The northeast is primarily a temperate deciduous forest biome. Prairie plants often become the poster child for native plants because of their abundant and long-lasting full-sun blooms. In the northeast, however, our ecological heritage comes from the forest and all the persevering woodland plants that carve out their niche within the canopy. To celebrate this legacy, we’re rounding up our …

Constraints become a catalyst for creativity in this Hastings-on-Hudson property. The small, angular backyard is dominated by the existing slope, a mature tree canopy, and the surrounding fence. One can view these traits negatively — steepness, shade, and things to screen – or as opportunities. We chose the latter. Steepness was tempered with terraces; shade was lightened through strategic tree …

Ecological Landscape Design is a design perspective that views all landscapes as part of a greater, interconnected ecosystem. No matter the size of the garden or property, what we design, plant, and maintain has a ripple effect on the surrounding environment and broader ecosystem health. In the below video, Jay Archer explains our objectives as ecological landscape designers to use …

Native plants have experienced a PR glow up in the last few years, graduating from their “weedy” classification to pillars of the ecological landscaping movement. Grassroots organizations have been pivotal in changing the narrative around plant selection. Thanks to groups like National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Fund, Pollinator Pathways, and Doug Tallamy’s Homegrown National Park, there is greater public …

First year garden terraces in September. Native perennials for pollinators bloom for weeks. Newly planted garden terraces with a mixture of native perennials and annual vegetables. Buying a home comes with the remnants of the previous owners’ personality – the good, the bad, and the different. In this case, an above ground pool was put in by the previous owner …