What do I get?

you receive:

. A Palette of Plants suited to fit your exact needs.
. Planting Design 101.your comprehensive guide to designing with your Plant Palette.
. Discounts to participating nurseries.
. Personal design support from our on-staff landscapepros at GardenBrain.
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How do I start creating my Plant Palette?

Its simple!  Just look at the top where it says ‘Start Here’.  First enter your county and follow the rest of the steps.

Can I select multiple boxes in the Design Criteria (Step 4)?

Yes you can.  It may be beneficial to select more than one, even if you think you  may need this criteria for future use. 

what is Planting Design 101?

Planting Design 101 shows you step by step how to design with your new Plant Palette. Our Easy-to-Understand tutorial shows you how to do a sketch of your garden, lay out plants according to their use, and install them in the ground. We have stripped down a seemingly overwhelming process into simple steps giving anyone the confidence to create their own landscape.
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When, where, and how will I receive my Palette?

Once you ‘check out’ and complete the payment, your Palette will come to you via email.  You will also receive login information as well so if needed, you can retrieve your Palette information from our site.  The login is good for 15 days.

When I am asked to select my city in Step 2, I don’t see it.

It’s ok. Just select the city that is closest to you.  This narrows down the plants that are usable for your climate.

What does the ‘Shopping Cart’ section mean?

This section shows what you have currently selected once you proceed through the steps of creating your Palette.  You will be able to modify these selections prior to checking out.

Can I get multiple Palettes?

What does the ‘Customization for Advanced Users’ section mean?

This section (upper left of home page) takes you quickly through Steps 1 through 3 without descriptions of ‘garden themes’ and graphics.  It’s a shortcut in a sense. This would more likely be for repeat users, but it does yield the same result as using the Steps 1 through 5.

What Garden Themes are the most drought tolerant?

There are many drought tolerant plants in all the themes, but certain themes by nature, will require less water.  These are Southwestern, California Chaparral Native, and Santa Barbara.

This gives a rating on how drought tolerant the Garden Theme is on average. Some plants will differ, but this provides an average on how much water will be required by selecting this Garden Theme. 5 stars being the most drought tolerant. Themes that get 4 and 5 stars contain more plants that are suitable Xeriscaping. The term Xeriscaping refers to a garden that requires little to no supplemental water once established.

Xeriscaping is becoming increasingly popular as we face more and more restrictions on water as well as higher prices. Xeriscaping is an incredibly effecient way to reduce water usage and still have a beautiful and successful garden. This gardening method is also typically a lower maintenance scanario.

The use of rocks and boulders also come into play in a Xeriscape. Dry riverbeds can be set through lawn and planter areas reducing the square footage of planting space minimizing water usage in the garden.

To learn more about Xeriscaping methods, click on these helpful links below:

http://www.eartheasy.com/grow_xeriscape.htm
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/organics/Xeriscaping/
http://www.xeriscapenm.com/

When checking out, should I use PayPal or the ‘Check Out’ button (Step 5)?

Either one will work.  GardenBrain.com provides a secure check-out for our customers, but you may also use PayPal.  Either way, the same information will be provided.  Cost will also be the same.

My Palette information did not show up in my email.  What do I do?

First, try your login info that you should have received in your email.  GardenBrain.com may not be supported by all email servers, but you should still be able to access your information when you login

I lost my password and/or login info.  What should I do?

We can send you your information by providing your email. Help me retrieve my login info>>

How long is my login info good for?

Login info is good for 15 days.  You will always have your Palette in your email (do not delete it).  We also provide the option to download a PDF version of your Palette for offline use..

Where do I get all the plants now that I have the Palette?

Once the palette (plant list) is purchased, you are can purchase the plants at one of GardenBrain’s affiliate nurseries in our . These nurseries may provide discounts to our customers with proof of purchase.  This is subject to individual nursery participation.

Do I need to use ALL the plants in the Palette?

Absolutely not. The reason why there are so many plants in the palette is so that you DO have the option to choose. This allows for even greater personalization of your garden.

Can I get the actual plants online?

What happens if I cant find a plant on my Palette at the nursery?

Try calling the other local nurseries. Make sure to tell them the botanical name because there can be multiple common names for any given plant. OR try using a substitute that offers similar characteristics. Have the nursery specialist help you with this.

After I get the plants home, now what?

Assuming the soil is prepared and amended as needed, and the irrigation system is fully functioning providing adequate coverage in all planter areas, laying out the plants is the next task. Use Planting Design 101 to aid in this process in accordance with the plant characteristics given in the plant description (View Sample Palette). This will help you lay out the plants using good design principles in accordance with the size and type of plant.

What type of fertilizer should I use?

This will be vary between palettes. Typically, a ‘time release’ fertilizer is best. There are many brands and types so ask the nursery specialist what they recommend for your specific palette.

If you are unable to come to a conclusion on you theme after looking through the choices, contact us through the member support and tell us a little bit about your design scenario, architecture style, neighborhood, design likes/dislikes, etc, and we will try to aid in your decision. We want to make this design experience as easy and pleasant as possible for you!

What do the different types of categories for plant material refer to?

How much will downloading the Plant Palette cost me?

Not much! Just about the price of a 5-gallon plant...$22.00.

Is there any kind of guarantee?

Yes. We have a money back guarantee policy.  If your not happy, we’re not happy!

How can I participate in the ‘Testimonials’ section?

If you would like to send us some basic information of your testimonial, we will review your text and ask you for photos (if available).  Then we will post you text in the Testimonials using only your first name, state, county, and city.

Does GardenBrain.com also provide consultation?

Yes. We can provide support by email, telephone, and/or on-site consultation.  Fees will apply for on-site work.

What if I get stuck in any part of this process?

Don’t hesitate to call our toll-free number 1(877) 270 – 4777 or email us at helpdesk@gardenbrain.com. Our design professionals standing by to help you with any part of this process.

How can my company advertise with GardenBrain.com?

We can provide graphic and/or text advertisements on our Home page and many others.  Please email us at info@gardenbrain.com or call our toll-free number above.

Is this really worth it?

We think so!  With GardenBrain.com, you have the tools to be your own Landscape designer.  You don’t have to pay a fortune for a designer or read lengthy books that only confuse you more.  We lay it out plain and simple to make this experience as enjoyable as possible.  After all, creating a garden should be fun!