Deep in the throes of winter, most of us long for spring. At Peter Atkins and Associates we certainly want you to think spring long before before winter is over. If you are considering having us do some landscape work for you, the time to talk is sooner than you think. Winter is a fun time for the planning phase to take place and to ask yourself the question,

“ARE THERE SOME THINGS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE DIFFERENT ABOUT YOUR GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE?”

Peter Atkins and Associates tend to your beds and borders. We weed, deadhead, turn the soil, edge and trough. We prune shrubs and ornamental trees, eliminate path weeds, stake, support and protect your plants. We rake, remove debris, fertilize, water, turn and deadhead your containers and also fill your birdbaths and fountains. We sweep, tidy, blow out and waterjet your paths. We let you know when your plants are being harmed by diseases or pests and offer treatment suggestions.

Beds are fertilized monthly and containers bi-weekly.  Each team has a certified horticulturist, an experienced Team Leader and experienced gardeners. During high season growth months, we add an additional staff member on each team to ensure that all tasks are completed within the allocated time and budget. Visits are shorter in the months of April, September, October and November, but significantly longer in the high growth months of May to August.

We work effectively and quickly; priding ourselves on a high level of service.  We have polite, well-trained, uniformed, experienced, reliable Horticulturists and Gardeners who are safety-trained and liability-insured.

We assess your garden by doing an initial clean-up. This allows us to accurately determine how long it will take for each subsequent session and the average amount you will be billed for each visit. We can provide you with an estimate prior to the initial clean-up , but we can only set the rate for Fine Gardening after getting to know your property and the level of service you desire.

Window boxes and containers are a great way to accent or highlight your home’s exterior. We love container gardens of all kinds because they offer 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, Dutches and Fairfield Counties' seasons highlighting the different opportunities each season brings.

It all begins with an idea. The spark of innovation ignites, and from there, a vision emerges. At Peter Atkins and Associates, we understand that each project has its unique narrative, a story waiting to unfold. Our expertise in design/build principles allows us to transform your inspirational thoughts into tangible realities.

All beautiful gardens start with a great landscape design followed up with consistent and knowledgeable maintenance. Hiring Peter Atkins and Associates ensures each garden and landscape will be taken care of with consistent workmanship, science, organic land care and working within your budget guidelines.

Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation, we will walk your property and discuss your vision and needs. Then we will line up the next steps, whether that is collaborating on design ideas and products or determining the best ways to maintain your existing landscape and gardens.

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 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. Once your deposit is paid, you will be put on our schedule.

Final Design /Approval

Once 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. Lastly 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.

Annual Maintenance

At the end of the design and installation project, we begin valuable landscape maintenance to care for your new plantings. Our maintenance clients receive 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 plantsmen, gardeners and horticulturists.

" Potential customers often do not realize how much work a garden designer puts into achieving a final, finished garden. It is not simply producing a garden plan; there is tremendous research and redrafting, then the designer will create mood boards to communicate how the garden will be constructed. Additionally numerous documents are put together by the designer to give the contractor as much information as possible before going into the build. I remain involved in the process the entire time you work with us. It’s a very involved role with a commitment 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 perennials and annuals 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 an ISA Certified Arborist or accredited horticulturist, weed control, mulching, clean-up of garden debris, dividing perennials and seasonal re-planting of annuals, rose care and watering planted pots to name a few.

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

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.