Mary Zuzack, Garden Care & Restoration Branch Manager
“We create the kind of gardens where life is allowed to happen, and we don’t have to weed it out.”
Our head of design is fond of saying that we’re a company full of designers, and nowhere is that more true than in our garden care and restoration branch (GCR). Our gardens are designed to evolve, and our skilled GCR team uses ecological methods to guide it to maturity, always taking into account the original design vision and the clients’ personal aesthetic, but also recognizing that the garden is a living thing and letting natural processes influence the shape it takes. We’re well-equipped to meet any challenges that arise, armed with extensive knowledge of native plants and trees, pollinator habitats, invasive control, fauna management, seasonal impacts and ecological services.
Indigenous Ingenuities is also committed to working chemical-free, so that your property is safe for people as well as helpful insects and animals. Similarly, we’re dedicated to working quiet, using battery-powered equipment that’s beneficial to the environment and easy on the ears!
With over a decade of both residential and non-residential property experience, the GCR team makes the perfect long-term partner for your garden. Our goal will always be to craft a property that you love, a space where you can enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us all.
Our gardens and hardscaping are the envy of our family and friends! Matt is knowledgeable and professional, but easy-going. His team members are always happy, friendly, and hard-working. You will not be disappointed in their services!
Sarah Goodyear
The Process
Our clients have usually already worked with our Design, Outdoor Build, and/or Carpentry branches before establishing a relationship with Garden Care and Restoration, but we also, in particular circumstances, take on clients who haven’t yet working with our other branches.
Work kicks off with an initial property visit.
Next is a client meeting to discuss a myriad of topics including but not limited to how the property is used, which underutilized spaces may have hidden potential, how windows frame the property, the client’s garden preferences in terms of organization and planting, ecological needs, and how client’s enter and exit the property.
An estimate for the monthly or bi-monthly scope of work is provided, and upon signing, the project is placed on our seasonal schedules.
Monthly or bi-monthly visits begin. The Garden Care team visits and makes a hands-on assessment of the project and its unique needs and challenges.
GCR is able to seamlessly bring in Design, Outdoor Build, or Carpentry as the client’s goals necessitate them.
Over the course of a long-term relationship with clients, the GCR branch creates properties they love, working with them throughout each season to accentuate elements that make each garden special and unique, and to improve the diversity and beauty of the plant community.
Mary’s Recommendations
Must-Have Coffee Table Book
The Living Landscape by Doug Tallamy and Rick Darke made me realize landscaping is a form of environmentalism. I love the photos!
Must-See Local Gardens
If you want to see what native plants can do, go to Mt. Cuba Center. They showcase various styles, from formal garden to naturalized woodland.
Favorite Nursery
Browse native perennials for your garden at Prairie Moon Nursery. It’s a great way to discover new species, and their photos are inspiring.
Indispensable Tool
The Husqvarna electric weed whacker is an indispensable landscaping tool. I’m always finding new uses for weed whackers and fall in love with them all over again at the start of each season.
Best Eats
Doylestown’s Villa Capri Pizzeria is fuel for landscapers.