Question 1

What is the general timeframe for a full patio makeover?

Accepted Answer

Generally, we're able to complete a makeover project (depending whether there is customization, and how much) in about 4-6 weeks from the site visit. This largely depends on how quickly the approval process moves. So if you'd like your new garden ASAP, your best chances are to be very responsive when it comes to design approval, and we'll move quickly through the process.

Question 2

Do you have a minimum size project?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our comprehensive outdoor transformation pricing begins at $15K, however if you are looking for a Container Garden set up outside of peak season, please let us know.

Question 3

Do you provide shade sources, such as pergolas or shade sails?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can help you cool down on your rooftop, terrace or backyard by designing Pergolas and Shade Sails. We are licensed and insured in the state of Pennsylvania. We work with structural engineers to ensure safety, especially on windy rooftops.

We've found that the need for shade, particularly in newly developed buildings, is enormous in Philadelphia. Creating shade enables people to have access to what will become entirely new rooms for them. This is one of our favorite things- creating usable and relaxing space where there was none!

Question 4

How do I come up with a budget for my project and what should I expect for pricing?

Accepted Answer

There are the things that will most impact your budget:

Rehab:  Taking anything down or repairing it in a major way 
           will increase your costs, but should add real value to your home.
           If your place is a "blank canvas", that will reduce your costs significantly.

Walls or Fencing: Surroundings such as fencing, brick or stucco walls that 
           need to be repaired or replaced may add significant cost.
           
           Shade solutions: May be one of the most costly and most sought-after 
           products, but provide most of what you'll need to start enjoying your 
           rooftop or sunny backyard.

Quantity of actual labor:  What's being done on the ground? Gravel, 
          clover or stepping stones?

Size isn't the biggest factor:  When determining cost, what matters is how 
          much labor is necessary and which materials are being used. In addition, it 
          takes far more time to design within small confines, but the results are the 
          most satisfying! It's not uncommon for a 100 sq. ft. patio to cost more than a 
          much larger one because there are more needs to address and they must 
          be done with real expertise to avoid looking cluttered or confusing.

Question 5

I'd like to cover my patio in pavers. Do you provide this service?

Accepted Answer

At Rowhouse Growhouse, we like to work with the environment, not against it.
Too much concrete or slabs can add to the stormwater problem in Philadelphia, so we prefer to use natural materials like gravel, stone, and other innovative solutions whenever possible. Some pavers or stepping stones may be used as well, but we don't use pavers as a primary material.

Question 6

What type of consultations do you provide?

Accepted Answer

A Complementary 15 Minute Phone Chat-  This is a way for us to find out your 
      needs, including budget, to see whether we're a good fit for your project.

A Full Site Visit- This is a paid, more in-depth conversation and includes a 
      sun analysis, measurements, possible solutions etc. General design ideas 
      are shared for a style compatibility analysis, so we have a clear starting 
      place for design.

Question 7

What kind of gardens do you provide, and in what type of spaces?

Accepted Answer

We design for back yards, rooftops and terraces. We provide, and are big fans of both Container Gardens and Raised Beds. We don't design conventional in-grounds gardens for several reasons.

Containers and Raised Beds work exceptionally well in row house yards because, especially when the house is small. They feel more intimate and hug the sight lines, so beautiful blooms are eye-level when sitting down. This is even more enjoyable with aromatic plants like lavender, rosemary and mint.

We're in Philadelphia, and as with any urban area, we really don't  know 
 what's in the soil, and more often than not, it's not good. In many cases, 
 builders have dumped and buried their materials around the house, and 
 so it's extra difficult to un-do that work, and more work to amend it.

Where vegetable gardens go, so go the raised beds. Raised beds are very 
  controllable and easier to tend as well being easy on the back. We cannot 
  recommend them enough.

Question 8

Everything dies on my rooftop. Can Rowhouse Growhouse help?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can! Rooftops Gardens, above all else are in desperate need of irrigation. Once we install your irrigation system, we'll be back at least twice to make sure the settings are just right for the season and each individual plant. As designers, we'll make sure to hide any evidence of the system as much as possible, so it all looks lush, self-contained and beautiful.

Question 9

Is it possible to have a lush garden in the shade?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Urban gardening has its own set of challenges, and shade can be one of them, but through experience we've found a vast array of stylish, colorful and textured shade plants that have the look that will turn your backyard around.

Question 10

How is an "exterior design" company different from a landscaping company?

Accepted Answer

We are Exterior Designers, and we do what Interior Designer do, only outside. That means that we consider your entire outdoor space in terms of how you will see it and feel when you're lounging about and relaxing, as well as showing it off to your friends. So in addition to creating beautiful low-maintence plantings, we'll be certain that the A/C is discreetly covered, the neighbor's unsightly fence will never be seen, the shadows from the shade sail dance over your Morroccan seating, etc. In addition, all things organic will blend seamlessly with the new surroundings without ever looking matched- simply beautifully paired.

Question 11

How do your company beliefs about the environment shape how you're designing today?

Accepted Answer

Our first core value is to improve people's lives by creating spaces they'll never want to leave, and to do so with the least amount of impact to the environment as possible. One way we do this is by planting nearly all perennials. It just makes sense that if the plant material travels the least distance (think local) and returns year after year, two things are accomplished.

1. The new gardener has much less work, and can anticipate the arrival of the new growth each spring. (Fun!)

2. The new gardener spends much less money and time, as they don't need to replace the plants.

Question 12

Do you plant trees in backyards?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Trees improve life for everyone, and we happily partner with arborists to select and plant the most well-suited tree for your outdoor space. We do this in tandem with the rest of our services however, not as a stand alone service.