Garden Design
A well-designed garden becomes an extension of the home. I design outdoor spaces where families can relax, gather, and enjoy nature throughout the seasons.
Why Work With A Garden Designer?
Many homeowners love the idea of a beautiful garden but aren’t sure where to begin—or find that plants added over time don’t quite come together the way they hoped.
A garden designer helps you realize your garden dreams by bringing clarity and direction to these possibilities. Rather than guessing which plants might work or where they should go (costing you money and precious time), a garden designer will create for you a customized plan tailored to your space, thrive in your conditions, and offer beauty all year long.
The result is a garden that is a cohesive, welcoming garden that feels personal and natural to your home and grows more beautiful with time.
The Design Process
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Every project begins with a conversation. After you submit an inquiry, we’ll review your information and follow up to learn more about your garden, your goals, and how you hope to use your space.
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We meet with you on-site to walk through the garden and discuss your ideas, preferences, and unique conditions of the landscape.
Garden Consultations are $200 for a 60-90 minute meeting at your home.
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Before designing your garden, we take time to understand the unique conditions of your property. This includes evaluating sunlight, soil, drainage, existing plants, property measurements, and the overall character of the landscape.
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Once there is a clear understanding of your site, we begin developing the overall vision for the garden. This stage explores layout, plant groupings, structures, hardscape, and character, shaping a cohesive design tailored to your space.
This stage includes preliminary layout ideas, planting concepts, inspiration photos and themes, and design direction.
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Once the design concept is finalized, we develop a detailed garden plan tailored to your garden. Plants are selected for their beauty and ability to thrive in your unique conditions. The planting design is also coordinated with garden structures and hardscape elements—such as paths, sheds, patios, or seating areas—so that plants and built features work together in harmony.
We’ll meet together to review the rough draft design. Your feedback greatly helps the refinement of the plan so the final design reflects how you hope to enjoy the garden.
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After the design is refined, we prepare the final garden design along with plant selections and design notes. You’ll receive both physical and digital copies of the design which will serve as a guide for bringing your garden to life.
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After the design is complete and in your hands, the garden can be installed once or gradually over time.
You may choose to install the garden yourself or work with a reputable landscape contractor for the installation.
We are also available to assist with project oversight (working with a contractor on your behalf to monitor the installation). We also offer ongoing fine gardening to help keep your garden growing and thriving.
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After the final design is delivered, minor revisions may be requested to address small adjustments or clarifications. We are happy to make these revisions billed at our hourly rate.
How I Work
My Design Philosophy
I believe the most meaningful gardens are created through collaboration. By working closely with you and understanding how your family lives and connects with your outdoor space, we can create a garden with real heart and soul. My approach blends creativity with sustainable design to shape spaces that feel natural, personal, and full of life.
A Truly Collaborative Process
Every garden begins with listening. I work closely with you to understand how you use your outdoor space, what inspires you, and what you want your garden to feel like. This collaborative approach helps create a garden that feels deeply personal rather than simply designed.
With Family and Friends In Mind
Gardens are not just visual spaces—they are places where families gather, relax, and spend time together. My designs consider how the space will actually be used day to day, creating areas for connection, play, and quiet moments.
A Creative Approach To Each Garden
No two gardens should feel the same. Each project is approached with fresh ideas and creative thinking, resulting in a design that reflects the character of the home, the landscape, and the people who live there.
Designing Gardens With Heart
Gardens should feel alive and meaningful, not just well arranged. By combining thoughtful design with personal stories and natural elements, the goal is to create spaces that feel full of warmth, character, and soul.
Sustainable by Design
Sustainability is considered from the very beginning of the design process. Plant choices, materials, and layout are all selected to support healthy ecosystems, reduce maintenance, and help the garden thrive naturally over time.
Who I Work With?
My garden design services are best suited to homeowners looking for a thoughtful, long-term garden plan rather than a quick fix.
I typically work with clients who:
Want a comprehensive garden design rather than just some plant suggestions
Are looking to transform their space for long term beauty and enjoyment
Understand that gardens are living, growing, changing environments rather than something that stays static and unchanging throughout the seasons and years
Value good design and are open to new, creative ideas
Will work collaboratively with me on their design so that we can create a garden that feels personal and unique to their aesthetic and lifestyle
We May Not Work With Everyone Who Inquires…
Because every design project receives careful attention, we take time to ensure each collaboration is the right fit. In some cases, if we feel another approach or service would better suit your needs, we may recommend an alternative so you can achieve the best result for your project.
Kind Words From Clients
Garden Design FAQs-Cost, Process, & What to Expect
How much does a garden design cost?
The design fee is highly variable depending on the scope of the project. To give you somewhat of an idea of cost, typical design projects tend to run between $1,500 and $4,000.
Do you design low maintenance gardens?
Unless you tell me otherwise, my default design setting is creating low maintenance gardens. No garden is truly no maintenance, so we’ll determine during the design process how much maintenance you’re willing to either do yourself or hire out and create the design plan accordingly .
Do you design small gardens?
Absolutely! In fact, small gardens greatly benefit from a garden design to maximize useable space while creating a beautiful garden.
What is your service area for garden design?
I create garden designs for homes in Snohomish County and northern King County (north of I-90). However, if you live outside of this area, please don’t hesitate to inquire. I would be willing to consider other areas for the right project or refer you to a design colleague nearer to you.
How long does this process take?
A typical garden design can take 10-12 weeks to complete from the site analysis to the final design presentation. Smaller projects may take less time while bigger projects may require more time.
Will you install the new garden?
Installations are a combined effort between me and other specialty contractors. My expertise lies in acquiring and installing plants. For site prep, hardscape installation, and building structures, I work with highly talented landscape contractors. I can provide project oversight to act as your representative working with the contractor to ensure your garden is installed according to the design plan.
Can you work with my existing plants or features?
Yes. If you already have mature plants, trees, or structures you want to keep, we can incorporate them into the new design.
Do I need to have a minimum project budget to work with you?
I do not have a minimum budget I work with. That said, I will assess if the budget you have for your project is realistic for your garden goals. If not, we can work together to align your budget with your ideas.