--- title: "Bespoke Gardening — Landscape Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/bespoke-gardening-pfvwus-pf~1387650318 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1387650318.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Bespoke Gardening" category: ["Landscape Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0fa39caf0cdbfd04_1028-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Stamford, Connecticut 06907, United States" phone: "(203) 220-2201" website: http://bespokegardening.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 2 last_updated: 2026-09-17 --- # Bespoke Gardening Original Houzz profile: [Bespoke Gardening](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/bespoke-gardening-pfvwus-pf~1387650318) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Contractors - **Location:** Stamford, CT - **Serves:** Stamford, North Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Riverside, Cos Cob, Old Greenwich, Pemberwick, Glenville, Rowayton - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2021–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 25 Ideabook Saves Customized, responsive and attentive garden and landscape design and care for quality landscapes and people who love their gardens and want them to have the full attention they require. Consultations on intransigent garden conditions and issues. Container design and edible gardens. A unique approach to landscape care. ### Services Provided - Landscape Maintenance - Garden Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Planting - Organic Gardens - Edible Gardens - Holiday Lighting ### Areas Served - Stamford - North Stamford - Norwalk - Greenwich - Darien - New Canaan - Riverside - Cos Cob - Old Greenwich - Pemberwick - Glenville - Rowayton ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Bespoke Gardening | | Address | Stamford, Connecticut 06907, United States | | Phone | (203) 220-2201 | | Website | http://bespokegardening.com | | License Number | Connecticut HIC.0654578 | | Followers on Houzz | 2 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Bespoke Gardening](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/bespoke-gardening-pfvwus-pf~1387650318) - **Website:** http://bespokegardening.com - **Phone:** (203) 220-2201 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2021–2022), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 10 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — shelley\_michelson, July 2023** > Christine came to us for a consultation after we saw her stunning work on her website. We had numerous issues with our yard, including the topography. She arrived early and familiarized herself with all issues we had identified to her. She spent a considerable amount of time with us, identifying the best time for implementing all of our wishes. Her knowledge is extensive and she is easy to work with. We are excited to begin to implement her excellent suggestions, some with her, some on our own. She has earned our highest recommendation. **★★★★★ — Amy Bell, Jan. 2023** > We engaged Chris Reid of Bespoke Gardening to evaluate and enhance the appearance of our formal garden designed by Ellen Biddle Shipman, and a centerpiece of our mansion on the National Register of Historic Places. > > Chris is very knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of garden maintenance. > > She provided a detailed and comprehensive approach, which we were able to prioritize and have her implement in accordance with our budget. We are so pleased with the impact and found her a delight to work with. **★★★★★ — Michelle Passaro, April 2022** > I can't say enough good things about Chris at Bespoke Gardening! She helped transform my tired landscape to us enjoying our new beautiful gardens and outdoor space. Using plants we already had and adding a few new ones - making the right pairings, and moving existing plants to different areas totally transformed our property. This project was done in Fall 2020 - was very exciting to see the results of all the plants growing in 2021 and enjoying seeing all the plantings coming to life this spring 2022! I have a new appreciation of gardening and seeing what a difference putting the right plants and bushes together makes. > > Highly professional, extremely knowledgeable master gardener, very creative with our small space, always on time, and affordable. **Comment from Bespoke Gardening:** > Thanks for your review, Michelle. Your determination and hard work brought this garden together. It was very rewarding to me to consult with you and suggest parameters and ideas, add some guidance and information, and then come back shortly later to see what you had accomplished. You worked quite a bit of magic yourself here - it was fun teaming up with you! **★★★★★ — jhskipper, Nov. 2021** > Christine was such a breath of fresh air in our world dominated ( it seems ) by “mow and blow” landscapers who fancy themselves “gardeners”! As soon as she got out of her car and walked across the driveway, it was clear she understood the nuances of my “landscape”. We walked around for several hours and she was a font of information. Clearly very well read on many landscape issues and offered several solutions for things that have been problem issues in my garden. She had several recommendations for books that have been most useful and she also recommended a “specialist” for one of my problem areas. Christine has a lovely personality and would be a welcome addition to my property but I am “out of range” for her gardening services. Would highly recommend her for consultation. She was extremely generous with her time and she also sent a comprehensive follow up email outlining the various things discussed and she has followed up periodically on issues and also generously answered continuing questions via email. Definitely more than most professionals who have passed through my garden gates and/or who have worked for me. Christine is the real deal for sure. **Comment from Bespoke Gardening:** > Thank you for the generous review, and also for the obvious time and care you took to share your experience. I'm usually not at a loss for words, but... I do find myself speechless. > > Clearly your landscape was thoughtfully created years ago and as a mature statement, it reflects that it has been consistently and well cared for. > > As to follow-up, I only can say that when it comes to "an enigma wrapped in a conundrum", (sigh) I am like a moth to a flame. I'm gratified that you took in information, followed up on leads, and read the books! > > I look forward to crossing garden paths in the future. **★★★★★ — cloveny, Oct. 2021** > Chris has been helping us redesign our landscaping for two years now, with wonderful results. Most recently we wanted to replace a stand of tired and overgrown forsythias that stood on the border between our house and a neighbor's. She could have simply installed another row of something different, in her words "a row of soldiers." Instead she made a subtle change to the shape of the bed, curving it into the lawn, and planted a grouping of several different shrubs for a lovely woodsy effect. The shrubs were thoughtfully selected for color, bloom time, low maintenance, and of course, the light and soil conditions. She even drove an hour and a half to pick up one particular shrub that she couldn't source locally. She also researched and installed a new hydration system to make sure the new plantings survived the summer heat. We feel very fortunate to have found Chris and look forward to working with her on further improvements to our property. **Comment from Bespoke Gardening:** > Thanks so much. It has been a joy to work with you and your garden and a wonder to watch it unfold. I look forward to planting bulbs together to extend the blues into spring! **★★★★★ — Luisa, July 2021** > Christine from Bespoke Gardening came to my home and right away it was obvious that she was a knowledgeable professional in addition to having a friendly demeanor and attitude. We spent 2 hours walking around my yard discussing all the plantings, their characteristics, their needs as to sun vs shade and how and when to trim them. She is a fountain of knowledge and was very helpful to me. She is exactly the person with whom working in the yard would become sheer pleasure. She also gave me excellent advice on tools to help me garden properly. **Comment from Bespoke Gardening:** > Thanks for the positive feedback, Luisa. Your garden is lovely and thriving -- not a surprise with such a thoughtful and concerned owner. I enjoyed working with you. **★★★★★ — Vicki Wray, July 2021** > Christine (Bespoke Gardening) has a great eye, a deft hand when it comes to pruning and may be the most knowledgeable landscaper that has ever set foot on our property. Her pruning totally refreshed the areas she worked in (something I have always struggled with). She knows what she is doing...where to make cuts for the health AND beauty of the plant. Her simple suggestions on changes to the plantings were "ah ha" moments that a person often overlooks after years of looking at the same gardens. Sometimes an outside "eye," like Christine's can make all the difference in the world. **Comment from Bespoke Gardening:** > Thanks for your most kind review, Vicki. It was great fun to work with you in your garden. You are a quick study and I'm confident that your garden will continue to flourish under your care, with the few new tips and understandings sprinkled in for good measure! **★★★★ — HU-962786768, April 2021** > Chris helped us establish our vegetable garden and we had a lot of fun collaborating. She has great knowledge about vegetables and would always recommend new varieties to try. She was extremely responsible in maintaining the garden and would also recommend delicious recipes when we were overrun with tomatoes and squash! For complete neophytes, she was a wonderful teacher. **★★★★★ — cloveny, Sept. 2020** > Over the past several months, Chris (Bespoke Gardening) has completely transformed our yard and the curb appeal of our house. She redesigned an existing perennial garden, carefully selecting new plants with varied blooming cycles to provide multi-season color and texture. She reconfigured several areas of foundation plantings, using shrubs and rocks already on the property, plus well-chosen additions. She created a small "secret garden" in a forgotten area, again recycling plants from other parts of the yard. She solved several drainage issues and even suggested a change in color for our house trim that enhanced the overall impact of the landscaping. Chris is a true professional. Her knowledge of plants is vast and her attention to detail is incredible. She doesn't just put in a few plants and walk away. The garden evolved like a watercolor painting as she tried out various arrangements until she was satisfied. We couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. Highly recommended! **Comment from Bespoke Gardening:** > Thanks for your kind words. It was a true pleasure to work with you both. Your attention to the plants and their care supported our design and planting efforts immeasurably. What an adventure to watch as the changes unfolded! I look forward to staying in touch and watching your garden grow. **★★★★★ — Interior Solutions, May 2019** > Christine is far and away the real deal. I never met someone or worked with someone who knew more about lawn and garden care. I've gotten so many different opionons on how to improve my grass and plantings that has just been useless. Christine took the time to research my property, soil conditions and then made great recommendations. My house and garden have never looked better. **Comment from Bespoke Gardening:** > Thank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure to work with you on your property! ## Selected projects - [Container Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/container-design-pj-vj~5646345) - Location: New Canaan, CT - Photos: 21 - Description: Seasonal bespoke container plantings. Custom designed, many shown are for intimate settings and closer viewing - [Winter and Holiday Wreaths](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/winter-and-holiday-wreaths-pj-vj~5646353) - Location: New Canaan, CT - Photos: 8 - Description: Custom created wreath designs: Mixtures of cut greens, artificial elements, cuttings from the owner's landscape, pine cones and hand tied bows. - [Blue Garden Near the Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blue-garden-near-the-beach-pj-vj~6632469) - Location: Norwalk, CT - Photos: 8 - Description: An unirrigated beach area garden with excellent drainage, designed with glowing and fading blues, purples and soft pink (think northern lights). - [Vignettes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vignettes-pj-vj~6636441) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Paths](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/paths-pj-vj~6352073) - Location: Norwalk, CT - Photos: 5 - [Edible Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/edible-gardens-pj-vj~6135389) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 [See all 6 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/bespoke-gardening-pfvwus-pf~1387650318) ## Community Q&A **Q: Is it worth saving my basil plants?** *(in New to Gardening)* I've waited too long to repot my basil. What is going on here with the leaves? Is this due to them needing to be repotted, and would it be worth repotting them in a large garden bed, or am I better off buying new ones and starting over? Another related question that I have is, what is the best way to get rid of and prevent/control thrips on herbs that you plan to consume? I seem to end up with them every time I start my herb garden, and I think they may be finding their way over from a neighboring garden, although I'm not sure how large of distances thrips can travel. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! A: Glad to hear it! Sounds like you're in the clear! I was cautious on your basil since it has been having a major problem with basil downy mildew in the last few years. One of the symptoms is that they look yellow as if they have not been fertilized! The disease is a real nasty one -- like late blight of tomato, it can travel miles and miles on the wind, and no organic fungicides have been found to treat it. Although in the North it typically doesn't overwinter (so far) and it doesn't like cooler temperatures, lots of us buy our basil plants that are greenhouse-grown, and thus the possibility of its survival in the North and the cycle continuing exists. (Seed can also carry the disease.) I know Rutgers has been partnering to develop resistant varieties that are now for sale at wholesale level, but I'm not sure how far into the retail market they have managed to penetrate. Has anyone seen basil for sale yet that is marketed as disease resistant? **Q: Sweet peppers perform poorly compared to hot peppers. Help?** *(in Vegetable Gardening)* I have grown bell peppers, chilli peppers, and habaneros in the same bed. The chili and habs grow so many and mature really well. The bell peppers barely grow, only have a few peppers on them, and take so long to grow to full size. I am not sure what the issue could be. They all get the same amount of sun. Have swapped their places in the bed in different years. Same story. Could i just be using the wrong variety for my area or do bell peppers grow at slow rates? A: I'm definitely curious about Trinidad Perfume, so will be interested to hear how it goes first time out with it, Ariel! couldn't find it around here so next year I may try from seed. (I don't have a good warm place to put seed trays, so I soak the pepper and tomato seeds and then put in a slightly damp - not wet - coffee filter in a plastic bag and put a towel around them, then pop them on the heating pad for awhile. When they barely start to sprout, I plant them. ) **Q: Petunias for potted hanging plants** *(in Annuals)* I was looking for a heat tolerant annual for my hanging basket. The Petunia seems to fit the bill just wondering if they will casacde over the sides of the pot which I am looking for also. A: @Saturn333, you did say heat tolerant, but did you mean something that will require less watering? If that's the case, the suggested Portulaca will go longer without water. The flowers do close at night at least on some varieties. Million Bells will take both cooler weather and hot weather, but yes, they do require probably daily watering as Paul MI mentions. They won't cascade as far as the petunia I mentioned (nor will Portulaca). Scaevola now comes in a variety of colors -- I just bought some bright pink http://suntoryflowers.com/variety/surdiva-classic-pink/, but it also comes in white, several versions in blue, and even pale yellow. http://c0380802.cdn2.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/6797-Suntastic-Yellow-Scaevola.jpg This plant can be used in full or part sun. **Q: what are the plants featured in this pic?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The foreground planting looks like three grasses: Pennisetum rubrum, Calamagrostios 'Karl Foerster' and Sesleria, possibly S. autumnalis. The flowers are a variety of perennial lavender (for purposes here, interchangeable; 'Phenomenal' is pretty tough) and heather (Calluna vulgaris) **Q: Type of plant** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the flower intermingled and behind the front right blue hydrangea? Also, is the light purple a salvia, russian sage, lavender? A: This is absolutely lovely! So nicely done. What I love about it is the juxtaposition of the Hydrangeas (is that Endless Summer?) with the more meadow-y flowers. The white (H arborescens?) in the background shows up the blues nicely, which otherwise might recede too much. Inspiring -- thanks for sharing with us all. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-17.*