Working as a landscape designer for many years has been incredibly rewarding, from seeing the projects come to life and developing client relationships. I am still working with existing clients, but not accepting new clients unless the focus is on sustainability and native plants. I am directing my time and energy to writing and speaking on these topics.

I am happy to accept landscape design consultations to help you with direction in your gardens.

Cottage Entry Garden

A new walk created space for a large garden visitors pass by on the way to the front door. The new porch with a rail provides security when entering and leaving the house. The garden includes a mixture of flowering shrubs and perennials.

Craftsman Style Home

This new construction project required management of surface water runoff from the undeveloped lot up the hill from the Craftsman Style home. My clients wanted a palette of plants to attract diverse insects, butterflies and bees. We used many native plants. The design for a small, private backyard suits the homeowners’ lifestyle well.

Deer Resistant Landscape

This new home in a neighborhood with a high deer population needed a deer resistant landscape. Instead of the usual foundation plantings we used large groups of perennials and grasses as well as shrubs. Many of the plants are native to Iowa.

Shaded Landscape Under Mature Trees

Prairie Landscape

Native Landscape - Front Yard

This mostly native landscape envelops a newly built home. The mixture of shrubs, grasses and perennials along with Black Hills Spruce screen the neighbors and the street.

Native Landscape - Back Yard

Rain Garden

Two rain gardens fill this front yard. They capture water running down the hill and across the driveway and lawn. The design includes almost entirely native plants.