Des Moines Native Plant Garden Services
Are you dreaming of a yard that thrives through Des Moines’s wet winters and dry summers without the constant fuss? Look no further! By choosing native plants, you’re opting for a resilient garden that requires less water, minimal care, and absolutely no drama once established.
What’s the Problem?
- Thirsty, high-maintenance plants that struggle through August
- Flooded beds in winter and baked soil in summer—plants can’t handle the extremes
- Constant weeding due to bare soil or picky plant mixes
- Wildlife “dead zones” with no nectar, berries, or birds in sight
- You’re after that laid-back Pacific Northwest vibe, not a weekend chore list
Our Native-First Design Approach (What Works Best Here)
- Right plant, right place — We assess sunlight, wind, drainage, and mature size to select the perfect palette.
- Structure first — Our designs feature an evergreen backbone (60–70%) complemented by seasonal interest (30–40%).
- Blocks, not polka dots — We group plants in clusters of 3–7 for a stunning visual impact and reduced maintenance.
- Soil, then mulch — We enrich the soil with light compost and apply a 2–3” mulch layer, pulling it back from the stems.
- Drip irrigation — Our irrigation systems are tailored to plant needs, gradually reducing water as roots establish.
- No landscape fabric in planting beds — We use it only under gravel paths to avoid suffocating the roots.
Palettes That Thrive in Des Moines
Dry sun / street-side: kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum), oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor), coast strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis), Roemer’s fescue (Festuca roemeri).
Part shade: evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), salal (Gaultheria shallon), sword fern (Polystichum munitum), vine maple (Acer circinatum), deer fern (Blechnum spicant), inside-out flower (Vancouveria hexandra).
Moist / rain-garden pockets: red-twig dogwood (Cornus sericea), Pacific ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus), Douglas spirea (Spiraea douglasii), slough sedge (Carex obnupta), camas (Camassia quamash).
Seasonal color / pollinators: Douglas aster (Symphyotrichum subspicatum), native yarrow (Achillea millefolium), blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata—PNW-friendly), penstemon (PNW natives), fleabane (Erigeron speciosus).
Want a coastal feel that can handle wind and salt? We’ll incorporate wax myrtle, kinnikinnick, Oregon grape, and evergreen huckleberry along with resilient bunchgrasses.
Invasive Removal We Handle
We tackle pesky invasives like English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, morning glory/bindweed, holly seedlings, and laurel suckers. Our process involves clearing, root-chasing, and mulching to give natives the upper hand.
Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Routine)
- Weed suppression — Scheduled hand-weeding plus targeted pre-emergents where needed.
- Mulch management — We maintain a 2–3” layer to block light and retain moisture.
- Gentle pruning — We time this around bloom and berry production to keep habitats flourishing.
- Irrigation tune-ups — Spring start-ups, summer deep-water checks, fall tapering, and winter shut-down.
- Soil health — We apply a compost top-dress in spring and only use fertilizers if a soil test indicates a need.
Our mission is to be your low-maintenance landscaping partner, helping to reduce problems between visits and making life easier for you.
Service Cadences (Choose What Fits)
- Quarterly — Spring and fall deep cleans with two tune-ups in between.
- Bi-Monthly — Ideal for most Des Moines gardens, balancing care and cost.
(Have new installations or heavy weed pressures? We can start with a monthly service for the first 90 days, then transition.)
What Annual Maintenance Includes
- Re-cutting bed edges and tidying up lines
- Targeted invasive control and spot mulching in thin areas
- Seasonal pruning (structural in winter; post-bloom shaping; timing to protect berries)
- Irrigation timer updates and quick emitter fixes
- Plant health checks (rot, pests, windburn) with clear next steps
Why Annual Maintenance Matters
- Survival & growth — Natives thrive and establish deeper roots with the right care.
- Lower water bills — Deep, infrequent watering is far more efficient than daily spritzing.
- Habitat wins — Flowers, berries, and cover for pollinators and birds enrich your garden.
- Cleaner look — Crisp edges and consistent mulch deliver instant curb appeal.
How It Works
- Free Estimate — We offer a thorough assessment via photos, videos, or a quick walkthrough, with clear, upfront pricing.
- Set Your Schedule — Choose from quarterly, bi-monthly, or monthly services.
- Service Day — We come in to clear, prune, edge, and (if you choose) refresh mulch, gravel, and lawns.
- Follow-Up — We provide simple care tips and easy add-on services whenever you need them.
Why Des Moines Chooses Neat & Tidy
- A local crew familiar with hills, alleys, and tight driveways.
- Licensed & insured for your peace of mind.
- Transparent pricing — We include labor, hauling, and disposal.
- On-time, respectful, and meticulous work.
- A green-first approach to minimize landfill waste.
Ready for a yard that stays neat?
Call or text Neat & Tidy for a native-first design and maintenance plan that’s beautiful and sustainable. We’ll keep your yard tidy—so you can focus on enjoying it!
