Foliosa approaches every garden as a long-term relationship. Our clients recognize that ongoing care is key to protecting investments in their landscapes, whether long-established or newly-installed. 

Heartfelt, Knowledgeable Garden Care

fine gardening

The plants and systems in your garden have different needs on different schedules. Keeping track of them all requires technical knowledge, strong organization and reliable follow-through. 

That’s what Foliosa offers. Our comprehensive services include garden bed maintenance, hardscape tidying, pruning, irrigation and lighting checks, organic pest control, and fertilization–and more. 

Our operations are focused in the San Francisco East Bay from Richmond to San Leandro.



communication

We are available. During maintenance visits, by appointment, and by email or text. Our invoices include descriptions of the work performed, and we add comments with any questions or suggestions. Visit reminder emails are standard. 

garden detailing

Detailing is the core of our garden care routine, and includes:

+ Weeding
+ Removal of spent blooms and leaves
+ Tree debris cleanup
+ Fertilizer application
+ Little adjustments here and there that keep a garden in top shape

Working through each garden area also gives us the opportunity to notice irrigation leaks, pest infestations, etc.

efficient irrigation

We’ve been installing and managing irrigation systems for over a decade, and seen lots of ways they can fail or be poorly implemented. We know how to keep plants happy while staying within a water budget or just maximizing efficiency. And our routine visits let us catch and repair leaks in a timely manner.

pruning shrubs + small trees

Shrubs and trees are long-term investments, and one bad pruning job can permanently ruin their elegance. Our careful hand-selected cuts (at the right time of year) will promote proper growth and bring out essential character.

Interested in our maintenance services?

get in touch

edible landscaping

Growing food at home requires attention to a few special details. Specialized irrigation, nutrition and pruning can make the difference between crop failure and a successful harvest.

Many edible and culinary plants can be integrated into ornamental landscapes. Berry vines, fruit trees, edible flowers, herbs, and medicinal plants can all be included in a plan for your garden that remains attractive year-round. And Foliosa will make sure they get the care they need to thrive.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
(IPM)

The basic idea of IPM is to use a pest treatment appropriate to the problem, minimizing use of chemicals that could harm beneficial insects or pollute the environment.

IPM takes into account the complex ecological systems that your garden is a part of, and requires educated, contextual decision-making. Depending on the plant and the garden, we’ll choose the appropriate response to pests and diseases.

preserve
design intent

Someone designed your garden (maybe it was us). But designs are as much a starting point as a final vision. As caretakers, we’ll guide new gardens through the grow-in stage, notice what’s working and what isn’t, and find new solutions that honor the original concept. 

FREquently asked
questions

What is fine gardening?

Fine Gardening is caring, educated, detail-oriented attention to routine tasks and whatever surprises may arise. 

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Why should I pay professional gardeners to pull weeds?

Weeds are ugly and can deplete the soil of nutrients, so it’s best to prevent them in the first place by pulling them before they drop seed. This requires the frequent, reliable garden attention that a monthly maintenance service provides. We have the experience that lets us take care of weeds as efficiently as possible. And we are practiced battling some of the toughest weeds like oxalis, bermuda grass, and ivy.

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Will you take care of fertilizing my garden?

Yes, we track fertilizer schedules and will apply the proper products to flower beds, roses, fruit trees, lawns, etc.

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When will my fruit trees be pruned?

Different fruit trees benefit from pruning at different times of the year. For example most stone fruits and apples are pruned primarily in late spring, while figs and some others are pruned while dormant in winter. 

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Can I use less water and still have a beautiful garden?

Yes–with drip irrigation and a smart irrigation controller that makes automatic adjustments throughout the year. These systems are more complex than they used to be, and they benefit from careful monitoring. Irrigation management is an integral part of Foliosa’s maintenance service.

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What if I want to make improvements to my garden?

We can help! Whether it’s a consultation to choose some new plants, or a totally re-conceived landscape, Foliosa’s design services can be tailored to your needs and budget. Depending on the project, we’ll install it or find another qualified professional to do so.

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Interested in our maintenance services?

get in touch