Gardens by Design is a landscape design and consultation business located in Olympia, Washington. I emphasize right plant right place in order to work with the environment and create healthy landscapes that thrive. I integrate my knowledge of plants, soils, and microclimates to create landscape that fits the individual character of your home and property. With my 25 years of experience, I create unique one of a kind designs for each client.
A lot more goes into a superior landscape plan than just simply plants. Hardscape elements such as flagstone, walls, fountains, and structures, and a functional use of space are all important. But let's face it, without extensive of plant species and environmental regions, you could end up with the wrong choices for your landscaping needs. Gardens by Design knows plants, including trees, shrubs, ground covers, ornamental grasses and perennials. I will specify the proper combination plants for your specific needs and environmental requirements. Whether you want a lush explosive garden, or a low-maintenance, drought-resistant species, Gardens by Design can create the right plan and specify the right plant varieties for your home and property.
Gardens by Design - Community Projects
Living Green Expo
In 2005 Gardens by Design was selected by the City of Olympia as the designer and consultant for the Living Green Expo. The Living Green Expo was intended to demonstrate construction and building choices to conserve and protect natural resources. While urban-scale development is destructive to natural systems, homeowners have options to minimize impacts on surface and ground water.
The challenge was to create unique one of a kind landscape design for each of the three demonstration homes that have identical lot size and dimensions. Each of three landscape designs possessed individual character. I accomplished this in several ways: first, each landscape had a unique plant list; second, each landscape had an inviting conceptual layout; third, use of different hardscape (flagstone or pavers) materials.
Water Conservation
Contracted by the City of Lacey's Water Resources as a consultant to write and review text for brochure on the principles of a low-water-use landscape design that included a plant list. In addition, I developed a Water Conservation in the Landscape Workshop using Power Point. In July of 2005, more than 50 residents attended the workshop.
Garfield Trail Overlook
In Olympia's westside neighborhood a woodland trail travels through the ravine between Rogers Street and West Bay Road. As a past resident in the neighborhood, I enjoyed many trips down the neighborhood nature trail. When the Northwest Neighborhood Association asked for my help with the Garfield Trail Overlook project, I was excited about participating. I donated more than half of the time for the project. The project included the use of native plants that integrated with the adjacent native plant community. The landscape plan also addressed the concerns of the immediate neighbors and the requirements of City of Olympia Parks Department.