Business Details
31 Years
experience
Custom Landscaping Solutions in Alachua County
Founded in 1995 by Jon George, Cottage Gardens specializes in creating personalized landscapes that blend artistic inspiration with practical adaptation to Florida's subtropical climate. Our team draws from decades of combined experience, including international exposure to the gardens of Monet in France and minimalist design principles from Japan. We focus on trialing resilient plant varieties that thrive in local conditions while avoiding generic 'three shrubs and a palm' approaches. Our services span from initial design consultations to full installation and ongoing maintenance, serving diverse projects from residential gardens to commercial spaces. With expertise in organic pest control and soil enrichment, we prioritize client collaboration to ensure each garden reflects individual tastes and architectural contexts.Our staff includes seasoned professionals like chief designer Marilyn Panico and installation manager Steve Arduine, who collectively bring over 25 years of local landscaping expertise. We maintain transparency through waived consultation fees when projects proceed and provide detailed cost estimates upfront. Operating year-round in Alachua County, we offer twice-monthly maintenance visits and emergency support as needed. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through meticulous attention to detail in every project, from small hummingbird gardens to large-scale developments. This approach has established us as a trusted partner for creating distinctive outdoor spaces that harmonize with Florida's unique environmental conditions.
Services
Landscape Design
Garden Installation
Organic Pest Control
Continuous Garden Care
Plant Selection
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- Specializing in Florida-native plant selection since 1995
- International design inspiration adapted to local climate conditions
- Organic pest control and soil enrichment expertise
- Experienced team with 25+ combined years in local landscaping
- Year-round service with waived consultation fees when projects proceed
Services
Landscape Design
Our landscape design service creates customized outdoor spaces that harmonize with your property's architecture and Florida's climate. We conduct on-site consultations to understand your vision, provide plant selection recommendations, and develop detailed design plans. Each proposal includes cost estimates and implementation timelines to ensure clear expectations before installation begins.
Garden Installation
Professional garden installation includes soil preparation, plant selection, mulching, and fertilization. Our team implements designs using enriched soil when needed, ensuring proper plant placement for optimal growth. We focus on creating structurally sound gardens with durable plant varieties that thrive in Alachua County's subtropical conditions.
Continuous Garden Care
Our maintenance program offers bi-monthly visits for pruning, weeding, fertilization, and pest control. We use custom organic fertilizer blends and environmentally conscious pest management techniques. This service ensures long-term garden health while maintaining aesthetic appeal throughout Florida's changing seasons.
Design Consultation
During our design consultation, we visit your property to discuss your landscaping goals and assess growing conditions. The session includes plant recommendations, design outlines, and cost estimates. We waive the $75 consultation fee if you proceed with our installation services, ensuring transparent project planning.
Organic Pest Control
Our organic pest control solutions protect gardens using environmentally responsible methods. We employ natural deterrents and biological controls tailored to Florida's specific pest challenges. This approach maintains garden health without compromising local ecosystems or requiring synthetic chemical applications.
People
Jon George
Founder & Lead Designer
Jon George established Cottage Gardens in 1995 after studying gardens in France and Japan. He combines Monet's color theory with Eastern minimalism, adapting designs to Florida's climate. With 29 years of local experience, he oversees all major projects.
Lynn Sapp
Administrator
Lynn Sapp manages scheduling and operations with 15+ years in landscape administration. She coordinates project timelines and client communications, ensuring smooth service delivery across Alachua County's diverse projects.
Marilyn Panico
Chief Designer
Marilyn Panico leads design execution with expertise in color theory and spatial planning. She translates Jon's concepts into implementable plans, maintaining artistic integrity while addressing practical growing conditions in Florida's subtropical environment.
Steve Arduine
Installation Manager
Steve Arduine supervises landscape installations with 20 years of field experience. He leads crews in implementing designs with precision, ensuring proper plant placement and soil preparation techniques that promote long-term garden success.
Beverly Colmant
Maintenance Supervisor
Beverly Colmant co-manages garden maintenance services, focusing on organic care practices. She trains staff in sustainable techniques and ensures consistent quality across all bi-monthly maintenance visits throughout Alachua County.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We provide landscaping services throughout Alachua County, Florida, including Gainesville, Newberry, and surrounding communities.
Do you offer maintenance services?
Yes, we offer bi-monthly garden maintenance including pruning, weeding, fertilization, and organic pest control.
What's included in your design consultation?
Our consultation includes on-site assessment, plant recommendations, design outline, and cost estimate. The $75 fee is waived if you proceed with installation.
Do you use organic methods?
Yes, we specialize in organic pest control and use custom-blended fertilizers to maintain garden health without synthetic chemicals.
How long have you been in business?
Cottage Gardens has been serving Alachua County since 1995, providing landscaping services for over 29 years.
Can you handle commercial projects?
Yes, we design and install landscapes for both residential and commercial properties, including office complexes and restaurants.
