Longest review of my life. Don't waste time reading it, just call Cornelius for Design AND Installation. You will pay more per plant than if you did it yourself, unless you consider the time spent finding the right plants in the size/shape/quantity/ health, and don't mind Houston traffic getting them home. "You get what you pay for." and I got plenty.
My challenging yard: small, narrow, asymmetrical, with an HOA-mandated fence (cute but low, so zero privacy) and typical N. Houston compacted clay.
Now, I myself am also challenging, so I wanted everything: year round color, plants that are pest and freeze resistant, aromatic. I also wanted a place for me to grow flowers for cutting, another for my dog's need to be a dog, a place for socializing less likely to annoy neighbors, and keep my Flemish Giant Rabbit safe from predators and my garden safe from him eating everything down to the roots.
On my own I spent thousands and no one was happy. Ten letters from the HOA later, I admitted my artistic imitations and called Cornelius/Calloways Nursery for design services. $500 for consult. ("Hmmmm, steep." I thought... " I'll get their plan and do it myself." Yah. No.)
Melissa Rothacker, Landscape Architect (equal parts artist, scientist and counselor) took copious notes before even asking to see the yard, and never made me feel like a twit for a yard covered in the 4 ft high raised beds (unsuccessful attempt at bunny proofing), my questionable design choices and the pest inviting over crowding.
Rothacker's plant selections gave and design gave me more than I thought possible: a variety of natives, mostly evergreen, for year-round color; large full shrubs for privacy, all mature enough to withstand some rabbit nibbling; a discrete but lush perimeter for the dog; and the perfect spot for a fruit tree/flower garden.
Dylan Cody of Cornelius Nursery (part saint, part high school principal) sourced a broad variety of plants, shrubs, trees and vines of just the right size for everything to be in balance from the start. The prices for plants and materials were fair, upfront and consistent. I was able to break up the installation into three phases for my budget: front yard, back yard, and side yard.
The installation was performed by the star team assembled by Esteph Christison (owner of Kings Garden), and overseen by Calloways' super plant guru, Dylan Cody, both of whom frequently consulted with Designer Melissa Rothacker by phone. (She came in person several times to see for herself and/or listen to my concerns as the project unfolded. Having all three professionals invested in the project's success was amazing.
The level of care, expertise, of these professionals, and Cornelius' replacement guarantee (I would still pay for transport and installation if something dies, but we have already had a share of Houston weather events and everything is thriving) made it a pleasure to watch the project unfold.
They source the plants, shrubs and trees from nurseries far and wide, and were able to get the type and size needed to have everything grow harmoniously. Because natives were chosen, my yard is bursting with life already: bees, birds, and tons of beneficial insects, so I don't have to treat the yard with pest control. (serious issues with white flies for two years... Now? Zilch. )
The installation crew all the did the heavy lifting (and digging) with good cheer and care for my pets and property. They also really know plants. No shortcuts were taken. Irrigation system corrected adjusted for plants' needs. Land regraded, and all plants were put in place with tailored soil conditioners, and amendments in the ideal location for sun exposure and air circulation.
I could have saved time, heartache, and money if I had just called Cornelius/Calloways first, but when I did, I got an absolute dream team So, no regrets - Just me sippin' tea, with my happy dog and rabbit in my gorgeous Texas cottage garden!!
BTW: Did you know HOA letters are compostable? read more