Replanting or restoration guidance where appropriate
Our approach prioritizes effective control with minimal disturbance, supporting healthier plant communities over time.
Availability
Michigan: April–December
Costa Rica: Year-round
After
Before
Costa Rica —
Service Focus
In Costa Rica, our work often centers on lot maintenance and vegetation management adapted to tropical growth patterns.
Before
After
Common services include:
Hedge trimming and shaping
Lot and garden maintenance
Brush clearing and vegetation control
Pruning for access, health, and structure
We also offer design, installation, and garden care services similar to those in Michigan, adapted for tropical climates.
Virtual Design & Consultations
Virtual services allow us to work with clients regardless of location or season.
These are ideal for:
Winter Design Projects
DIY garden planning
Second opinions or troubleshooting
Clients outside our physical service areas
Available year-round.
Drone Photography (Optional Add-On)
For select projects, we offer drone photography to capture garden and landscape work from a broader perspective.
Aerial images are especially helpful for:
Larger properties and lots
Showing spatial relationships and layout
Documenting before-and-after transformations
Drone photography may be added to design, installation, or maintenance projects when appropriate.
Availability depends on location, site conditions, and local regulations.
Our Approach
We believe beautiful gardens come from careful observation, seasonal timing, and respect for place.
By aligning our work with natural cycles, we create landscapes that are resilient, intentional, and alive.
