FCI Fine Gardening

Serves Oakland, CA

35244

Hired 37 times

4 employees

6 years in business

Not yet available

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Venmo, and Zelle.

Next Service

Hours

Sun Closed

Mon 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

Tues 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

Wed 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

Thurs 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

Fri 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sat Closed

Credentials

Background Check

Steven Cochrane
Completed on 9/8/2022

Introduction

Pls READ UPDATE: We do not offer large scale weeding, weed-wacking large areas, stump or brush removal and/or off hauling. SERVICES OFFERED: Fine gardening services including pruning, corrective shaping, planting, plant selection, irrigation, and non-toxic disease control. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT US FOR SERVICES NOT LISTED IN THIS PROFILE. We offer weeding as part of our fine gardening service for our regular clients. Would you like a quote for fine gardening services? We are your go to native plant experts! (formally trained and practice as a California botanist and wildlife biologist 15 years; native plant gardener 25 years experience). Please contact us for a no charge garden consultation. We can offer suggestions for a butterfly garden host plants and nectar plants and gardening for wildlife. As a fine gardening company of horticulturists and gardeners, we focus on aesthetic pruning, plant care, and garden maintenance. My interests are making your garden look outstanding! In addition to esthetic and seasonal pruning, we offer fruit tree care, organic vegetable plant sourcing, disease diagnoses, and non-toxic remedies. We care for small trees up to 25' high. I am a California native plant specialist (25+ years as a local botanist with an understanding of wild plants in garden settings). I am a wildlife gardener and wildlife biologist (butterfly/pollinator garden designer). Low water garden plant design specialist with Mediterranean climate plants. I use your vision to create your garden space (formal/informal, naturalistic, and/or replicate a favorite place. Garden clean-ups, rejuvenations, and new installations. I studied (and taught habitat restoration classes)at Merritt College. I apprenticed and was the garden maintenance supervisor of three crews at Four Dimensions Landscape Company here in Oakland. I am a 30+ year Oakland resident and Oakland native; growing up roaming the East Bay hill area wild plant communities. I have been gardening for over 25 years. As a botanist, horticulturalist, naturalist, and wildlife biologist (BA UC Berkeley), I continue to take classes, ravenously consume online content, purchase and use subject area books, and consult with colleagues. ******** for options about your project and a PDF of local references.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

We offer garden maintenance on an hourly basis and installations as a time and materials quote. Services not listed in the above profile are not offered.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

1) Client has read our profile and scope of services. Meet client at the garden for a walkthrough. Or client attaches photos to their request. 2) Assess the project. Is a good fit. for our team and the client? 3) Offer an estimate or quote and a timeline. 4) Provide local references.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Four year degree in botany/wildlife biology (UC Berkekey). Masters Business Admin, (USF). Additional coursework at Merritt College Horticultural training at an Oakland landscape / gardening company (design, build, maintain). Garden maintenance department supervisor of three crews of 2-3 gardeners each. Additional training and experience: Gardener, field biologist, naturalist, natural landscape restorationist. See business website: ********

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I have been gardening for over 20 years. For FCI Fine Gardening, I answered posts on Nextdoor and built my business by offering local gardening services.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I work with all types of customers from very knowledgeable to beginning. From hands on customers to those that want great garden care. I also provide client education on all aspects of fine gardening.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

Lawn conversion to native plant garden: Took two weeks.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Ask for references. Ask for knowledge, skills, and experience for your tasks.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

What kind of a look are you seeking? For example: formal or naturalistic? Who will take care of the garden? What tasks, if any will you do? Do you have irrigation or do we need to install irrigation or convert an existing system? What is your budget?