--- title: "MJ McCabe-Garden Design — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/mj-mccabe-garden-design-pfvwus-pf~788948288 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~788948288.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "MJ McCabe-Garden Design" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/4613e72601da1448_8396-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "205 Clintonville Road, Northford, Connecticut 06472, United States" latitude: 41.3962 longitude: -72.7809 phone: "(203) 599-4832" website: http://mjmgardendesign.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 15 years_in_business: 30 best_of_houzz_awards: 11 followers: 104 last_updated: 2026-09-23 --- # MJ McCabe-Garden Design > New Haven Co S, CT's Award Winning Landscape Designer & Consultant Original Houzz profile: [MJ McCabe-Garden Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/mj-mccabe-garden-design-pfvwus-pf~788948288) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Northford, CT - **Serves:** New Haven, Wallingford, Cheshire, Branford, North Haven, Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, Durham, Westbrook, Essex, Killingworth, Madison Center, Farmingon - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (15 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2014–2026), 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 - Weekend consultations - 30 years in business ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - 30 years in business - Weekend consultations M.J. McCabe has been designing residential landscapes for over 20 years. After completing the Landscape Design Certification at The New York Botanical Garden, she traveled extensively to study garden design in England, Ireland and Japan. \* I listen deeply to each client's vision ensuring that the design will reflect your lifestyle and family needs \* Design landscapes as a true extension of your home--to increase property value and curb appeal \* Create landscapes that restore and inspire -revealing the natural beauty of your site \* Specialize in transforming overgrown, outdated landscapes into new inviting spaces \* Use time-tested, resilient plants that will thrive in your environment \* Provide personal guidance and instruction after the installation is completed allowing your landscape to flourish \*Collaboration with skilled landscape contractors, masons, carpenters and irrigation specialists \*Specializing in entire property redesigns \*Entrance designs-new steps, pathways and patios \*Formal designs -Structured layouts-symmetry \*Asian inspired-harmonious and tranquil \*Native plant garden--resilient plants that thrive naturally \*Meditation/Sacred gardens--reflective gardens/personal \*Pollinator garden-support wildlife \*Minimalist Garden- simple plantings-contemporary features \*Shade Gardens- Beauty under trees--low light areas \*Rock/Alpine gardens-stone features- drought tolerant plants \*Meadow /Prairie gardens--naturalistic free flowing plantings \*Early Spring Garden/ bulbs& tiny perennials that bloom from late Feb thru late may \*Container garden/to complement the architecture of the site/Seasonal displays ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Project Management - Drafting - Organic Gardens - English Cottage Gardens - Masonry - Master Plans - Residential Landscape Consultations ### Areas Served - New Haven - Wallingford - Cheshire - Branford - North Haven - Guilford - Madison - Clinton - Old Saybrook - Old Lyme - Durham - Westbrook - Essex - Killingworth - Madison Center - Farmingon ### Typical Job Cost $10,000 - 200,000 $10,000 - 200,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | MJ McCabe-Garden Design | | Address | 205 Clintonville Road, Northford, Connecticut 06472, United States | | Phone | (203) 599-4832 | | Website | http://mjmgardendesign.com/ | | Years in business | 30 | | Followers on Houzz | 104 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — www.facebook.com/CTgardendesigner - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-j-mccabe-18443812 ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [MJ McCabe-Garden Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/mj-mccabe-garden-design-pfvwus-pf~788948288) - **Website:** http://mjmgardendesign.com/ - **Phone:** (203) 599-4832 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - APLD Small Garden Design Award-2010 - Member of the Garden Writers Association - Association of Professional Landscape Designers, Board Member - Best of Houzz 2014, 2018 and 2021 - Best of Houzz 2016 - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2014–2026), 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) - [The Ecology Center](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-ecology-center-pfvwus-pf~973968718) - [American Society of Landscape Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014062207) - [Longwood Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/longwood-gardens-pfvwus-pf~1292888197) - [ASID CT](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/asid-ct-pfvwus-pf~1544804845) - [GardenComm](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/gardencomm-pfvwus-pf~127690096) - [Perennial Plant Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/perennial-plant-association-pfvwus-pf~1327712472) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 15 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Kara Flannery, March 2020** > Janie is a true artist -- I can't even begin to express how happy I am to have found her. I first heard about Janie after admiring gardens she designed for a friend. Janie's work really stands out -- her garden designs are enchanting, yet surprisingly easy to maintain. She has an amazing sense color, heights and textures, and she did a brilliant job layering plants to be sure we had something beautiful to look at from spring to fall. She'll use plants you love and incorporate some you've never seen before to give your gardens an element of surprise. She's designed several projects for us over the least few seasons -- strategic plantings to showcase the property, beds near the driveway to give visitors a nice show, and wonderful beds and container gardens around our large flagstone stone patio that make it the perfect backdrop for entertaining or just relaxing. ### All 15 reviews **★★★★★ — Sylvie638, June 2025** > Working with Janie has been a wonderful experience from the start. Our small front yard was a blank canvas. She transformed it into an amazing jewel of a garden, a small space filled with an abundance of colors and textures according to the seasons. We are getting many compliments and even thanks from people walking or even driving by, which is a testament to Janie's artistic talent. > Not only does she care about what she creates, she is also eager to share her knowledge, which I am so grateful for. I am looking forward to enjoying our garden, as well as working with and learning from Janie! **★★★★★ — Angela Helfrich, May 2025** > Mary-Jane has transformed our outdoor space into a true paradise that exceeds all expectations. From our initial consultation to the ongoing support she provides, her service as a garden architect has been nothing short of exceptional. > > What stands out most about Mary-Jane is her ability to listen. She took the time to understand our vision, preferences, and lifestyle needs before creating a design that perfectly captures the aesthetic we were hoping for. The result is a gorgeous landscape that feels both personal and professionally executed. > > Her plant selection expertise is remarkable - our garden is always blooming with something beautiful regardless of the season. The thoughtful arrangement creates visual interest year-round while maintaining a cohesive look throughout the space. > > The level of professionalism Mary-Jane brings to her work is impressive. She delivered the project on schedule and has remained accessible for any questions or concerns. Her continued support has been invaluable as the garden matures, and she's always willing to answer questions or provide advice at any time. > > For anyone seeking to create their own garden paradise, I cannot recommend Mary-Jane highly enough. Her combination of design talent, horticultural knowledge, and client-focused service makes her an outstanding choice for any garden transformation project. **★★★★★ — Carol W., July 2023** > Janie McCabe created a garden on the north side of our house that brings us joy every time we look at it. Janie has the eye of an artist and the know-how of an experienced horticulturist. She is also a joy to work with, as she takes into consideration our own needs and wishes as she develops her designs. Her love for her work shows in everything she does and says. I cannot recommend her highly enough! **★★★★★ — John Bloomquist, Feb. 2020** > After months of winter hibernation, the Owenego’s gardens awaken gently each spring with a blanket of colorful tulips. Then, much as fireworks burst light into the night sky, bright pops of purple allium further awaken the gardens from their slumber, announcing the arrival of another new season at The O. From there, the gardenscape is an ever-changing show of color, with the waterfront garden providing a magical backdrop for members and wedding celebrations. Once the allium fade, the gorgeous hydrangeas take the helm, with pink roses waltzing around them in the wind. And so it goes, right through the fall, when the tall grasses sway gently in the breeze and rock the gardens back to bed. > > The beauty within these gardens reflects the beautiful spirit of the woman who designs and maintains them, Janie McCabe. Janie checks in on the gardens throughout the season, nurturing them throughout, keeping them ever-photo ready for wedding photographers. Similarly, Jane’s container gardens greet members and guests to the O, providing a cheery welcome at our main entrance and on the decks. > > Jane has worked with us for many years, both at The Owenego and at our home, and we are beyond grateful to her. Throughout the years, Jane has become an extended member of the Owenego family – she even volunteers with our crew each summer for Camp Rising Sun. And one year, when Hurricane Irene bit into the earth, swallowing the entire waterfront garden into the raging sea, Jane worked tirelessly with us, assembling a team to rebuild the bluff and the garden. > > We cannot begin to express our gratitude toward Janie, and we cannot possibly recommend her highly enough. **★★★★★ — Penny and Al Katz, Feb. 2020** > We moved to our new home in May. Our property had mature trees, shrubs, stone walls, a lot of mud, a walkway but minimal landscaping. We asked Janie to create a colorful, beautiful, 4 season landscape including a variety of flowers, local grasses, a hummingbird and butterfly garden. She listened to our requests and promptly created a design concept, working closely with our contractor and lighting specialist. Her crews trimmed trees, installed irrigation, soil, mulch, plants, new trees, shrubs, flowers; stone masons added winding paths. The work was completed (as promised) by the end of June. Our garden became more than we ever > anticipated; it enhances our home, giving us endless hours of beauty and enjoyment. We are now anxiously awaiting spring when hundreds of new bulbs will explode with fragrance and color. Jane McCabe is the consummate artist, a knowledgable professional who takes personal and professional pride in her work. We are so very grateful to her! **★★★★★ — Barbara Thomason, Jan. 2017** > I have had the total pleasure of knowing Janie for many many years-She is a "master" at bringing your property to life with her excellent choice of plants,design color and appropriate arrangement for the property -with respect to it's exposure and the amount of time an owner would be able to care and maintain- you could never go wrong with Janie and her willingness to hear what you prefer and like- a very easy and pleasant woman with extraordinary skills and would NEVER hesitate to give her a very high recommendation to anyone **★★★★★ — Jeffrey Wolfson, Oct. 2016** > We have had a very positive experience working with Janie. Her low key approach works well for us. We originally contacted her to refresh our existing garden and to help plan & install a new patio and walkway to replace an old, uneven one. Her plans and vision for our space were spot-on. She encouraged us to go larger with the patio than we thought we wanted. We are extremely happy that we trusted her advice. It looks perfect, accommodates more people and is holding up well, no dips or settling issues. Janie is super nice to deal with, communicates well and she only sub-contracts with other super-nice people. We decided to continue have her come a few time during the year to assist with upkeep and continual enhancements. We also hired her assistant, Grant to be our snow plow guy. **★★★★★ — guilford, June 2016** > I cannot say enough about the beautiful gardens that Jane designed and planted. For the first time in ten years I am so proud of my yard/gardens. When she came for a consultation I was afraid she would not be up to the challenge, but she assured me something could be done to improve my yard and she did make miracles happen. I am so impressed with Jane and Grant with the designs and plantings, that I am proud to show off my gardens. There is not a day that I am not out enjoying the gardens she designed and they installed - I am in awe that these are my beautiful gardens! > > She was punctual for our consultation, would show up on the days she indicated and kept in contact during the project. She was a pleasure to work with. In my 70 plus years, living in different homes, I have hired many garden designers, but Jane's gardens impressed me more than any other. **★★★★★ — KeepMeHome, June 2015** > Jane is a class act, a true professional in her field, a rare breed. . Her work is impeccable. Not only does she have excellent taste, but she has true attention to detail. She has done a wide variety of jobs for me, and whether small in scope or a total renovation of gardens, her commitment and attention remains the same. Both she and her team are driven toward perfection in execution , sensitive to the environment and surroundings, and understand of the clients budget and taste. **★★★★★ — Kaufmann Masonry LLC, Oct. 2014** > I have completed a number of projects with Janie. Her designs are beautiful and it's always a pleasure to do business with MJ McCabe Garden Design. > > Karl Kaufmann > Kaufmann Masonry LLC **Comment from MJ McCabe-Garden Design:** > Karl > Thanks for the kind words--I have been following your wonderful work --it is always truly amazing ---you are a true artist in your stonework--each new project looks fresh and reflects the essence of each individual site you work on --Hope we can work together again!!!! **★★★★★ — J. Andrew Hull Painting, July 2013** > Janie McCabe of MJ McCabe Design is a highly creative and imaginative landscape designer who brings a signature aesthetic to projects, in addition to her practical no-nonsense know how and approach. > > Her color sense is delightfully fresh; she also takes the tried and true and shakes things up a bit with interesting combinations. I especially like what she has done with Japanese-inspired gardens and shade gardens as well as container gardens. Her use of bulbs and tulips is one of her signatures and has that WOW factor. > > I am the editor of a local shelter magazine for a newspaper here on the Connecticut shoreline. Janie has written many stories for us on some of her projects and informational pieces as well. We have also featured her projects in our magazine and local newspaper The ShoreLine Times. > > I would happily recommend her to anyone looking to hire a landscape design professional. > > ShoreLine Times and Coastal Homes editor > Susan Braden **★★★★★ — doctorz, July 2013** > Janie McCabe was the first person we called when we moved into our home 18 years ago. Janie collaborated with us and offered practical advice to create the cottage gardens we envisioned. > We now have a series of beautiful garden rooms, that over the years have developed, because of Janie's artistic ability to create and design. Janie listens to her clients' wishes and offers suggestions for laying out beds, creating structure, and choosing plants. **★★★★★ — dodolester, July 2013** > MJ McCabe has worked on my garden for many years and has transformed it from something ordinary into a beautiful retreat. Two shade gardens and three flower beds have been created and a fourth flower bed has been enlarged. > > Improving the garden is a work in progress - a little bit at a time. All plans and plantings are discussed beforehand. The fact that there is a limited supply of water is taken into account and plants are chosen accordingly. Projects have always been completed on schedule and everyone works well together > > MJ McCabe is garden artist - her choice of flowers, foliage, and shrubs reflect this. What pleases me the most is that everything looks so natural and beautiful. > > Most recent project date: June 2013 **★★★★★ — Mary Caruso, July 2013** > Janie McCabe takes pride in her work and spends countless hours with her clients. A true professional who listens to the needs of those she works with and lends her turly beutiful taste when designing your garden! ## Selected projects - [A new garden to love all year long](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-new-garden-to-love-all-year-long-pj-vj~7789475) - Location: Guilford, CT - Photos: 21 - Description: With the beautiful renovation of the house completed, the next step is to create a thoughtfully designed landscape with less lawn, inviting pathways and layered plantings that wrap around the house creating a gentle transition between indoors and outdoors. The landscape does more that just enhancing the lovely details of the house, it creates harmony, kinship and a lasting connection between the home, the land and the people that live there. - [Transition an overgrown site into a multi-season native garden in CT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transition-an-overgrown-site-into-a-multi-season-native-garden-in-ct-pj-vj~7353537) - Location: Northford, CT - Photos: 15 - Description: My client wanted to create a native plant garden that was basically maintenance free and would be a way to frame Long Island Sound. We cleared the meadow of overgrown shrubs and weeds --and did a mass planting of mostly native shrubs and perennials. This garden is coming into it's 4th year--and we are truly able to say that it looks wonderful all year long. - [Create a Garden Room in Connecticut](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/create-a-garden-room-in-connecticut-pj-vj~7111165) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 39 - Description: I love the idea of creating a tucked away garden room that is separate from the rest of the home landscape. This is a private garden that provides seating and surrounds the homeowner with a place for contemplation with a reprieve from the demands of everyday life - [Courtyard Garden - Milford, CT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/courtyard-garden-milford-ct-pj-vj~363414) - Location: Milford, CT - Photos: 8 - Description: Courtyard Garden linking new garage to turn of the century home in southern CT - [1920's English Tutor with a Brick Walled Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1920-s-english-tutor-with-a-brick-walled-garden-pj-vj~2119545) - Location: West Hartford, CT - Photos: 17 - [The Inward Garden-- An Asian-Inspired Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-inward-garden-an-asian-inspired-garden-pj-vj~363454) - Location: Branford, CT - Photos: 13 - [Stone in the garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stone-in-the-garden-pj-vj~3561279) - Location: Guilford, CT - Photos: 14 - [Seaside Garden in Westbrook,CT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seaside-garden-in-westbrook-ct-pj-vj~5526448) - Location: Westbrook, CT - Photos: 12 - Description: A seaside garden on the CT shoreline--A protective seawall was initially installed which provided the entire site and home from hurricanes and late winter storms After the grade was raised, a stone patio and walkway leading down to the beach was created along with a heavily planted perennial garden that encloses the patio - [Create a meditation garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/create-a-meditation-garden-pj-vj~7140442) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 73 - Description: Creating a meditation garden Creating a personal meditation garden within your home landscape provides the perfect sanctuary to unwind and de-stress. To establish a personal and secluded place take some time to find a site in your larger landscape that feels “right” Perhaps, a tucked away corner under a large shade tree. Once selected, watch how the sun patterns fall on this site. Avoid an area that is too sunny — an eastern spot provides morning sun and will transition to cooling shade in the a… - [Make your garden come alive with early spring perennials and bulbs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/make-your-garden-come-alive-with-early-spring-perennials-and-bulbs-pj-vj~7797847) - Location: Tewksbury, MA - Photos: 19 - Description: After a cold, dark winter, we all need color and abundant blooms that push up thru the ground for homeowners delight [See all 10 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/mj-mccabe-garden-design-pfvwus-pf~788948288) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840742485.m3u8?s=64a3ff6afb252ad5cc2a56d7416de3418bb43474&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What types of landscape design projects do you specialize in?** I specialize in residential landscape design, creating elegant and enduring outdoor spaces along the Connecticut shoreline. My expertise includes entire property redesigns, entrance designs with new steps, pathways, and patios, as well as various garden styles like cottage, Japanese, native plant, meditation, pollinator, minimalist, shade, rock/alpine, and meadow gardens. I also focus on container gardens and early spring displays. **Do you offer design-only services or full project coordination?** Yes, I offer both design-only services and full project coordination. My services include initial garden consultations and master plans for design-only needs. For full projects, I provide comprehensive garden design, plant selection, and project management, collaborating closely with skilled landscape contractors, masons, and carpenters to ensure a seamless installation that enhances your home and lifestyle. **Do you create detailed planting and layout plans?** Absolutely. I create detailed planting and layout plans as a core part of my design process. My services include drafting, site planning, and developing master plans to ensure every detail of your landscape is thoughtfully considered. I also focus on plant selection, choosing time-tested, resilient plants that will thrive in your specific environment, ensuring a beautiful and sustainable garden. **Do you design outdoor living spaces such as patios and outdoor kitchens?** Yes, I design various outdoor living spaces, with a strong focus on hardscaping elements like patios, pathways, and stonework. My expertise includes creating inviting entrance designs with new steps and patios. While I specialize in these areas, my current services do not explicitly include the design of outdoor kitchens. **Do you design drought-tolerant or sustainable landscapes?** Yes, I absolutely design drought-tolerant and sustainable landscapes. My services include organic gardens and specializing in native plant gardens, which feature resilient plants that thrive naturally in your environment. I also create rock/alpine gardens, which are known for their stone features and drought-tolerant plants, ensuring a beautiful and environmentally conscious design. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Seaside Cottage Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/14084466/list/seaside-cottage-gardens) — 38 ideas - [Quality stone work creates the framework for beautiful gardens--](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/14469421/list/quality-stone-work-creates-the-framework-for-beautiful-gardens-) — 12 ideas - [The Summer Garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29182100/list/the-summer-garden) — 12 ideas - [janietulips's --CONTAINER GARDENS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11887705/list/janietulips-s-container-gardens) — 19 ideas [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/janietulips) ## Community Q&A **Q: Flower plants names** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi, what are the two plants with the flowers? Thanks, Monica A: Hello Tulips are surrounding the boxwood borders along with Purple Alliums the 2 trees are dwarf crabapples--hope that clarifies your questions **Q: pale pink climbing rose** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me what the pale pink rose is please A: that is 'Eden' rose --a wonderful lush pink rose that is an outstanding older rose **Q: Troubleshooting uploading photo problem** *(in Rose Gallery)* Since many of us often have problems uploading photos on this forum, let's see if we can figure out what we can do to make it work for us. Please share your experience on how you make it work for you. From my experience, here are the steps that I often do, and the photos uploaded without problems. \- I still use the gardenweb bookmark https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/roses to access the page using a browser (Chrome). \- To upload photos, I clicked on the "Photo" icon. \- After selecting a photo to upload, there's a period of time where the image will be displayed in a lower opacity. This means the photo hasn’t finished uploading yet. While the image is in low opacity, you should WAIT until the process is done and you see it in full color before clicking on the "Photo" icon to select another image to upload. Helen A: I have just spent an entire day trying to upload a series of new images to my account. I have tried every way possible but nothing will work--very frustrating --never had this problem before --all images uploaded fine in the past--Houzz does not offer much help **Q: Really love this border! Roses?** *(in Photo Questions)* I recognize the Lady's Mantle and the alliums and the lavender? What is the pink flower...roses? And what kind? A: The rose is Mystic Meidiland which is sadly no longer being grown https://www.heirloomroses.com/mystic-meidilandr.html--I would suggest a good substitution would be the Drift series of roses--especially the 'Peach'--lower growing, but it is a nice color match---it always good to seek out other interesting substitutes good luck **Q: Where can I get the fence?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: this is a ready made fence--which came from a supplier in New Haven , CT not sure where you are located--it is about 4' high--cedar which we painted a dark green-- **Q: Buddleia?** *(in Photo Questions)* Is that a purple buddleia in the center A: Yes--It is Buddleia alternifolia 'argentea' Here in CT it blooms about the first week in June--very fragrant--For the rest of the season, it has arching silver foliage that cascades over the garden--I grow a dark purple clematis up through the trunk for a nice contrast all Summer--my favorite Butterfly bush --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*