Opinion from a landscaper or garden extraordinaire...?

Question

I have an area (5'x23') running along the side of my garage. The previous homeowner did nothing but make the gravel in it look pretty. I tried planting some shrubs and Alberta Dward Spruces but then read online that it takes FOREVER for them to grow and they are 1' tall now. So, with that being said, I wanted to know a reasonable amount to pay a landscaper to come out, dig up the gravel, put stone edging around and fill it with dirt. I'll plant the shrubs myself when it gets cooler here. Any help would be nice. I feel stupid calling around to our local landscaping companies.

Answer 1

That is a lot of work but I'll just bet if you live in the right neighborhood with kids there will be some teenage boys wanting to earn money.
Only give a set price if it's a lot of stones set a price accordingly. Don't pay by the hour because they could take 8 hrs a day for a week they are usually so slow. Pay what is fair according to the work.

Answer 2

Sounds like a great DIY project!
Don't know where you live, but with fall approaching ,it's a good time to be outside.

Start by removing the rock...maybe you can use it elsewhere in the yard. Or use Craigslist and offer it for free if someone wants to remove it (or help remove). Or see if a neighbor could use it.

Then use a shovel and start working the ground underneath, turning it....then add good topsoil,(bags from a store unless you can get a pickup load) digging it in the existing soil.
If you have time before cold weather, start planting. Take a look around your neighborhood...see something you like, knock on the door and inquire about it.
Then you can pick your shrubs...take some pics of the area or draw a sketch, including what exposure the side gets (faces North, south, etc.) and go to a nursery that can help you select appropriate plants. They can tell you how to plant them, spacing, care, etc.

Once you do this select a mulch . And save your edging for last. Watch for the kind you want to go on sale, maybe.

If you break it down into smaller steps, it isn't quite as daunting a task.

If DYI isn't you thing, then check with some nurseries or your county extension service/master gardener for referral for someone who could do this small job.

Good luck!