Skip to main content
Landscape Design

Beautiful Landscapes Begin With Thoughtful Design

Our INLA-certified designers listen deeply, observe carefully, and create plans that work beautifully for years to come.

Schedule Design Consultation
Native garden landscape design — Fiddlehead Gardens Iowa City
Our Approach

Design That Starts With Listening

Every great landscape begins long before a single plant goes in the ground — it starts with a conversation.

We spend time understanding how you live, what you love, and what challenges your space presents. Then we craft designs that solve problems beautifully, plants that thrive in Iowa's climate, and plans that respect your investment.

  • In-depth consultation — your vision, lifestyle, and goals
  • On-site assessment of soil, drainage, sun exposure, and existing plants
  • Conceptual design with plant palette and material selections
  • Detailed site plan with dimensions and planting layout
  • Phasing recommendations for budget-conscious implementation

Design consultations start at $250 — applied toward your project if you move forward with installation.

Schedule Design Consultation
Scope of Work

What We Design

From intimate courtyard gardens to sweeping landscape transformations — our design capabilities cover the full range of residential landscape.

Hardscape Integration

Patios, walkways, retaining walls, and driveways designed to complement your home's architecture and flow naturally through the landscape.

Planting Plans

Curated plant palettes selected for Iowa's climate, your soil type, and four-season interest. We emphasize native and low-maintenance species.

Outdoor Living

Fire pits, seating areas, pergolas, and kitchen spaces — designed so your yard becomes an extension of your home, not just scenery.

Drainage & Grading

Solving drainage problems before they become expensive damage. We design solutions that redirect water safely while maintaining a beautiful grade.

Lighting Design

Landscape lighting plans that extend your enjoyment into the evening — highlighting architecture, pathways, and key plantings safely and efficiently.

Phased Approach

A comprehensive design created for your whole property, with a practical phasing plan so you can invest over multiple seasons without losing the cohesive vision.

The Design Process

From First Sketch to Final Plan

1

Free Consultation Call

We start with a brief phone conversation to understand your project scope, timeline, and budget. If we're a good fit, we schedule an on-site visit.

2

On-Site Assessment

We come to your property, walk the space together, review sun patterns, soil, drainage, existing trees, and discuss how you use (or want to use) your outdoor space.

3

Design Development

Our designers develop a concept based on your goals and site conditions. This includes a base plan, plant palette, and material selections — all tailored to Iowa's growing conditions.

4

Design Review & Refinement

We present your design, walk through every element, and refine based on your feedback. This is a collaborative process — we want you excited about every decision.

5

Final Plans & Installation Proposal

Once the design is approved, you receive a complete set of drawings and a detailed installation proposal. Design fees are credited toward your installation if you proceed with us.

Start the Conversation

Schedule Your Design Consultation

Design consultations start at $250 — applied toward your project investment when you build with us.

@fiddlehead_gardens Follow us for project updates & inspiration