This family approached us seeking a low-water alternative to a previous landscape that was heavy with rocks and layered weed fabric. Over time, the site had accumulated more than 20 tons of rocks, mounded and rigid, leaving little room for life or movement. Our goal was to transform the space into a lush, prairie-inspired garden that balances visual impact, low maintenance, and ecological resilience. By carefully amending the soil and introducing sweeping drifts of native and regionally adapted plants, we created a garden that feels soft, vibrant, and alive, yet thrives with minimal water once established. The large, flowing drifts of plantings provide stunning seasonal impact.

Design & Planting Highlights

Prairie-inspired, low-water design — Softly contoured plantings replace the rigid mounds of rock, creating a sense of organic movement throughout the garden. Each drift is carefully scaled to maximize visual impact, while maintaining low-maintenance practicality. This design evokes a lush, flowing landscape with the toughness and resilience of native prairie plants.

Medicinal Herb Garden in the Enclave— A dedicated bed celebrates healing and culinary herbs, thoughtfully spaced to allow seasonal annuals to be tucked in for color and fragrance. Chocolate and Variegated Mint are perfect for fresh teas, while Comfrey and Borage provide traditional medicinal benefits. Lemon Balm and Calendula add subtle fragrance and soothing qualities, creating a functional garden that is both beautiful and purposeful.

Permeable, sculptural hardscape — In place of a conventional concrete driveway, we designed a unique permeable surface using turf stones filled with natural pebbles. This solution retains water on-site, complements the organic aesthetic, and doubles as an artful, sculptural element that enhances the overall design.

Result — A Refined, Resilient Landscape

The transformed site feels alive, dynamic, and artfully composed, with sweeping drifts of color and texture that change throughout the seasons. It combines prairie toughness and low-water sustainability, offering a garden that is both visually striking and ecologically responsible. This project exemplifies the power of collaborative design, where the client’s vision meets our expertise to produce a space that is elegant, functional, and uniquely personal.