Professional Garden Design for DIY Homeowners

Custom plans, expert advice, and oversight—DIY or with pros, at a fraction of full-service costs.

Hi, I'm Al, the owner of Greenworks Landscaping.

  • Beautiful, practical garden designs tailored to your vision and budget

  • Professional plans you can DIY, take to any installer, or let me guide you to trusted local pros

  • Custom plans, expert advice, and oversight—DIY or with pros, at a fraction of full-service costs.

Transform your outdoor space without the full-service price tag.

Northern Roots, Southern Blooms

My journey from Canadian winters to creating year-round beauty in Charlotte gardens

Hands-on creation in a Charlotte backyard

I grew up in Canada, where winters are long and gardening seasons short. The sun disappears in November and doesn't return until April.

After earning my Associate Degree from Niagara College in St. Catharines, I dove into the green industry. I worked at top landscape companies like Menne Nursery and Stedman Old Farm Nurseries.

I loved the hands-on work—planting, designing, and watching yards come to life—but harsh winters meant annual layoffs around Christmas. That seasonal cycle pushed me south.

In 1982, I moved to Charlotte, NC, and instantly fell in love with the possibilities: vibrant azaleas exploding in spring, graceful dogwoods, tough hollies holding color through winter, and an entirely new palette of plants, textures, colors, and varieties compared to the North. What amazed me most was how this expanded range turned landscaping into a year-round passion—creating beautiful, functional landscapes that stand up to real life (and weather).

What Clients Say

“Thank you so much for the design—we love it and are getting started right away. I really appreciate your detailed instructions, visual reel, and plant list with quantities. I didn’t think this would be a project I could do, or at least do right, but you’ve given me confidence and all the tools needed. THANK YOU!”— Happy Client, Michigan Homeowner

“I had no clue what to do with my front landscaping—super shady area, short New York summer blooms, winter green interest, plant choices, quantities, heights, perennials... I was lost! Albert created a to-scale drawing addressing all my needs, provided a complete blueprint with plant names, how many, visuals of each (via reel), local nursery recommendations, and step-by-step directions for removal and prep. I couldn’t have asked for more—THANK YOU!!”— Satisfied DIY Gardener, New York

Portfolio: Custom Landscape Design Plans

Browse examples of detailed planting plans and drawings I've created for homeowners like you. These focus on beauty, sustainability, and easy implementation.

2D Design Plans

Browse Designs

Transitions - Before & After

Custom DIY Garden Designs Tailored for You

Affordable plans for Charlotte homeowners, including 2D layouts, plant selections, and optional pro oversight

Choose from our core services to create your dream garden on a budget.

2D Layout Plans

Get detailed, easy-to-follow 2D plans tailored to your yard size and style. Perfect for Charlotte's varying terrains, including space optimization and zoning for sun/shade.

Premium Plants

Handpicked plants for Charlotte's climate—low-maintenance natives, perennials, and edibles.
Includes care tips, sourcing guides, and budget options for year-round blooms.

Hourly On-Site Consulting

I can provide optional on-site consulting at an hourly rate to personally oversee planting, layout, and installation—ensuring your landscape looks stunning and performs perfectly in our zone.

Our Collaborative DIY Garden Design Process

We work together from your ideas to a thriving, low-maintenance Charlotte garden—tailored exactly to your vision, budget, and site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about our custom DIY garden designs? Here are answers to the most common ones from Charlotte homeowners.

🌿What exactly is included in a custom 2D garden design plan?
Your personalized plan includes easy-to-follow 2D layouts (scaled drawings), plant selections tailored to your yard's sun/shade, soil, drainage, and Charlotte's Zone 8a climate (with emphasis on low-maintenance natives, perennials, pollinator-friendly options, drought/heat tolerance). You'll also get spacing guidelines, care tips, sourcing suggestions, and budget considerations for DIY implementation.
🌱How does the collaborative design process work?
It starts with a free initial consultation (quick phone call or on-site visit if needed—no pressure). Share your vision, budget, photos, yard measurements, and goals. I review your site (via photos, survey, or visit), then create a custom 2D plan with revisions based on your feedback. You receive high-resolution digital PDFs (plus optional printed versions).
💰What is the cost for a custom plan?
Plans are affordable and tailored to your project scope—starting from a base price for basic layouts up to more detailed options with plant lists and extras. Pricing depends on yard size/complexity. During your free consultation, I'll provide a clear quote with no surprises.
🪴Do I need to be experienced in gardening to use your plans?
No! These are designed for DIY homeowners. Plans are straightforward, with clear instructions, plant care tips, and sourcing advice. Many clients handle it themselves or hire a contractor for parts. Optional hourly on-site consulting is available for planting guidance or troubleshooting.
☀️Are the plants suitable for Charlotte's climate?
Yes—100%. I select hardy, locally adapted varieties (natives where possible) that handle hot/humid summers, occasional cold snaps, clay soils, heavy rain, and drought periods. Focus is on year-round interest, low water needs once established, pollinator support, and minimal maintenance.
🔧Can I add on-site help or oversight?
Absolutely. Optional hourly consulting lets me visit during planting/installation to oversee layout, answer questions, adjust as needed, or troubleshoot. This ensures your garden performs perfectly in our zone without full-service installation costs.
⏳How long does it take to get my plan?
After the initial consultation and any needed site details, most plans are delivered within 1-3 weeks (depending on revisions and complexity). Rush options may be available.
🌸What if I have a very small budget or tiny yard?
No problem—we specialize in budget-friendly, space-optimized designs. Even small yards can become stunning low-maintenance oases. We'll prioritize high-impact elements like key perennials, edibles, or focal points that fit your goals.
🛒Do you offer plant delivery or sourcing?
Yes—I hand-select premium plants from my trusted local sources and nurseries in the Charlotte area (focusing on fresh, healthy, locally adapted stock like natives and perennials that thrive in Zone 8a). I can arrange for delivery directly to your site for many varieties, or clients can pick up themselves. This ensures top-quality, climate-suited plants arrive ready to plant.
🚀How do I get started?
Just fill out the form below for your free initial consultation. Share a few photos/details, and we'll chat about turning your yard into a thriving, personalized garden.

Initial Free Consultation

GET YOUR FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION