--- title: "Spring Lake Garden Design — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/spring-lake-garden-design-pfvwus-pf~2014149903 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2014149903.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Spring Lake Garden Design" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9863fd7102f3c0a8_1840-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "47 Church Street, Sherman, Connecticut 06784, United States" latitude: 41.5714 longitude: -73.4947 phone: "(860) 354-6390" website: http://www.springlakedesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 156 last_updated: 2026-09-21 --- # Spring Lake Garden Design > Litchfield/Dutchess County Premier Landscape Designer & Horticulturist Original Houzz profile: [Spring Lake Garden Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/spring-lake-garden-design-pfvwus-pf~2014149903) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Sherman, CT - **Serves:** New Milford, Brookfield, New Fairfield, Clinton, Litchfield, Salisbury, Washington, Kent, Sharon, Morris, Roxbury, Canaan, New Preston, Gaylordsville, Bantam, Bridgewater, Cornwall, Sherman, Amenia, Carmel, Copake, Holmes, Lake Carmel, Middlebrook, Millbrook, North Canaan, Patterson, Pawling, Pleasant Valley, Pleasantville, Poughquag, Putnam Lake, South Kent, Washington Depot, Wingdale - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2017–2024), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - Published locally - Verified Hires - Hired on Houzz ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - Published locally - 1 Verified Hire - 1 Hire on Houzz Gardens designed and planted by principal owners Ian Gribble and Catharine Cooke have transformed many properties in the Connecticut/New York areas into landscapes of quiet charm and beauty. Their own home and garden, as well as several of their client's, have been featured on multiple garden tours and the repeat requests for tours from various organizations is ongoing. Their approach of letting the land reveal its own beauty allows the pair's natural creativity to evolve into beautiful landscape designs. Ian, the horticulturist, pays attention to existing soil and light conditions and is committed to the concept of the "right plant in the right place." Catharine is looking at shapes, the play of light and shadow, color, and the relationship of objects -- always striving to stay true to the "genius of a place" -- its history, its architecture, and its inhabitants. To see some of our featured work, please visit: http://www.aspiremetro.com/a-lakeside-oasis-of-green-on-greene/ ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - Gazebo Design & Construction - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Drafting - Shed Design & Construction - Barn Design & Construction - Construction Drawings - Deck Building - Fence Installation - Masonry - Trellis & Pergola Construction - Trellis Construction ### Areas Served - New Milford - Brookfield - New Fairfield - Clinton - Litchfield - Salisbury - Washington - Kent - Sharon - Morris - Roxbury - Canaan - New Preston - Gaylordsville - Bantam - Bridgewater - Cornwall - Sherman - Amenia - Carmel - Copake - Holmes - Lake Carmel - Middlebrook - Millbrook - North Canaan - Patterson - Pawling - Pleasant Valley - Pleasantville - Poughquag - Putnam Lake - South Kent - Washington Depot - Wingdale ### Typical Job Cost $5,000 - 100,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Spring Lake Garden Design | | Address | 47 Church Street, Sherman, Connecticut 06784, United States | | Phone | (860) 354-6390 | | Website | http://www.springlakedesign.com | | License Number | HIC.0581453 | | Followers on Houzz | 156 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/springlakegardendesign - Blog — https://www.instagram.com/springlakedesign ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Spring Lake Garden Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/spring-lake-garden-design-pfvwus-pf~2014149903) - **Website:** http://www.springlakedesign.com - **Phone:** (860) 354-6390 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz 2017; Best Front Garden Transformation, Hartford, CT 2012; Certificate in Landscape Design from NY Botanical Gardens; Diploma in Horticulture from NY Botanical Gardens - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2017–2024), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The New York Botanical Garden](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-new-york-botanical-garden-pfvwus-pf~813697435) - [Association of Professional Landscape Designers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/association-of-professional-landscape-designers-pfvwus-pf~92795973) - [Parsons The New School for Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/parsons-the-new-school-for-design-pfvwus-pf~2081402793) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 11 reviews** ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — David Duffy, Nov. 2016** > We brought in SLGD to assist us with the redesign of our garden which was over- planted, poorly laid out and expensive to maintain. Prior to bring SLGD we had dealt with several other landscaping firms that had failed to address our request for a redesign of our property. They seemed more interested in maintaining the existing layout. > > Our relationship and experience with Catharine & Ian at SLGD was immediately different from our prior experiences with landscape design firms. Catharine and Ian took the time to understand our needs and the challenges of the land that they would be working with. They delivered and executed a thoughtful redesign of our property that met our needs and surpassed our imagination in terms of how good our property could look. Their design: > \- Brought out natural beauty in our property that was previously hidden (at least to us) > \- Improved the flow of our garden and created new sight lines for us to enjoy from the house > \- Created multiple spaces within the garden for recreation and family gatherings > \- Replanted areas around the house to balance privacy and sight- lines > \- Significantly reduced the time and expense associated with maintaining our garden > > Catharine and Ian were professional and thoughtful throughout the design and execution of the project. They are extremely pleasant to work with and they ensured that everything was done to the highest standard whether it was their own team's work, or the work of one of the network of highly professional contractors that they collaborate with. Catharine and Ian always took personal responsibility to ensure that all aspects of the project were well managed and coordinated to minimize any inconvenience to us. > > We are delighted with the work that SLGD performed for us and we have recommended SLGD to friends and family without reservation. ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — Paul Meissner, Dec. 2016** > Working with Catharine and Ian is the way it should be on every project. They give you a schedule and they stick to it. If there are going to be delays as there are with most projects, they don't make excuses, they work to get it resolved as soon as possible. > From the design stage right through to the installation this is a first class company. **★★★★★ — Stephanie Warren, Nov. 2016** > Spring Lake Garden Design created a beautiful entry for my home--before they began, there wasn't even a walkway to the front door. The new plantings are easy to tend, and I love that they created a sculpture garden in the pea gravel from the old farm tools we found around the property. It is gracious and relaxed, but formal. The heated walkways required careful design work that was beautifully done, and now I have no snow shoveling in winter, too! It is a pleasure to work with Spring Lake. Outstanding professionals--great design and implementation, and supportive staff and follow-up. **★★★★★ — ronitschlein, Nov. 2015** > I had the great pleasure of working with Catharine and Ian from Spring Lake Garden Design for over a year before I left the client company. The site is on a historic farm and we were developing a farm-to-table restaurant with outdoor dining, picnic areas and several public areas for people to enjoy the beautiful property. The project is slated to become a sizable tourism destination in the Hudson Valley expecting thousands of visitors each year. The construction on the property developed and transformed throughout the year and Catharine and Ian were always very responsive, patient, and helpful in making the necessary adjustments in landscaping plans. They were flexible, thoughtful, and extremely knowledgeable taking in all aesthetic and practical considerations with each suggestion to ensure cohesive design and function. Catharine and Ian are great listeners and they immediately understood the general look and feel we hoped to accomplish and the requirements and parameters that needed to be met for each section. They were also forward-thinking in imagining how the site might further develop and how to lay groundwork that would be more conducive to this growth later on, saving us both time and money. I would highly recommend Spring Lake Design for all types of landscaping projects. It is clear they have the experience, technical expertise, vision and creative eye to handle any area no matter how big or small. They were also lovely people to work with! **Comment from Spring Lake Garden Design:** > Thank you Ronit, for this very kind review. This was and is a great and fun project; working with you made it all the better. You are sea of calm & reason amidst all the construction bedlam and they were lucky to have you at the helm. Here's to forward and thoughtful motion! **★★★★★ — johnmcgurk, March 2015** > Spring Lake designed and installed the entire landscape plan when we essentially rebuilt our house. This included all earthmoving, plant selection, irrigation, major stone work including stone patios, walls and pathways. They also were responsible for designing and subcontracting the water feature in front. They have also maintained the plantings and gardens since installation. This was a major undertaking with great complexity due to grade changes. Spring Lake coordinated all subcontractors and all work was very high quality. They have replaced underperforming/dead plantings with no quarrels. They have been very responsive to suggestions and their selection of plantings that rotate color and texture all year around was excellent. **Comment from Spring Lake Garden Design:** > Thank you! We love your property and you both are such pleasures to work with! It was a complex project but through it all you were receptive, logical and really responsible about being a lake steward by having us create a buffer garden too. Roll on spring! **★★★★★ — hmgrob, Feb. 2015** > Comprehensive landscape design consultation for the past 12 years: design; installation; ongoing maintenance on our property, including trees, shrubs, flower beds, rock garden, veggie garden. > > Various construction projects, including design & construction plans, for back deck, front porch, horse/car barn, circular driveway, gravel pathways, stone wall as well as loft and mudroom. > > Very creative & hard-working husband/wife team. **Comment from Spring Lake Garden Design:** > Hildi, Thanks so much for your kind review. It's been a great 12 years! C **★★★★★ — ratwind, Jan. 2015** > We built a house in CT and hired Spring Lake Garden Design to create our garden. We were so delighted with the first portion that we went on and added two more; I cried with pleasure when I first saw it. > We are now building a terrace and a barn and are using SLD again; they are so reliable and elegant and have such interesting ideas. I can't recommend them enough. **Comment from Spring Lake Garden Design:** > Thank you so much for your kind words. By your description of the project we even know who is writing it! I remember well your reaction to the cottage garden! **★★★★★ — Mark\_Ha, Jan. 2015** > Spring Lake Garden design has worked with my wife Ann and me on two properties in Connecticut and consultation on our property in South Carolina. We have worked with them every year for over 14 years. We have done many projects from installing raised gardens to implementing a "ha-ha" to relieve water from the steep hill behind our property. But mostly we have worked with them on significant landscaping and property improvements, which have included new trees, thinning of overgrown areas, adding privacy hedges, adding new gardens, put up deer fencing for the winter, plus Fall and Spring clean ups. They also have access to many resources such as hard-scape and fencing providers with whom they also work very well. Between Catherine's excellent design eye and Ian's in depth knowledge of horticulture, they have strategic and tactical skills that make a great comprehensive team. They are easy to work with and we have always found their pricing to be fair and honorable. **Comment from Spring Lake Garden Design:** > Thank you so much for the very kind words, Mark and Ann. It's been our great pleasure to work with you over these past many years! **★★★★★ — ctrealestate, Nov. 2014** > I am a CT real estate broker and have represented many homeowners whose gardens were designed and maintained by Spring lake Garden Design. Without exception, each garden was not only extraordinarily beautiful but was a perfect blending of home and house site with its natural surroundings. > > I have also recommended Spring Lake Garden Design to several of my buyer clients. In each case, my clients were extremely satisfied with SLGD's inspired designs and vision for their respective properties. I cannot recommend them highly enough, whether for small projects or for major garden designs and installations. **Comment from Spring Lake Garden Design:** > We really appreciate your kind review. Your observation about the blending of home and garden with the natural surroundings is especially meaningful to us. Thank you, thank you for the recommendation! **★★★★★ — Burlock Interiors, May 2014** > I'm an interior designer and I hired Spring Lake on behalf of my developer clients to work on a rooftop garden in the White Plains area. They came through with a plan that showed that they heard what my client's needs were-especially regarding budget. The people at Spring Lake are friendly, down to earth and super-professional. I feel lucky to have discovered them. **Comment from Spring Lake Garden Design:** > Nicole, we too feel very fortunate to work with you. Thank you so much for the kind review and recommendation. Catharine & Ian **★★★★★ — Crisp Architects, May 2014** > Spring Lake Garden Design is both professional and talented. Catharine and Ian are easy to work with and have been helpful both on my personal projects as well as those for my clients. I would recommend them without reservation. **Comment from Spring Lake Garden Design:** > Jim, this is a long-overdue thank you for your very kind recommendation of us and our work. We echo your sentiments precisely and look forward to additional opportunities to collaborate in the new year and beyond. Best, Catharine & Ian ## Selected projects - [2018 International Silver Award Winner](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2018-international-silver-award-winner-pj-vj~4323036) - Location: Sherman, CT - Photos: 17 - Description: Contemporary Living This project was a true collaboration between the homeowner, an engineer by training, and Spring Lake Garden Design. A complete redesign of the home and landscape occurred almost simultaneously, with both homeowner and design team exchanging ideas. The results speak for themselves -- a fabulous contemporary lakeside home and landscape design we call "native meets modern." - [Arts & Crafts Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arts-and-crafts-lake-house-pj-vj~458898) - Location: New Fairfield, CT - Photos: 25 - Description: This house was demolished and rebuilt from the ground up. It all began with a garden design consultation and a discussion about the uneven weighting of the exterior elements when viewed from the lake. The master bedroom needed its own private patio and one thing led to another -- a total transformation from the inside out! The homeowners loved Greene & Greene's architectural style and wanted the gardens and wall elements to reflect that. They were also sensitive environmental stewards and wanted… - [Zen Meditation Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zen-meditation-garden-pj-vj~826501) - Location: Sherman, CT - Photos: 10 - Description: This is a small, contemplative gravel garden inspired by a natural ledge outcropping at its center and is based on the Chinese cup garden design where there is no front, back, or sides; rather, the space is circular and flowing. The rockery is brimming with alpines and succulents while an adjacent garden in the circle is lush with shade-loving plants. The song of birds abound in the trees of the bordering moss-lined forest floor, and a lone statue by Joy Brown oversees the lush space. It is a tr… - [Outdoor Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-remodel-pj-vj~1468511) - Location: Pleasant Valley, NY - Photos: 14 - Description: This original farmhouse sits on a severely sloped area that was overrun with invasive plants, overgrown and/or weed trees. When we first came on board, nearly all natural light from the east was shielded by a row of hemlocks, many of which were infested with woolly adelgid and made the existing patio dark and damp. Our challenge was to fix or replace the pool, and to create a flat area where a family with two young children could play, but one not burdened with hard-to-maintain gardens. Over two… - [A Secluded Backyard Garden, Before + After](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-secluded-backyard-garden-before-after-pj-vj~2399355) - Location: Copake, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: A weedy hillside and narrow back area made this space impossible to enjoy. Water ran from the slope toward the house and the area was difficult to maintain. The owners had all but given up when they won a design with us through a local fundraiser. We graded the space, built a retaining wall, removed all grass, and installed a gravel garden featuring low-maintenance plants and patio furniture. We transformed an area that was once a eyesore into a sweet backyard retreat the homeowners are now prou… - [Connecticut Formal-to-Informal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/connecticut-formal-to-informal-pj-vj~826508) - Location: Sherman, CT - Photos: 16 - Description: This 15-acre property has formal gardens framed and enclosed by a pruned linden tree and boxwood hedge on the north side. There is a natural ledge area off the west side of the house that we enhanced by building a rock garden proper where succulents thrive, as do alpines. An outdoor bathtub is tucked into the rockery with an outdoor shower nearby. A walk through an enclosed vegetable garden to a pea-gravel fire pit area introduces an informal element to the space. A grass path leads to an outdoo… - [Dutchess County Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dutchess-county-living-pj-vj~1468304) - Location: Millbrook, NY - Photos: 20 - Description: The owner of this home has a penchant for rural historic properties and landscaping. We designed the driveway and gardens, built stone walls and paths, created an 82-foot long pergola and brick walkway attached to a refurbished guest house. The site is high and windy and we brought in a structural engineer to ensure the free standing pergola's strength. Enjoy what we call "The Anatomy of a Pergola." - [Refreshing a Traditional Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/refreshing-a-traditional-landscape-pj-vj~2080134) - Location: Sherman, CT - Photos: 6 - Description: This rural farmhouse-style home initially featured a traditional, lackluster front foundation planting, a wide swath of lawn with no path to the front door. We replaced the foundation planting with a simple row of hydrangea and boxwood in front, and built a heated bluestone walkway and steps that lead to the front door. But the most unique aspect of the redesign is the quaint, pea-gravel garden created as a transition from the driveway to the front foundation; we love the way it separates, yet s… - [Gravel + Pool Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gravel-pool-garden-pj-vj~1468410) - Location: Sherman, CT - Photos: 5 - Description: This project was the ultimate upgrade for an active family. We began by creating a low-maintenance, gravel-garden entry before moving to the back, where we constructed a retaining wall and replaced an old worn patio next to the house. The pool needed a new liner and the pool patio was in bad shape. The property slopes significantly so we built a rock garden that serves as a retaining wall and replaced and enlarged the pool patio with bluestone. The cedar pergola adds a shaded sitting area while… - [A Hillside Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-hillside-retreat-pj-vj~871504) - Location: Sherman, CT - Photos: 7 - Description: A spectacular lake view existed. We added a salt-water lap pool, and patio that connected the house and back lawn. Before we even met the clients (they were away for the winter), we designed and installed a large blue stone patio that offered multiple areas for entertaining and relaxation. So as not to impede the lake view, we lowered the pool grade by two feet. In doing so, we not only maintained the client's view, we also ensured they didn't have to look at a dormant pool during winter, an imp… - [New Canaan Carriage House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-canaan-carriage-house-pj-vj~826537) - Location: New Canaan, CT - Photos: 8 - Description: Talk about curb appeal: these clients wanted a front yard that was welcoming, colorful, and interesting during four seasons, but with an emphasis on spring and late summer flowers. Winter and the holiday lights were also a priority. An abundance of color and texture with conifers and boxwood provide a formal backdrop to an ever-evolving perennial bed, while a blend of stone marry the spaces. - [A Welcoming Entry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-welcoming-entry-pj-vj~2087284) - Location: Sherman, CT - Photos: 9 - [Family Barbeque](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/family-barbeque-pj-vj~1468437) - Location: Sherman, CT - Photos: 9 - Description: This client wanted us to create the perfect spot for entertaining. We started with a welcoming garden entry, then blended the natural rock ledges on the property with a gravel bed. In the back we refurbished a dated pool and softened the hardscape with traditional perennial gardens. But the fundamental structure for this family was a central stone barbeque around which - we've been told - many wonderful summer memories are made. - [A Driveway Dilemma](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-driveway-dilemma-pj-vj~1468466) - Location: Sherman, CT - Photos: 11 - Description: Over five years in the making, this comprehensive landscape design at this rural horse farm and residence in Northwest Connecticut began as a blank slate. Our primary charge was to transform an expansive driveway into a welcoming entryway. Not an easy task when all that existed was asphalt leading to the back and "lawn" surrounding the front entry. We turned this challenge into one of our favorite projects -- creating a stone wall and lush perennial gardens to gracefully connect the driveway and… - [Seeking Enclosure](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seeking-enclosure-pj-vj~1468488) - Location: Sherman, CT - Photos: 8 - Description: Privacy and the opportunity to entertain on a back deck away from the blaring sun was of paramount importance to this Connecticut couple, who retained us to create a refuge amid a previously open space (see the "before" photo). We built an angled roof that followed the lines of the house, ending just before the second-floor bay window. The area provided space for a cozy new outdoor room complete with new furniture, a stone-encased grill, and a bar with a blue stone counter. Look closely and you'… - [Greenwich Formal Garden Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenwich-formal-garden-estate-pj-vj~826503) - Location: Greenwich, CT - Photos: 15 - Description: Tucked into surrounding hills, these clients wanted to take full advantage of their seclusion to create a formal landscape that matched the contours of their home. The expansive area called for large evergreen exclamation plants and tightly pruned hedges with commanding sculptures positioned throughout the property. Straight lines give way to rounded hedges, creating structure without being strict. The vividly colored home and pool area similarly marry formal elegance with a touch of the Mediter… - [Urban Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-transformation-pj-vj~1468532) - Location: Hartford, CT - Photos: 7 - Description: The challenge, coordinated by the Northside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance Inc. of Hartford (NINA) was to transform one block of the Asylum Hill Neighborhood of Hartford. Spring Lake Garden Design was assigned one front landscape and won Best Front Garden Transformation. The judging was conducted by members of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), Connecticut Chapter. We especially like this person's reaction to SLGD's transformation: “Wow, this is unbelievable! You tur… - [One the Horizon - The Apex Rooftop Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/one-the-horizon-the-apex-rooftop-project-pj-vj~2399753) - Location: Elmsford, NY - Photos: 2 - Description: A computer rendering of the rooftop patio at the Apex at 290 luxury rental building. Designed by Spring Lake Garden Design Incorporated with Burlock Interiors. Installation spring 2017. Copyright rendering, Burlock Interiors - [On the Horizon - Keeler Tavern Museum, Ridgefield, CT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/on-the-horizon-keeler-tavern-museum-ridgefield-ct-pj-vj~1629271) - Location: Ridgefield, CT - Photos: 7 - Description: We are delighted to be working with the great folks at the Keeler Tavern Museum and Sean Kane Architects on a landscape redesign at this iconic museum in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Please enjoy the "before" images and visit this page often for pics of our progress and final redesign! - [Publications](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/publications-pj-vj~2539194) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 [See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/spring-lake-garden-design-pfvwus-pf~2014149903) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840720196.m3u8?s=5c50c4497cf5bb718fc3d58a3cbb85115f6eb460&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What types of landscape design projects do you specialize in?** We specialize in a wide range of landscape design projects, from creating contemporary lakefront gardens and formal estates to intimate Zen meditation spaces and functional outdoor living areas. Our portfolio includes diverse styles, integrating elements like stone walls, pergolas, pools, and custom plantings, always aiming to blend your home's architecture with the natural landscape. We also enjoy container plantings and urban transformations. **Do you offer design-only services or full project coordination?** Yes, we offer both design-only services and full project coordination. We can provide comprehensive design plans for your landscape, or we can manage the entire project from concept through installation. Our team installs our own designs, and for projects at a distance or requiring specialized trades, we oversee local landscaping companies and licensed subcontractors to ensure everything meets our high standards. **Do you create detailed planting and layout plans?** Absolutely. Creating detailed planting and layout plans is a core part of our design process. We believe in a holistic approach, where Ian, our horticulturist, focuses on 'the right plant in the right place' considering soil and light conditions. Catharine ensures the overall aesthetic, shapes, and flow. We use Auto Cad for efficiency, allowing us to share precise files with all project stakeholders. **Do you design outdoor living spaces such as patios and outdoor kitchens?** Yes, designing outdoor living spaces is one of our specialties. We excel at creating inviting patios, decks, pergolas, gazebos, and even custom outdoor kitchens with built-in barbeques and bars. Our goal is to extend your home's living area outdoors, crafting spaces for relaxation, dining, and entertaining that are both beautiful and functional. **Do you design drought-tolerant or sustainable landscapes?** Yes, we have extensive experience designing drought-tolerant and sustainable landscapes. We've created 'no lawn' front-entry gardens and planted eco-friendly grasses, always striving for designs that are beautiful, resilient, and environmentally conscious. Our approach emphasizes selecting the 'right plant in the right place' to minimize water usage and maintenance while maximizing natural beauty. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Community Q&A **Q: What is in front of the retaining wall on the right?** *(in Photo Questions)* It looks like umbrella stands or do they have another function? Are they part of the wall? A: They are tall, white metal planters on the right in front of the retaining wall. The planters were custom designed by SLGD with the homeowner and manufactured by https://potinc.ca/collections/indoor-outdoor-pots Our website may show them close up. https://springlakedesign.com **Q: hello. what is the pink flower.** *(in Photo Questions)* Pink flower please. A: Oenothera 'siskiyou' or Evening primrose **Q: Low growing Fern** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the low growing fern in front of the hosta? Thanks, it looks beautiful A: Thank you, the fern is Athyrium nipponicum var. pictum (Japanese Painted Fern) one or our favorites! **Q: Not a Question, Just a Comment** *(in Photo Questions)* Just had to say, this is beautifully done! Wonderful texture choices! I'm sure your client is thrilled :) A: Thank you for your kind words, it means so much coming from a fellow designer! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-21.*