Peter Atkins and Associates specializes in designing, building, and managing landscapes and ecological restoration projects for residential sites. As designers with backgrounds in permaculture and organicg gardening, we have a particular interest in plant-centered design and aim to create richly layered plant communities, based in ecology and inspired by horticulture. We specialize in organic land care practices, reducing lawns, creating native pollinator gardens, and building green sanctuaries where life thrives.

• We work at a range of project scales, from small garden beds to master plans for entire properties. Through our designs, we aim to increase the beauty and function of each property, while improving habitat value, biodiversity, and resilience to climate change.
• We design beautiful and ecologically functional landscapes,informed by comprehensive site analysis and close client collaboration.
• We provide soil preparation and landscape installation of trees, shrubs, perennials, and seeds, to ensure optimal planting success and artfully integrated plant arrangements. We focus on native plant selections, sourced from local nurseries.
• We provide ongoing care specifically taking care of the gardens and landscape so that they are property pruned, soil is supported to maintain plant health and fine horticultural stewardship of gardens and landscapes. We specialize in fine garden care, organic land care, soil health and ecologically sensitive practices.
• We are committed to conserving native plant communities, responsibly managing stormwater, creating, and maintaining healthy soils, connecting fragmented wildlife habitat and corridors, and building edible perennial landscapes that support both human and animal health.

Window boxes and containers are a great way to accent or highlight your home’s exterior. We love container gardens of all kinds because it offers a way to bring all the beauty of a garden to otherwise difficult spaces. Shady and narrow city streets, urban courtyards, suburban patios, and roof decks can all be improved by adding well designed seasonal containers.With over 26 years of experience planting containers of all shapes and sizes, our crew knows what grows, and what doesn’t. Planting in containers or window boxes takes advantage of the seasonal nature of the weather here in Westchester, Putnam and Dutches and Fairfield County seasons highlights the different opportunities each season brings. Bright and beautiful annual flowers or lush and exotic tropical foliage can be used to create spectacular summer displays. ​

All great gardens start with a great landscape design followed up with consistent, knowledgeable maintenance. And for Peter Atkins and Associates, each garden and landscape that we are asked to help maintain will be taken care of with consistent workmanship, science, organic land care and working with your budget guidelines.

Initial Consultation

During your Initial Consultation, we will walk your property, discuss your vision and needs, and decide if we are a good fit for each other. Then we will line up the next steps, whether that is collaborating on design ideas and products we could use or determining the best ways to maintain your existing landscape and gardens, within your budget.

Proposal for Design Work

If you are looking for garden and landscape design for your property, we will present you with a proposal to review and sign. Currently, you pay your Design Deposit to get into our design queue. We will advise you how long we can have the design overlays and mood boards completed for you.

Concepts & Revisions

We will come to your home and do a thorough site analysis. We walk through your property, take measurements, review your site plan, and revisit the design vision with you. Then our professional garden designers and landscape architects will draft an initial concept for your Design Plan. We will review it with you and make any changes that you request until we have a plan that matches your vision.

Installation Proposal

With the final design approved, we put together a proposal with the pricing information for your installation. Currently, you will pay your installation deposit to get on our installation schedule.

Final Design /Approval

Now that we agree on the overall Design Concept, we get to pick out all the fun details, such as the trees, shrubs, and perennials, the lighting, types of stone, outdoor kitchens, and pergolas. We will review the final plan for your approval.

Making Magic Happen

With installation work rolling, you get to see your design begin to come to life. We get your plants ordered, line up all the necessary sub-contractors, and introduce you to your construction team. We will review your property and the work that we will be doing.

Annual Maintenance

At the end of the design and installation project, we begin valuable landscape maintenance to care for your new landscape. Our maintenance clients get added benefits such as additional warranties and ongoing enhancements. Usually some of the installation team will remain with the property after care to ensure that it is completed as planned. Our teams are made up of talented plantsman, gardeners and horticulturists.

" Potential Customer often do not realize how much work a garden designer puts into achieving a final, finished garden. It’s not simply producing a garden plan. Before you get to that point, there is an awful lot of research and redrafting, but really the completion of the garden plan is just the start of the process. Following that, the designer will create mood boards to communicate how the garden will be constructed. On top of that, numerous documents are put together by the designer to give the contractor as much information as possible before going into the build. Peter Atkins remains involved in the process the entire time the client works with us. It’s a very involved role, with a remit that runs far beyond garden plan drawings!

Why is Landscape Maintenance So Important?

Rome was not built in a day and neither will your garden be. Even after building and planting, it can often take 2-3 years for your garden to reach its full potential as the plants establish themselves on your property. Properly caring for and maintaining your garden investment is an often overlooked, but critical part of the process to achieving the garden of your dreams and ensuring it looks good all year, year after year.

Maintaining vibrant, ever-changing perennials and annuals, shrubs, vines, herbs and vegetables  is a blissful labor of love for avid gardeners. For others, not so much. If you have limited time, travel a lot or just do not “dig” gardening as much as you enjoy looking at the garden, you might consider having us manage and allow Peter Atkins to be your landscape property manager. This will ensure that you have a point person who will make certain that the property is managed correctly and that when you come home you are pleased with its appearances. After all, even the lowest of low-maintenance landscapes will need some upkeep.

A low-maintenance landscape may only require minimal seasonal clean-up and mulching which is typical for a mow and blow team which is not what we do. Larger landscaped areas with more elaborate with perennials, annuals, roses for example should receive care from a perennial gardeners. This individual person executes fine garden care to your beds and borders. These elaborate plants will need more frequent attention to continue to be a source of enjoyment or to provide curb appeal.

Our maintenance services can include:  pruning and shaping trees and shrubs by a ISA Certified Arborist or accredited horticulturist; weed control; mulching; clean-up of garden debris; even dividing perennials and seasonal re-planting of annuals, rose care, potted pots watering and cleaning to name a few.

Reach out to Peter Atkins at (914) 234-0161 To set up a sit visit. Thank you.

The english garden offer blends both formal and informal elements. It utilizes mass layering to achieve soft angles, and focuses on curvilinear lines to draw your eye throughout the garden. English gardens are known for their unapologetic "abundant" look, where flowers, vegetables and/or shrubs mingle easily like the very best of friends. This is achieved by "layering" a range of plants with different heights together and is a technique that can be applied from the tiniest garden to the largest estate regardless of aesthetic or level of maintenance that the gardener is willing to do.

This design style encompasses both cottage gardens and country gardens. The english garden evokes the feeling of romance, and its casual feel can be blend easily with a variety of architectural styles.

Fine Garden Maintenance is an art and science that goes beyond typical gardening practices. It encompasses a holistic approach to the care and cultivation of a garden, ensuring that it not only looks its best but also supports biodiversity, conserves resources, and provides a tranquil space for homeowners and wildlife alike. As a landscape designer, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of fine gardening. It’s about making informed decisions, understanding the ecosystem of your garden, and taking proactive steps to create a harmonious environment.

The philosophy of Fine Garden Maintenance is rooted in the idea that a garden is a reflection of the natural world and should be treated with respect and care. This means considering the needs of each plant, the soil health, water usage, and how the garden fits into the broader ecosystem. A fine garden is a sustainable garden, one that evolves and adapts over time.

Practical Tips for Fine Garden Maintenance

• Start with the soil: Healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. Regularly testing and amending your soil to ensure it provides the nutrients your plants need is essential.
• Select the right plants: Choose plants that are well-suited to your garden’s specific conditions. Consider native plants, which tend to be more resilient and require less maintenance.
• Water wisely: Implement watering practices that conserve water and ensure your plants receive the hydration they need without overwatering.
• Mulch matters: Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.
• Prune with purpose: Regular pruning keeps plants healthy, encourages growth, and can prevent disease and pest problems.