PETER ATKINS AND ASSOCIATES FINE GARDENERS

If you feel your landscape needs go beyond just the basics, you’ll do best with a company that takes a horticulturally-based approach to plant and garden care. Essentially, this means taking a proactive approach, always looking at the bigger picture--not just the routine tasks. 

The average landscaping crew is not looking ahead, planning updates, and anticipating needs by observing how the garden is developing. Typically, the more upscale company will assist you to plan in 9-12 month periods. And the services you select will support the plan you have discussed with them.

Another benefit of this proactive approach is that you would rarely have to phone the company to report an issue because they will have phoned to let you know a change has occurred and to offer a proposed course of action.

This is a major difference because landscape maintenance companies sometimes view underperforming plants as a failure and so do not bring it to the attention of the homeowner. And they may not have the expertise to be able to identify and solve the problem for you. 

Peter Atkins and Associates will see changes as part of the evolution of a garden. Plants, shrubs and trees have a finite life expectancy and the conditions they require can change over time. A company that knows horticulture and uses effective methods to properly prune, weed, deadhead and groom your gardens know in advance about what to expect of certain features in the garden and make adjustments when necessary.

We welcome new accounts. Please ask Peter to come meet you and learn first hand how we can turn your outdoor living spaces into a weedfree environment that allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature.

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.

Our approach to landscape maintenance is informed by a studied understanding of just how landscapes function. Pairing an education in ecology with lessons learned from years of agricultural experience we employ ecologically integrated methods of caring for your plants. This means that we support the vitality of plants in your landscape by supporting the underlying processes at work, what we call a "whole systems approach".

This sustainable approach leads to landscapes and gardens that are increasingly healthy and more resilient to environmental contingencies such as drought and extreme temperature that change daily. Some times this means it is too wet, too dry or the earth does not see rain for long period of time. We are committed to using sustainable maintenance practices that feeds the soil with organic nutrients such as compost from plants, fish and mushroom compost because they are better for the garden and landscape.

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 three 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 site visit. Thank you.

Fine Gardening vs. Conventional Landscaping

Conventional landscaping is reactive rather than proactive. A handful of common shrubs getting cared for out of necessity rather than pleasure. Same boring thing year after year. The landscape remains status quo still uninspiring. Many homeowners do not know what to plant, or how to care for things beyond the basic landscape. Basic landscaping is mowing, mulching, pruning with power shears and using noisy backpack blowers. Landscaping is performed almost robotically.

Fine Gardeners have a high level of gardening practices which are horticulturally based. It requires experience, science, and artistic sensibilities. The skills include: selective pruning, extensive plant knowledge and care of shrubs, trees, perennials, annuals, and weeds. And, Fine Gardeners also have to be familiar with common pests and diseases. Our fine garden staff is always supervised and follows the chore punch list of Peter Atkins and staff always. This is the foundation of Fine Gardening.

The late winter or early spring is an ideal time to take care of pruning. It’s best to prune after the hard frosts have passed, but before your plants come out of dormancy. At this time, you have a clear sightline to the interior branches. Plus, your plants can grow into their new shape as they come out of dormancy. Keep in mind, however, that some plants should be left alone, and not pruned. Peter Atkins is available to answer your questions?