Mercer Island Native Plant Garden Services

Are you dreaming of a yard that thrives through Mercer Island’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 for your unique Mercer Island microclimate.
• Structure first — Our designs feature an evergreen backbone (60–70%) complemented by seasonal interest (30–40%), ensuring your garden looks fabulous year-round.
• Blocks, not polka dots — We group plants in clusters of 3–7 for a stunning visual impact and reduced maintenance, making your garden the talk of the neighborhood.
• Soil, then mulch — We enrich the soil with light compost and apply a 2–3” mulch layer, pulling it back from the stems to keep roots happy and healthy.
• Drip irrigation — Our irrigation systems are tailored to plant needs, gradually reducing water as roots establish, saving you time and money on your water bill.
• No landscape fabric in planting beds — We use it only under gravel paths to avoid suffocating the roots, allowing your plants to thrive naturally.

Palettes That Thrive in Mercer Island

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, letting your garden flourish.

Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Routine)

• Weed suppression — Scheduled hand-weeding plus targeted pre-emergents where needed to keep those pesky invaders at bay.
• Mulch management — We maintain a 2–3” layer to block light and retain moisture, ensuring your plants have the best environment to thrive.
• Gentle pruning — We time this around bloom and berry production to keep habitats flourishing while looking fabulous.
• Irrigation tune-ups — Spring start-ups, summer deep-water checks, fall tapering, and winter shut-down to ensure your system runs smoothly all year long.
• Soil health — We apply a compost top-dress in spring and only use fertilizers if a soil test indicates a need, keeping your garden eco-friendly.

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. Perfect for those who like to keep things tidy!
• Bi-Monthly — Ideal for most Mercer Island gardens, balancing care and cost, ensuring your yard always looks its best.

(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 for that polished look
• Targeted invasive control and spot mulching in thin areas to keep your plants thriving
• Seasonal pruning (structural in winter; post-bloom shaping; timing to protect berries) for ongoing health and beauty
• Irrigation timer updates and quick emitter fixes to keep your watering efficient
• Plant health checks (rot, pests, windburn) with clear next steps to keep your garden on track

Why Annual Maintenance Matters

• Survival & growth — Natives thrive and establish deeper roots with the right care, helping your garden flourish.
• Lower water bills — Deep, infrequent watering is far more efficient than daily spritzing, saving you money.
• Habitat wins — Flowers, berries, and cover for pollinators and birds enrich your garden, creating a vibrant ecosystem.
• Cleaner look — Crisp edges and consistent mulch deliver instant curb appeal, making your property the envy of the block.

How It Works

1. Free Estimate — We offer a thorough assessment via photos, videos, or a quick walkthrough, with clear, upfront pricing.
2. Set Your Schedule — Choose from quarterly, bi-monthly, or monthly services that fit your needs and lifestyle.
3. Service Day — We come in to clear, prune, edge, and (if you choose) refresh mulch, gravel, and lawns, leaving no stone unturned.
4. Follow-Up — We provide simple care tips and easy add-on services whenever you need them, staying connected with you.

Why Mercer Island Chooses Neat & Tidy

• A local crew familiar with hills, alleys, and tight driveways—we know Mercer Island inside and out!
• Licensed & insured for your peace of mind.
• Transparent pricing — We include labor, hauling, and disposal for no surprises.
• On-time, respectful, and meticulous work that we take pride in.
• A green-first approach to minimize landfill waste, helping you garden sustainably.

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!