Cristina da Silva: the horticulturist

• Plants not thriving in garden?
• Don’t know how to divide your perennials or transplant your shrubs?
• Where would you locate your new vegetable garden?
• And what is that eating my azaleas?
• Trying to change your garden to a low-maintenance haven?

A garden consultation will give you the answers and peace of mind. After the consultation I’ll prepare a report with the observed problems and required remedies.

My promise to you: sound reliable advice that solves your horticultural problems.

My credentials:

• Two degrees from University of Guelph’s horticultural program (B.Sc and MSc)
• Twenty plus years working in horticultural industry
• Member of a local Master Gardeners group

Feel ready to solve your garden woes? Contact me. I love to hear from you.

Cristina da Silva: the writer and photographer

• Need some scintillating fun garden writing?
• Want images to go with that story?

Gardening articles are easier to read and understand when it’s an entertaining story. Gardens and plants all have stories waiting to be told. Let me help you tell a garden story to your readers…with images and words.

Want to discuss story ideas? Contact me.

Cristina da Silva: the speaker

I believe in tailoring my presentations to the group I’m speaking to. For example, in the last 4 years I’ve matched the topics of presentations to the theme of each Successful Garden Show: from hot trends to Let’s Party (Ricky Nelson’s 70s hit).

My aim is to make all my presentations entertaining, engaging, thoughtful and informative. And of course all my talks are illustrated with photographs.

Presentations to date:

• Spring bulbs and Biltmore
• To bee or not to Bee
• If you can’t beat them eat them. Edible weeds
• Sexy and Smart Kitchen Gardens
• Sneaking vegetables into your ornamental garden
• Plant explorer: Alice Eastwood
• Serenity gardens
• Sexy Kitchen gardens
• Soil: back to the future.
• Sound in the garden
• Balcony gardens
• Whimsical, fun and crazy gardens

Want a scintallating presentation for your group or show? Contact me. I’m sure I will have just the right presentation for you.

Cristina da Silva: garden designer

• Want a garden that is beautiful and functional?
• A garden that fits your lifestyle?
• A trendy sustainable garden?
• Or do you crave fresh herbs and vegetables right outside your kitchen door?
• A play fun garden for the kids or kids at heart?

Your garden needs to suits your needs, your budget, your lifestyle, and your aesthetics. You choose. I’m listening.

You don’t have to worry about me overlooking plant choices and combination. That’s my specialty! And yes, if you’re busy or a newish gardener, I will choose plants that are easy to maintain.

I know that whatever type of garden you decide on, having a garden will enhance your well being and enjoyment of life.

Design advice

Detailed Garden Plans

What are the benefits of a detailed garden plan?

• If you want to renovate or build a brand new garden over a period of time, the plans allow you to stay on track and prevent your garden becoming hodgepodge.
• Detailed plans make it easier for landscape contractors to bid on building your garden
• Well-documented garden designs keep contractors on task, building what YOU want.
• If you don’t know your plants that well, the plans will include a plant placement map. And the plants will not only thrive in your garden, the plants will also match your style.

What’s involved?

Initial garden meeting

Find out what you would like from your gardens, what your needs are and what kind garden style resonates with you. The initial garden meeting will let you know whether we can work well together. Gardens are personal. You need to feel comfortable.

In a couple of days

I’ll give you an estimate of the cost of design. You decide whether you want to proceed. If the garden is small and simple (and no plans exist) I will take measurements. With larger gardens or where there are significant level changes, a survey company will produce a scale plan.

Second meeting

From the initial meeting, I will prepare a sketch plan. We will go through it together to make sure it meets all your needs and to make any necessary changes.

Third meeting

Final plan is drawn up. The final garden design plan shows the plants and details of the hardscape elements (paths, patios, structures etc… elements that landscape contractors need to prepare estimates).

Prepared to make the plunge? Contact me, I would love to make your dreams a reality.