Ecological Landscape Designs

We believe that landscaping can be both beautiful and sustainable, and we are committed to helping you create a space that enriches the environment while not compromising on aesthetic beauty. 

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Are we right for you?

Our custom design services are the right fit if you:

• Want native plants that work with your existing conditions, instead of the other way around

• Are read to invest in a landscape that performs long-term

• Want seamless and effortless sourcing of plant material by the team that designed your landscape

• Are looking for a finished design you can hand to an installer with confidence

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What is Landscape Design?

Landscape design is the art and science of planning and arranging outdoor spaces — from private gardens to public parks — to be both functional and visually appealing.

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The landscape design process involves collaboration between the designer and the client to create a customized plan that meets your needs while incorporating sustainable practices and native plants to promote environmental health.

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Seven Bends Nursery specializes in designing beautiful and functional landscapes that incorporate a variety of native plants, including trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers. Our team has extensive knowledge of local plant species and can recommend the best plants for your specific needs. We also incorporate factors such as bloom time, color, texture, and fragrance to create multi-sensory designs that are beautiful and functional.

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If you’re interested in creating a beautiful, sustainable outdoor space that supports local biodiversity, our Ecological Landscape Design service is the perfect choice. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you create the garden of your dreams.

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Why work with a Landscape Designer?

Worth the Investment

A landscape designer brings expertise, efficiency, and long-term value to your project that far exceeds the upfront cost.

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1. Expertise

Landscape designers are trained professionals who have the knowledge and experience to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. They understand the principles of design, horticulture, and construction, and can apply that expertise to your specific project. 

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2. Time-Saving & Cost-Effective

A good designer can help you avoid costly mistakes — wrong plants, wrong placement — that lead to unnecessary maintenance or replacement costs. 

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3. Increased Property Value

An expertly-crafted design can enhance curb appeal and functionality of outdoor spaces, which can significantly increase its marketability and value.

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4. Sustainability

Properly selected plants and a well-thought-out ecological design can mitigate problematic weeds, soil erosion, flooding, wind, and even ambient temperature, reducing water and energy use over time. Seven Bends designs your landscape and grows the plants for it, so we have a unique ability to select the right plant for the right place. No expensive mistakes. No generic plant list. 

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Creating an ecological oasis that is functional for both you and wildlife requires an extra layer of expertise that Seven Bends Nursery excels at.

The bigger and more complex the project, the more a designer pays for itself. 

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Our Landscape Design Process​

All designs are created by our team of native plant specialists and are custom-tailored to your specific site, goals, and conditions.

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Step 1 — Site Visit & Design Interview

We visit your property to understand your goals and assess soil, drainage, light conditions, existing vegetation, and ecological context. This is where the science starts.

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Step 2 — Site Mapping

We map out existing features such as infrastructure and vegetation and rough out general planting zones and concepts.

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Step 3 — Design Development

Most landscape designers guess at plant selection. We don't.

We draw upon our PhD-level knowledge of Mid-Atlantic plant ecology to select species that will thrive under your unique site conditions. Our licensed landscape architect expertly applies this knowledge in drafting a plan that fits your individual goals, desires, and aesthetics. 

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Step 4 — Design Packet

The final product is a finished, high-resolution document that includes everything needed for successful implementation. It includes drawings specifying the placement for each species, plant key with quantities to make purchasing plant material simple, and additional information on how to care for your new ecological garden.

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Step 5 — Sourcing Plant Material

Just kidding. You don't need to worry about this step!

Unlike many independent design firms, we carry the plants we place in your design — so you know you will be able to source all the plant material in house, from an award-winning nursery and from the same team that designed your landscape.

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Step 5 (the real Step 5) — Implementation Oversight (optional)

We also offer a-la-cart services to help with plant placement, phasing, and oversight of installation. We can help you understand if any of these additional services are right for your project.

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When should I get started?​

The earlier you get started, the better!

We take clients all year round.

However, the planting season in Virginia typically runs March-November, but landscapers (those who would install your plants) are usually busiest in spring and fall, and most operate on a first-come first-serve basis. Therefore, we recommend scheduling your initial site visit with us during late winter/ early spring or mid summer, with 4-6 weeks of lead-time, so we can complete your plan in alignment with typical installation schedules.

We do offer a short-list of vetted landscaping companies that can help you install your plants using our guidance.

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How Our Pricing Works

Every site is unique, so our fees reflect the actual complexity of your project rather than a flat rate. We evaluate multiple factors that together determine the right fee for your design.

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1. Project Scale 

2. Microclimate Diversity

3. Site Challenges 

4. Planting Density & Documentation

 

Design Tiers

Based on the combined complexity across all factors, most projects falls into one of three tiers:

 

Tier One — Simple

A focused design for smaller sites with relatively straightforward conditions and limited site complexity. This tier starts at $1500 for local projects. 

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Tier Two — Moderate

A multi-bed design with varied conditions, moderate site complexity, and a rich species selection across multiple plant layers

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Tier Three — Complex

A comprehensive design addressing multiple site challenges, diverse microclimates, and a full ecological matrix across all vegetation layers.

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Additional Tiers — Very Small or Very Large Sites:

We also offer pricing tiers for projects that fall outside of the average range. Contact us if you are interested in creating a pocket garden or designing for a large estate. 

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Just looking for some quick advice to get started?

Nursery drop-ins are welcome. Visit us and pick the brain of our knowledgeable staff to get quick recommendations for plants that will thrive in your specific environmental condition. 

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What you won't get from us: 

We don't design landscapes that fight their environment. We won't specify invasive species, water-hungry exotics, or plants selected for aesthetics alone. If you are looking for a conventional landscape with conventional plants, we're probably not the right fit - and we'll tell you that honestly from the first conversation.

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Ready to Start Your Design?

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you create the garden of your dreams.​

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