Ecological Landscape Design & Consultation — Fort Collins, CO

What's possible in a single day will surprise you.

One site visit. One focused day. A complete permaculture concept design — plant palette, water strategy, and a plan you can actually act on.

16 years in practice · M.Sc. Ecological Design · Boulder PDC Instructor

Patrick Padden by a mountain lake

“I teach this every year — and I still learn something new on every site.”

01 — Free to Start

Padden Permaculture Design Tool

An AI-assisted design tool that gives you a water-wise, ecological starting point for your own yard — built from the same principles behind every design I do by hand. Your first 5 designs are free.

Already sketched your own design?

Book an AI-design review — bring what the tool (or any AI) generated, and get expert eyes on it before you dig.

02 — Working Together In Person

Two ways to start on-site

Site Visit & Concept Design
Usually completed in a day or two

Every design begins with deep observation of your site. We walk the property together, talk through how you want to live in the space, and I develop a concept design that works with, rather than against, nature — the first step for every project.

What's included
  • On-site observation of water flow, topography, soil, and existing vegetation
  • Sector analysis to identify microclimates and opportunities that weren't obvious at first glance
  • A conversation about your goals, budget, and how you'll use the space
  • A concept design prioritizing the most permanent elements — land shape and water access — then zones, key features, and plantings
  • A starter plant palette of native, edible, and water-wise species suited to your site
  • Clear next steps — DIY, phased, or ready for installation
Detailed Design
Usually completed in a week or two

Builds on your concept design with the technical depth needed to bring it to life — beautiful and productive systems that generate more resources than they consume. Ideal if you're working with a contractor, an HOA, or a municipality.

What's included
  • Precise planting plans with species, quantities, and spacing
  • Irrigation, water catchment, and earthworks layout
  • Hardscape, grading, and materials notes for installers
  • 3D renderings and before-and-after imagery for planning
  • Plant reference sheets for long-term care
  • Submission-ready documentation for HOAs, permits, and rebates
Multi-day and out-of-area design intensives available for larger or estate properties
Every project starts with a site visit & concept design

Pursuing installation? I refer clients to vetted installers and permaculture-trained contractors — additional design-coordination fees may apply.

Contact Patrick for a Quote
A single day's work — real concept designs for real Colorado yards. Click any design to see more.
03 — Portfolio

From Concept to Ground

A look at design work carried all the way through to installation.

Conway front yard before: open lawn and a plain concrete stoopBefore
Conway front yard after: cedar pergola, paver patio, and layered plantingsAfter

Conway residence, Fort Collins — a plain lawn and concrete stoop transformed into a pergola-shaded patio with new garden beds.

Xeriscape entry with pergola
Finished paver walkway with native plantings
See the Full Portfolio — 120+ Photos →

Installations, 3D designs, renderings, master plans, and sketches.

05 — Teaching & Speaking

Sharing the knowledge, not just applying it.

Every year I teach the Boulder Permaculture Design Course — a full certification in ecological design. I'm also available for talks and workshops on regenerative, water-wise landscape design.

boulderpdc.com

Let's talk about your site.

patrick@paddenpermaculture.com
970-999-4306
Fort Collins, Colorado
Padden Permaculture — Ecological Landscape Design & Consultation