--- title: "Smalls Landscaping — Landscape Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/smalls-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~1761645823 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1761645823.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Smalls Landscaping" category: ["Landscape Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5b73adc30fdcecce_8742-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "310 North 325 East, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383, United States" latitude: 41.4547 longitude: -87.0656 phone: "(219) 476-7400" website: http://Smallslandscaping.com rating: 5 review_count: 24 best_of_houzz_awards: 15 followers: 359 last_updated: 2026-09-06 --- # Smalls Landscaping Original Houzz profile: [Smalls Landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/smalls-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~1761645823) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Contractors - **Location:** Valparaiso, IN - **Serves:** Portage, Valparaiso, Crown Point, Hobart, Schererville, LaPorte, Dyer, Lake Station, Lakes of the Four Seasons, Westville, South Haven, Hebron, Shorewood Forest, Kouts, Aberdeen, Ogden Dunes, Wanatah, Beverly Shores, Michiana Shores, Wheeler, Boone Grove, Grand Beach, New Buffalo, Union Pier - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (24 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 15 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves We have been the Best of Houzz for Design & Service for many years. We have over 100K likes and a Houzz influencer. Small's Landscaping is a Multi-Award winning design/build custom landscape company. Women owned by Nancy Marshall and sister, Becky Whitacre. We specialize in unusual and unique plants and materials. Projects Completed nationwide. ### Services Provided - Landscape Construction - Hardscaping - Landscape Maintenance - Patio Construction - Garden Design - Paver Installation - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Outdoor Fireplace Construction - Planting - Tree Planting - Pond Construction ### Areas Served - Portage - Valparaiso - Crown Point - Hobart - Schererville - LaPorte - Dyer - Lake Station - Lakes of the Four Seasons - Westville - South Haven - Hebron - Shorewood Forest - Kouts - Aberdeen - Ogden Dunes - Wanatah - Beverly Shores - Michiana Shores - Wheeler - Boone Grove - Grand Beach - New Buffalo - Union Pier ### Typical Job Cost $3,000 - 500,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Smalls Landscaping | | Address | 310 North 325 East, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383, United States | | Phone | (219) 476-7400 | | Website | http://Smallslandscaping.com | | Followers on Houzz | 359 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/smallslandscaping - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/nancy-marshall/20/721/9b2 ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Smalls Landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/smalls-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~1761645823) - **Website:** http://Smallslandscaping.com - **Phone:** (219) 476-7400 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2017 INLA Hardscape Installation - 2014 INLA Residential Landscape - 2013 Landscaper of the Year/Total Landscape Care - 2012 INLA Hardscape Installation - 2012 INLA Residential Landscape Design/Build - 2012 INLA Hardscape Design/Build - 2011 PLANET Merit Award - 2009-2007 INLA Wins - **Best of Houzz:** 15 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 24 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Chris Jones, Jan. 2022** > Have been working with Smalls Landscaping (Becky and her team) for 6 years or so now on my personal property. Always a positive experience, and some of the most creative and unique designs. Glad to have Smalls as a part of my landscape! **★★★★★ — Cynthia Pierce, July 2017** > The Smalls Landscaping team is outstanding - the office personnel are proficient and attentive, and the landscaping crew did an excellent job. Everything I asked for was done exactly as I requested, and they were very skillful. Highly recommend Smalls!~ **★★★★★ — Craig Juel, Sept. 2016** > After a recommendation from friends, we got a quote from Smalls to redo all the landscaping around our home. The quote was a little more than we hoped, but we went ahead with the work. > > The suggestions they made during the initial walk around, have turned out to be much better than anything I could have come up with myself. As expected, all the work in the agreed on scope was completed exactly as described. However, they also took care of every little detail to make the landscaping look great, many tasks that weren't listed in the scope. Just ONE example - unlike any other landscaper we've used over the years, they took the time to fluff up our lawn with rakes and blowers before they left both days so the yard wasn't left matted down in the process. All the plants they put in are off to a good start, and our landscaping has never looked better in the 24 years we've owned our home. > > So we'll be recommending Smalls to anyone who asks now too. We got more than we expected! **★★★★ — Christina Ketcham, March 2016** > Becky provided a beautiful landscape design for us. Her team arrived on time and worked like a well-oiled machine. They are not the least expensive option. But the know what they are doing! **★★★★★ — Bucher Construction, Jan. 2016** > Some of the most creative designers and unique plants can be found at Smalls. > > They have a focused approach that respects design integrity, site uniqueness, and client's budget. > > If you're looking for a high end landscaping designer and installer, look no further. **★★★★★ — mtotts, Sept. 2015** > Smalls did a fantastic job coordinating our backyard pool/patio, front porch/walkway and side walkway project. Becky designed the project and recommended the pool contractor, carpenters and lighting professionals. Her crew expertly installed all the hardscape and landscaping and coordinated the work with the other contractors. They were very professional, respectful and helpful and went above and beyond to meet our requests. The project turned out better than we hoped for and we look forward to enjoying the results with family and friends for years to come **★★★★★ — betsy0490, Nov. 2014** > Full landscape design for the front > section of our newly constructed home. > Including trees, shrubs, complete topsoil, > sod and an irrigation system **★★★★★ — mrupcich, Sept. 2014** > The front yard landscaping on our 30 yr. old home was a hot mess. Rather than tearing out the old existing yews and burning bushes that had been planted in a straight line directly next to the foundation, I gave a feeble attempt at "updating" the old look myself. To say that I completely shot any hope of curb appeal would be putting it mildly. The house was being devoured by lackluster, overgrown, tired and drab "green things". I needed an intervention. > > One of Nancy's particularly brilliant talents is her ability to interpret personal taste into her design. She doesn't force a plan upon you, but rather carefully observes your style as it is revealed in her initial meeting with a client. The crew at Small's works quickly, respectfully and accomplishes wondrous things with their expertise leaving the site neat, tidy and beautiful. > > We are so happy with the end result, that we're already looking at other areas of the yard being held hostage by overgrown greenery begging to be set free! **★★★★★ — remaley, Sept. 2014** > Becky and Nancy consulted with my husband and me to determine our preferences and created a design for our various planting areas.The hardscape team headed by Gus and the landscape team lead by Rhonda implemented their vision. Everyone from Smalls is like a close knit family that works together with respect and a high degree of professionalism. The worksites were always left clean at the end of each workday and the projects were completed in a timely manner. We now have a home with very unique plantings with flagstone and boulders incorporated into them. Our project site on the lake was very steeply sloped and created a very challenging work site, but not one person complained and all had a very positive attitude regarding completing the projects to our satisfaction. Our home on the lake has received all thumbs up by the many people passing by in their boats. We very highly recommend the Small's team for any landscaping projects. **★★★★★ — klroeda, Sept. 2014** > After building our home in St. John, Indiana, I felt the landscape design fell short. I asked two neighbors, who's houses are beautifully done, about their landscaping. Both had used Smalls Landscaping. I called Nancy from Smalls, and she re-designed my landscape, using some of what was there and adding to it, to really enhance the house. Planting areas were raised to meet the challenges of the elevations here, and large specimens were brought in. I am a Graphic Designer, but I could not envision the design of this landscape. I needed an expert, and I'm so glad I called. **★★★★★ — babawoods22, Aug. 2014** > Our project was focused strictly on the front yard of our ranch. We had added a front porch, so we had a blank canvas to work with. We decided to see what Small's could come up with, as they captured our attention with the uniqueness of their work on the website. Because we didn't have any clear plans as to what we wanted for plants, we decided to let owner Becky use her best judgement and come up with a complete design...boy were we in for a treat! It took a crew of 4 two days to complete the masterpiece including 3 different Japanese maples, boulders with moss on them, and over 70 plants including hydrangeas, heuchera, grasses, hibiscus, boxwood, false cypress, allium, rhododendron, and the list goes on. The crew was so polite, answered any questions, and cleaned up well afterwards. Our garden is so beautiful, people have stopped on the street just to tell us so. What we wanted was something different that you don't see everyday....that is EXACTLY what we have....a lush, layered garden with color and texture that is truly eye-popping! We highly recommend Small's Landscaping to anyone who wants out of the ordinary. **★★★★★ — loomism, Oct. 2013** > This company did a great job. They redesigned an area in between 2 houses that was originally nothing but grass. It was a tight squeeze. The workers were hard working, respectful, and cleaned up their messes each night when the day was done. They repaired my neighbors yard and replanted vegetation once it was determined they needed to go through my neighbors yard to get to mine. They power washed the sides of my house once finished with flat stone. They repainted my fence which was not originally in the contract. ## Selected projects - [Hardscaping in Valparaiso](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hardscaping-in-valparaiso-pj-vj~2626606) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [Winter Containers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/winter-containers-pj-vj~334962) - Location: Valparaiso, IN - Photos: 67 - Description: Containers are an important part of landscaping. You can add seasonal decor to keep colors bright when all your perennials are in hibernation. In the summer you can place the container at your front door to add color to your porch or entry way. Enjoy all these ideas that we have done to make your container unique and colorful. - [Fall Containers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fall-containers-pj-vj~334958) - Location: Northwest, IN - Photos: 43 - Description: Fall containers keep that color throughout your landscaping as things start to hibernate for the Winter. Each year your entryway, deck, or front walk, will look different and refreshed as your family and friends await to see what your going to do next. - [Lakeside slopes in Valparaiso, Indiana](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-slopes-in-valparaiso-indiana-pj-vj~739605) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Hardscaping Back Yard Patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hardscaping-back-yard-patio-pj-vj~91364) - Location: Chesterton, IN - Photos: 11 - Description: This wonderful landscaping installation replaced a worn out deck. The patio and steps from the house are travertine. The steps have a bullnose feature for a finished look. The step to the lawn, the seat wall, fire pit, and veneer for the grill surround are a natural stone harvested from a single quarry in Missouri. The fire pit features fire glass for no maintenence. The containers are watered by drip irrigation. A flagstone path joins the patio to a golf cart path. - [Hydrangea Wonderland!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hydrangea-wonderland-pj-vj~189496) - Location: New Buffalo, MI - Photos: 10 - Description: Long time clients of ours wanted to redo their back yard to make a peaceful place where they can host gatherings in a comfortable, welcoming setting. - [Modern home with beautful landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-home-with-beautful-landscaping-pj-vj~7042677) - Location: Chesterton, IN - Photos: 26 - [Cozy & quaint outdoor living space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cozy-and-quaint-outdoor-living-space-pj-vj~7504543) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - [Ranch Life!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ranch-life-pj-vj~5961158) - Location: Valparaiso, IN - Photos: 8 - [Pond Marvel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pond-marvel-pj-vj~2116784) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Holiday Marvels](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/holiday-marvels-pj-vj~128710) - Location: Northwest Indiana, IN - Photos: 21 - Description: Small's Landscaping takes pride in their holiday designs! We enjoy the winter season as much as summer! We can take a drab yard with no color and make it a winter wonderland! - [Chicago Luxury Outdoor Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-luxury-outdoor-kitchens-pj-vj~217847) - Location: Valparaiso, IN - Photos: 13 - Description: The outdoor lifestyle is yours for the taking. Nothing lets you unwind like dinner and drinks by the pool. Whether you're a gourmet chef or struggle to boil water, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen will take the drudgery out of being cramped indoors while entertaining guest. - [Northwest Indiana Marshall Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northwest-indiana-marshall-residence-pj-vj~90789) - Location: Valparaiso, IN - Photos: 23 - Description: This is the home of a multi-award winning landscape designer and her husband who is equally passionate about plants. - [Valparaiso Landscaping & Hardscaping Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/valparaiso-landscaping-and-hardscaping-transformation-pj-vj~90709) - Location: Valparaiso, IN - Photos: 10 - Description: This lovely patio and outdoor living space started life as a worn out, ugly deck and a huge expanse of lawn. There is still plenty of lawn remaining, but the view has improved dramatically. - [Valparaiso Hardscaping Marvel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/valparaiso-hardscaping-marvel-pj-vj~1296408) - Location: Valparaiso, IN - Photos: 14 - [A Relaxing Country Estate in Michigan City, Indiana](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-relaxing-country-estate-in-michigan-city-indiana-pj-vj~332986) - Location: Michigan City, IN - Photos: 11 - Description: The homeowners wanted the complete package including a hot tub, water feature, fire pit and a new deck. There were many challenges on this job. Grading, mature trees, abundant shade limiting the number of plants, narrow pathways to the site, and an undersized deck that needed to be redesigned. After many weeks working in an empty field it slowly converted into scerene backyard oasis. - [Creating enclosure and shade with Landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/creating-enclosure-and-shade-with-landscaping-pj-vj~90345) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: The challenges of this project were grading from front to back without any steps and a need for shade and enclosure. - [Lake County, Indiana Back Yard Wonderland](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-county-indiana-back-yard-wonderland-pj-vj~90272) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: The owners wanted to create a backyard entertainment area for family and friends. Privacy, pool, outdoor kitchen, water features, fire pit, fishing, multiple seating areas and lush, colorful landscape areas were all very important. Crafting this design combined the needs and personal style of the client along with functionality in an atheistically pleasing space. - [Cozy outdoor living space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cozy-outdoor-living-space-pj-vj~90303) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: The owner’s desire was to create a cozy outdoor living space with a water feature, fire pit, herb and vegetable garden, and grilling area. The challenges were many; water drainage, access to the desired project area, and weather. - [SImple, Contemporary, and Low Maintenance is sometimes enough](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/simple-contemporary-and-low-maintenance-is-sometimes-enough-pj-vj~785033) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 [See all 37 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/smalls-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~1761645823) ## Ideabooks - [Outdoor decor](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89328554/list/outdoor-decor) — 6 ideas - [boxwood](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3145709/list/boxwood) — 9 ideas - [outdoor shower](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31116165/list/outdoor-shower) — 1 idea - [pergola](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3145627/list/pergola) — 41 ideas - [pergola with roof](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3145612/list/pergola-with-roof) — 36 ideas - [kitchen outdoor](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3145658/list/kitchen-outdoor) — 30 ideas - [hobbit house](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31084855/list/hobbit-house) — 2 ideas - [steps](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8590756/list/steps) — 6 ideas - [swimming pools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3918966/list/swimming-pools) — 49 ideas - [fence or railing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3145728/list/fence-or-railing) — 19 ideas - [deck](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21406014/list/deck) — 2 ideas - [patio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3145787/list/patio) — 33 ideas - [arbor](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3918839/list/arbor) — 12 ideas - [fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3145573/list/fireplace) — 26 ideas - [hydrangae](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3918912/list/hydrangae) — 8 ideas - [benches](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/14737235/list/benches) — 3 ideas - [porch](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24032143/list/porch) — 4 ideas - [beams](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6421088/list/beams) — 14 ideas - [landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8735950/list/landscaping) — 15 ideas - [Gabions](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23828761/list/gabions) — 3 ideas [See all 74 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/smallslandscaping) ## Community Q&A **Q: What stone was used for the walkway and what colour?** *(in Photo Questions)* Thanks! A: Unfortunately, we did not install their walkway, only the landscaping. Good luck! **Q: How to plant beneath the trees** *(in Photo Questions)* How to plant beneath the mature trees with all the root systems, do you fertilize and how do you keep the weeds away? I have a similar area and would like to plant under it. Thank you. A: Be sure to plant shade tolerant plants, like Rhododendrons, Azalea, various Hosta's, and Japanese Maples. Yes, you do need to fertilize. Also in order to plant, we brought in more soil. If you would would like to talk to Becky you can email her directly at becky@smallslandscaping.com If you find it easier to call her she can give you her cell number then. Good luck. **Q: WHAT KIND OF PLANT IS THE YELLOW ONE** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It is a green potato vine (annual). **Q: design plan for this area?** *(in Photo Questions)* I want to plant Hostas like this in my front yard. Is there a design plan to achieve this look? A: Never put weed barrier/fabric under mulch. Turns out to be a mess in the long run. **Q: Where is this small lake in valparaiso?** *(in Photo Questions)* Looks too small to be Shorewood. Very beautiful! A: Shorewood **Q: Was this project in Porter County, IN?** *(in Photo Questions)* Was this project in Porter County, IN? Do most of your projects take place in that area? A: Yes it is in Porter County. Most of our work is done in Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan along the IN border. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-06.*