Expert Garden Design Consultation in Western NC | Transform Your Mountain Landscape
Expert Garden Design Consultation Services in Western North Carolina & North Georgia.
You’ve tried the big-box approach. You’ve followed the Pinterest guides. But mountain gardens don’t work like gardens at lower elevations—and what thrives in Atlanta will struggle in Franklin. That’s where our garden design consultation services come in.
At Winding Stair Gardens, Western North Carolina’s premier garden center, we know that sometimes the best investment isn’t another plant—it’s expert guidance that actually works at elevation, in our soil, with our specific growing conditions.
Our garden design consultation connects you with Greg Mason, our Nursery Manager with a degree in landscape architecture and over 20 years of hands-on mountain horticulture experience. Whether you’re wrestling with a shady corner that won’t cooperate, planning a complete garden overhaul, or trying to understand why that California garden trend died in our first frost, Greg brings the honest expertise that sets you up for real, lasting success.
Availability is limited. Consultations are capped at 3 per month.
What’s Included in Your Garden Design Consultation
When Greg visits your property, you’ll receive:
On-Site Visit & Assessment
We come to you, spending quality time walking your landscape and understanding your goals, challenges, and growing conditions. Greg evaluates your site’s microclimates, elevation-specific challenges, and what actually works at your altitude.
Plant Identification
Not sure what’s already growing in your yard? We’ll identify your existing plants, spot any invasive species hampering growth, and help you understand what’s thriving, what’s struggling, and why. After your consultation, browse our current plant inventory to find the right additions for your landscape.
Garden Problem-Solving
From drainage issues to pest problems, from acidic soil challenges to stubborn bare spots under mature oaks, we’ll diagnose what’s going wrong and create an actionable plan to fix it. Greg knows the difference between “sun-loving” and “Western North Carolina sun-loving.”
Mountain-Specific Plant Recommendations
Based on your site’s unique conditions—elevation, soil, sunlight, water patterns, and microclimates—we’ll suggest plants that will actually thrive (not just survive) in your landscape. What works at 3,000 feet, not what works in Coastal Living magazine.
Your Investment
$250 for one hour of on-site garden design consultation (includes travel time within a 20-mile radius of Franklin, NC).
Properties located beyond 20 miles from our nursery will include a $30 fuel surcharge.
What’s Not Included in Our Garden Design Consultation
To keep our consultation service focused and affordable, we don’t provide: Formally drawn landscape designs, plant costs or procurement, flower bed or container design services, plant installation or pruning.
Need these services? For quick help, visit us at the nursery. We can recommend the best in your area.
Why Choose Winding Stair for Your Garden Design Consultation?
When it comes to mountain horticulture in Western North Carolina, Greg Mason is the kind of expert you’re lucky to have on your side. With more than 20 years of landscaping and native plant expertise specific to Western North Carolina’s elevation and climate, he brings honest answers—not sales pitches.
We’ll talk you out of a purchase that won’t work for your space. That’s how you know the advice is real. Our approach is honest, straightforward, and results-driven. We care about your garden’s long-term health, not just a quick sale.
Ready to Finally Understand Your Landscape?
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed – If you’re not completely satisfied with your consultation, we’ll refund your $250. No questions asked.
Serving Franklin, Sylva, Highlands, Cashiers, and surrounding Western North Carolina communities. In Georgia, we service Clayton, Dillard, Lake Burton and Rabun County.
Questions? Call us at 828-369-9778 or visit us at 57 Saunders Road, Franklin, NC 28734. Our regular season hours are Mon – Sat, 9a – 5p.
* One year guarantee requires reading our warranty policy and purchase of our success kit.