FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Client Expectations & Logistics

How much does a custom garden design and installation cost with City Garden Company?

Garden design and build costs in Georgia vary based on size and complexity. At City Garden Co, most projects range from:

  • Small garden makeovers: around $20,000
  • Full landscape installations: $40,000–$100,000+

These ranges are typical for high-quality landscape design in Metro Atlanta and Athens. We focus on long-term value, modern aesthetics, and expert craftsmanship to ensure your investment enhances your home for years.

Does City Garden Company take on small projects or partial installations?

We specialize in full-scale landscape transformations rather than small, one-off projects because we believe that the best results come from taking a holistic approach to design — to collaboratively dream of your ideal outdoor living space and to create it. This approach ensures your garden looks cohesive and reflects the modern, ecological design style we’re known for in Atlanta and Athens.

Does City Garden Company offer plant guarantees or support after installation?

Yes! We provide a 60-day plant establishment guarantee — standard for professional landscape designers in Georgia — along with a detailed care guide tailored to your garden. Our team is available for questions as your plants mature.

Does City Garden Company provide ongoing maintenance services?

While we don’t offer regular maintenance services, we emphasize low-maintenance garden designs with resilient native plants to make long-term care easier for homeowners and can offer referrals to trusted local maintenance partners.

How do I know if City Garden Company is the right landscape designer for my project?

City Garden Co is an excellent fit if you value thoughtful design, ecological integrity, native plants, and clean, modern landscape aesthetics. Our dedicated team is focused on creating long-lasting, beautifully designed outdoor spaces to elevate your home. Our clients typically seek a design/build partner rather than quick quotes or basic contractor work. If you want a customized, site-specific garden built by a small, dedicated team, we may be the right match.

Landscape Design & Build Process

What is landscape design/build, and how is it different from hiring a contractor?

Landscape design/build means we manage the entire project — from concept and site planning to full installation. Unlike contractors who install a pre-made plan, we create custom designs tailored to Georgia’s climate, your home’s architecture, and your lifestyle.

How long does the garden design and installation process take with City Garden Company?

Most landscape design projects in Atlanta and Athens take 1–6 months from initial consultation to completion:

  • Design: 2–8 weeks
  • Installation: several days to several weeks

Timelines vary based on garden size, materials, and site complexity. Phased projects may take longer.

Does City Garden Company offer virtual or remote garden design services?

Yes. For clients across Georgia or beyond, City Garden Company provides virtual garden design services using site plans, photos, and video walkthroughs. Our remote process maintains the same modern, ecological design quality as our in-person projects.

Can City Garden Company install a garden using a design I already have?

If you have a professionally developed landscape plan that aligns with our ecological and modern design standards, we may be able to install it. We’ll review the plan and suggest refinements to ensure it performs well in Georgia’s climate.

What should I expect during a first consultation with City Garden Company?

During your consultation, our team will:

  • Walk your site to assess light, soil, drainage, and microclimates
  • Discuss your goals for outdoor living, style, and maintenance
  • Share our design/build approach

This meeting helps determine whether the project is a good fit, aligns expectations, and guides the next steps.

Give us a call at (706) 818-0673 or email us at office@citygardenco.com to schedule a consultation.

Native Plants & Ecological Design

Why is it important to prioritize native plants in landscape design?

Native plants are essential for resilient gardens in Georgia. They require less water, support pollinators, handle heat and humidity, and reduce chemical inputs. We use native plants to create sustainable, low-maintenance landscapes that still look modern and intentional.

What are the best native perennials for gardens in Georgia?

Some of the most reliable and beautiful Georgia native perennials include:

  • Monarda (bee balm)
  • Echinacea (coneflower)
  • Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan)
  • Amsonia
  • Asclepias (milkweed)

These plants are tough, attractive, beneficial to local wildlife, and they perform beautifully in both modern and traditional garden designs.

Can a native plant garden still look modern and intentional?

Absolutely! We specialize in native gardens that are modern, structured, and highly intentional. Our team carefully arranges plants for form, texture, and seasonal color that blend ecological benefits with clean-lined, contemporary aesthetics. A native garden can feel architectural and stylish, while still being sustainable.

How can City Garden Company’s designs help with stormwater, erosion, or water conservation?

We use techniques common in sustainable landscape design, including permeable paving, grading, swales, rain gardens, and deep-rooted native plants. These strategies slow down runoff, prevent erosion, conserve water, and improve drainage — especially important in Atlanta’s heavy-rain climate.

What is passive garden design, and why is it effective in Georgia?

Passive garden design works with natural site conditions like sun exposure, shade, soil, and rainfall to reduce irrigation and maintenance needs. In Georgia’s hot and humid climate, passive garden design is one of the most effective ways to create resilient, eco-friendly gardens.

Modern Materials & Outdoor Features

What materials work best for modern patios, walkways, and retaining walls?

For modern landscape design in Georgia, we often use concrete pavers, Corten steel, natural stone, poured concrete, and stucco veneer. These materials provide durability, clean lines, and a contemporary architectural feel. We base our recommendations based on your style preferences, budget, and site conditions.

What are the benefits of using Corten steel in landscape design?

Corten steel is low-maintenance, long-lasting, and visually striking. It develops a warm, earthy patina over time that makes it ideal for planters, retaining walls, edging, and sculptural elements. At City Garden Co, we use it to complement native plantings and create clean, modern lines.

Can City Garden Company design and build an outdoor kitchen or modern pergola?

Yes! We frequently construct outdoor kitchens, dining spaces, modern pergolas, and gathering areas. We use durable, modern materials and can create custom or modular solutions that harmonize with your landscape.

Is artificial turf a good option for residential gardens in Georgia?

We generally avoid turf as a large-area lawn replacement due to heat retention, ecological impact, and long-term maintenance concerns, but in tight urban spaces, shady areas, or small high-use zones, high-quality artificial turf can be a practical, low-maintenance solution.

Does City Garden Company work with custom or specialty materials if I have a specific vision?

Yes. Whether you’re interested in custom metalwork, modern concrete finishes, unique stone selections, or specialty lighting, we can incorporate materials that fit your aesthetic. Our expert guidance will ensure that the materials selected will retain long-term durability outdoors in Georgia’s climate.