Bright flowers bloom in a beautiful garden.

🌿 Garden Design & Planning

Thoughtful garden design for small spaces.

A beautiful garden begins with intention.

At Gardens by Steph, garden design is about more than choosing plants — it’s about understanding how a space feels, how it functions, and how it will grow over time. My design services are rooted in horticultural knowledge and guided by care and intuition, creating gardens that feel natural, balanced, and easy to live with.


I specialize in small residential gardens and select boutique business spaces, where thoughtful design makes the biggest impact.


Why Design Comes First

A well-designed garden:

•Is easier to care for

•Supports healthier plants

•Evolves gracefully through the seasons

•Feels cohesive rather than cluttered

Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing space, design provides clarity and confidence — so your garden works with you, not against you.


My Design Philosophy


Every design is guided by a few core principles:

•Nature-first

Plants are chosen based on your light, soil, and climate — not trends.

•Seasonal interest

Gardens should feel alive and beautiful from spring through fall.

•Pollinator-friendly

Supporting bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects whenever possible.

•Layered and organic

Thoughtful combinations of texture, color, and movement.

•Low-maintenance elegance

Beauty should feel nourishing, not overwhelming.


Design Services


🌱 Garden Clarity Session

A personalized, on-site design consultation focused on understanding your space and envisioning what’s possible.

During this session, we may explore:

• Layout and flow of your garden

• Plant palette and placement ideas

• Seasonal priorities and timing

• Pruning and care considerations

• Long-term vision for your space

Investment: $125–$225

👉 Ideal for new clients, seasonal planning, or before booking garden care or container services.



🌿 Rooted Vision Plan (Design Add-On)


For clients who want a clearer plan before moving forward with installation or ongoing care.

This add-on includes:

• Simple bed layouts or sketches

• Refined plant selections

• Phased implementation guidance


Investment: $75–$150 (add-on to Garden Clarity Session)

👉 Perfect if you want a thoughtful roadmap without committing to a full design build.


Spaces I Design


I work best with:

•Small residential gardens

•Entry beds and focal areas

•Cottage-style and naturalistic plantings

•Pollinator and native-leaning gardens

•Courtyards, patios, and side yards

•Front porches and entryway plantings


If you’re unsure whether your space is a fit, I’m always happy to talk it through.


What Happens After Design?


Design services often flow naturally into:

• Small-space garden maintenance

• Seasonal garden refreshes

• Container design and styling

• Garden coaching

You’re never obligated to move forward — but many clients appreciate having ongoing support to bring their vision to life.


Is Garden Design Right for You?


This service is ideal if you:

•Feel unsure where to start

•Want a garden that feels cohesive, not chaotic

•Value thoughtful plant choices over quick fixes

•Prefer calm, intentional outdoor spaces

It may not be the right fit if you’re looking for:

•Large-scale landscaping or hardscaping

•Fast, trend-driven installs

•Lawn-focused services


👉 How It Works

Ready to Begin?

đź“© Reach out to schedule a Garden Clarity Session or ask questions about your space.

Design availability is limited to ensure each project receives thoughtful attention.