New Year Goals

As 2025 came to a close, I started doing what most business owners do… planning for 2026. There’s always a budget involved, of course, but also new ideas, education opportunities, ways to improve, and old strategies that no longer serve us. My lists are always evolving throughout the year, but January is the perfect time to put plans into action.

Here are a few of my “New Year Goals” for myself, my business, and my customers this year:

1. I am no longer going to work for free.
   I’ve been lax about charging properly for my time, and while no one likes having that conversation, time is money—and my time is valuable. Whether it’s a consultation fee or addressing an overage in an estimate, I can no longer give away free information. This is how I run my business. Period.

2. I’m taking a Garden Graphics Tool Kit course.
   Let’s face it—I’m not an artist. That gap has sometimes made me doubt my ability to convey design ideas during proposals. This course, combined with my monthly design group where we challenge each other to grow as professionals, will help me communicate my vision more confidently.

3. More workshops—both in-person and digital.
   Can’t attend a class in person? No problem. Soon, you’ll be able to purchase workshops online through my website and learn at your own pace.

4. Become the go-to designer for pollinator-friendly gardens.
   I want to help homeowners create gardens that support butterflies, bees, and other pollinators while still being beautiful and practical.

5. Use more native shrubs and trees in my designs.
   My goal is to incorporate at least 50% native plants whenever possible. Of course, the customer always has the final say, but I want to prioritize sustainability and long-term plant health.

6. Expand high-touch horticulture maintenance services.
   This means visiting your home regularly (every 2–4 weeks) to inspect plants, prune properly, weed, move plants as they grow, revamp planters, and add flowers. My goal is to add 10 new clients by the end of summer 2026. I also plan to create a 3–6 month maintenance package for all new landscape installations to ensure the plantings thrive.

7. Create a referral program for repeat customers.
   A way to say thank you to clients who share their love of plants and gardens with friends and neighbors.

8. Never stop learning.
   Landscaping and horticulture are constantly evolving sciences. Continuing education helps me provide better results for my clients and ensures less money and stress spent fixing preventable issues.

Now… I just need to get to work! There’s never enough time, but there’s plenty of motivation. Here’s to making 2026 a year of growth—for me, my business, and your gardens.