Projects
“Galen was wonderful to work with! He provided prompt and regular communication, and he designed the perfect layouts for our front and backyard spaces. His expertise and guidance were essential in re-designing our spaces. I would recommend him to anyone looking for some landscaping help, whether your project is big or small.”
Below is a small sample of past projects that I have brought to life, but my expertise extends beyond the projects you see here. If you have a project in mind that doesn't fit the mold, don't hesitate to reach out! Email me, and I will be happy to answer any questions.
Newly-Built Home
This landscape design for a newly-built house prioritizes sustainability, drought resistance, low maintenance, and integration with the native ecosystem. It avoids conventional lawns owing to their high water requirements and lack of ecological benefit. Locally sourced boulders help navigate the slope to the backyard. Evergreen privacy trees for the back provide screening and a companion Yellowwood tree joins the front garden for shade and visual balance. A 'scent garden' provides a sensory experience during the growing season.
Woodland Erosion Control
This plan for an expansive, sloping backyard prioritizes sustainability, erosion control, and integration with the native ecosystem. It avoids hard structures like retaining walls and embraces the natural slope, using creative solutions like a dry creek bed and native plants to manage rainwater and stabilize the terrain. Native, shade-loving plants help hold the soil in place while new evergreen trees provide privacy and year-round visual interest.
Modern Backyard Escape
This landscape plan transforms a long, narrow backyard into a sleek, low-maintenance oasis, embracing the modern aesthetic while harmonizing with the local environment. Sun-loving native plants were chosen with a restricted palette of greens and whites, creating a sophisticated look. On the new patio, integrated gabion benches, filled with river stones, provide seating and add a rustic, industrial touch. A strategically placed border of tall ornamental grasses creates a natural screen from the driveway.
Backyard Patio Refresh
This design revitalized a small urban backyard plagued by a broken patio and a neglected garden bed. Plans included installing a new herringbone pattern brick patio and cleaning and re-using the old pavers in the storage area, which saved money. Native vines were planted on trellises in the revitalized perennial garden to add height and color and contrast to the newly-painted yellow garage.
Backyard Privacy & Front yard Rejuvenation
Design plans for this DC space revitalized a spacious backyard characterized by extensive lawn, underutilized areas, and fragmented plantings. It included re-grading the yard edges, refreshing the front yard planting, introducing a walkway through a rejuvenated garden of native plants, and a shade garden area.