Flora for Fauna ™

Step 1: Face-to-Face Consultation

Once you’ve contacted Flora for Fauna, we will reach out for a little more information: what are you looking for, the size of your space, and how can Flora for Fauna help. We will work together to solve your institution’s environmental needs, whether that’s beautifying the grounds with native trees and plants, using native plants to aid in a problem area (e.g. water retention areas that could use a little love), reducing heating or cooling costs by employing nature-based solutions (the right kinds of plants placed strategically on the site) and/or finding any available energy upgrade grants, or increasing biodiversity,. We’ll initially chat over email or phone. Afterwards, we will visit the grounds to consult and sit down with your team.

Step 2: Plant Sourcing & Basic Landscape Design

Once we’ve made an action plan together, we work to source the appropriate native trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants for your space. We keep in mind the unique needs of the area (e.g. amount of sunlight, access to water, soil type, soil moisture, ground topography) as well as client budget (homeowners and for-profit businesses). For nonprofit clients, much if not all of this cost can be covered by various funding opportunities: grants, in-kind grants, cost-sharing. We also design simple sketches for plant layout, and will work with your facilities manager to come to the solution that works best for everyone.

Step 3: Planting

When planting at nonprofit organizations, congregations, schools or community groups, our team asks that the organization involve their network for a one-day planting event: students, adults-young and not so young, employees, volunteers and more. We especially like to see children get involved–they love getting their hands dirty and looking at bugs! Depending on the scale of the project, multiple planting events might be scheduled. For private individuals, for-profit businesses and projects funded via the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Rainscaping Small Grants Program, we have used and can recommend several local native landscaping companies to get the work done.

Step 4: Aftercare Guide & Resources

Flora for Fauna will provide you with resources on how to care for your new native plants, including educational materials about many of the insects and other animals that depend on native plants for their survival. For each new species [flora] planted at a client’s site, we provide detailed particulars about the plant’s ultimate size, bloom color, etc. as well as care and maintenance instructions. We also include information listing many of the pollinators and other creatures [fauna] depending upon that species for their survival. Schools and nonprofits focusing on children have found that kids genuinely enjoy learning about both flora and fauna, especially when they participate in plant selection, planting, and care. We are happy to give concise presentations about native plants and the animals that rely on them to children, students and adults. We are available for any questions you may have as you get used to your new, beautiful green space.

Have questions or want to work with Flora For Fauna?

Email Cynthia at [email protected].