How Wilder Works
A clear starting point—and a thoughtful path forward.
Wilder exists to make thoughtful landscape change easier.
Instead of asking you to choose from a menu of services or jump into a major project, Wilder begins with clarity. We start by understanding how your yard is functioning today, and identifying the most appropriate next steps based on your site, goals, and existing landscape.
Start with understanding
Most landscapes don’t need to be redesigned — they need to be understood.
Wilder’s approach is grounded in the idea that good decisions come from clarity on what’s already working, where the biggest opportunities lie, and what changes will have the most impact for the least effort.
That’s why the Yard Wellness Check is the starting point for everyone.
Step 1: Yard Wellness Check
The Yard Wellness Check is an objective, ecology-informed snapshot of how your yard is working today.
During the check, Wilder looks at things like:
How your landscape supports (or limits) life
What’s already working well and should be preserved
Where native plants could add the most value
Which changes would meaningfully improve function and resilience
You’ll receive clear observations, priorities, and recommendations—without committing to a larger project or redesign.
This is not a design service — it’s a baseline and decision-making tool.
Step 2: The next right step for your yard
After the Yard Wellness Check, recommendations are tailored to your landscape. There’s no default upsell or one-size-fits-all solution.
Most yards fall into one of three paths.
Native Plant Combinations
For many yards, the next step is choosing from a small menu of Native Plant Combinations—pre-designed groupings of plants created for specific site conditions and goals.
While the combinations themselves are pre-determined, selecting the right one depends on your sun, soil, existing plants, and priorities. That’s why combinations are recommended after the Yard Wellness Check, once there’s clarity about what will work best.
Combinations reduce guesswork and make it easier to act on recommendations, whether you’re planting yourself or working with a gardener.
Explore Native Plant Combinations [double check link]
Field Design Refresh
Some landscapes already have established or complex planting, where off-the-shelf solutions aren’t the right fit.
In these cases, Wilder may recommend a Field Design Refresh — an on-site, collaborative process focused on working with what you already have. This typically involves integrating a limited number of new plants thoughtfully into existing beds, clarifying placement, and creating a clear plan forward without CAD drawings or full redesigns.
Learn more about the Field Design Refresh [addlink]
Referral to another professional
Sometimes the most responsible recommendation is not another Wilder service.
If your needs fall outside Wilder’s scope — such as full-yard redesigns, hardscape planning, or specialized construction — we can refer you to another professional who is better suited to help.
Wilder’s role is to provide clarity and alignment, not to force a fit.
Why this process works
One clear entry point, instead of guessing which service to book
Understanding before solutions
Small, achievable steps instead of overwhelming projects
Respect for existing landscapes and past investments
Native plants used thoughtfully, not dogmatically
This structure makes it easier to do the right thing—without pressure.
Ready to start with clarity?
You don’t need to know what comes next yet. You just need a clear first step.
Start small. No redesigns required.