Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS LIMITED-INTERVENTION SUSTAINABILITY?

Limited-intervention sustainability, as defined and practiced by Gardener On-Call, recommends working from the least aggressive intervention strategies to the more aggressive while avoiding the use of synthetic chemical inputs.  Sustainable gardening isn't about complete domination of nature.  It's about having an aesthetically pleasing garden that respects nature by controlling problems in an environmentally-responsible manner.

DOES THIS MEAN I CAN NEVER USE ANY PESTICIDES?

No.  It means first determining what the problem is, weighing your options, and then working your way up the "ladder of toxicity."

WHY SHOULD SYNTHETIC CHEMICAL INPUTS BE AVOIDED?

The agri-chemical industry has been very successful in perpetuating the myth that a "perfect" garden can only be achieved through reliance on synthetic chemical inputs.  This myth is self-fulfilling, self-perpetuating, and environmentally self-defeating.  The greater the reliance on synthetic inputs, the greater the suppression of the self-regulating balance of nature.  For example, synthetic pesticides tend to be broad-spectrum, killing beneficial insects along with the bad and leading to a rebound of the undesirable pest and increased resistance.  Synthetics also tend to have a longer residual effect in the environment when compared to naturally-derived inputs which break down more quickly. 

WE BOUGHT A HOUSE WITH EXISTING GARDENS THAT WE WANT TO MAINTAIN, BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHAT ALL THE PLANTS ARE AND WE AREN'T SURE WHAT TO DO OR WHEN?  CAN YOU HELP?

Yes.  As we walk the property, we will help you identify plants, and share tips and techniques for getting the most out of your gardens.  The GOC Information pack also contains a maintenance calendar.  Gardener On-Call has information sheets specifically for new or relocated gardeners, please ask.

I'VE GOT A LIST OF PLANTS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO ADD TO THE GARDEN, BUT I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THEM.  CAN GARDENER ON-CALL HELP?

Yes.  Have the list ready and, if possible, include the botanical names.  If we know the plants, we will tell you.  If not, choose your top 5 and we will do research into their characteristics and include it in your summary report.

I'M UNSURE ABOUT PLANT PLACEMENT.  CAN GARDENER ON-CALL PROVIDE SKETCHES OR DRAWINGS?

No.  Gardener On-Call is a consultative service, not a design service.  Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge to get the most out of your sustainable gardening experience.  We will be happy to share our experiences, both good and bad, with plants and how we use them, but we have no desire to redesign your garden.