When designing new landscapes, one of our core principles is to preserve as much of the existing site as possible. This means less time spent, less money wasted, and fewer resources discarded. Re-purposing existing materials, transplanting existing plants, and recycling existing soil are all in our wheelhouse. We believe this approach is both ethical and practical, and we’d like to share a few reasons why.

Some of the things we think about preserving on every site:

Water
If your landscape naturally collects water, there’s usually a reason for it. Clearly, water collecting in your basement is not as…aesthetic as water collecting in a small cistern of carefully chosen boulders. We always design landscapes that redirect water and encourage proper drainage, but especially enjoy the opportunity to design with water as a highlight of the landscape. This could be in the form of a small pond, water feature, or even simply a rain garden.
Existing Vegetation
Most homeowners know which plants they don’t want on their property. Fair enough. But what if removing that native shrub on your hillside leads to unexpected erosion? Sometimes, nature pops plants right where they’re needed, performing vital functions like stabilizing soil and supporting local ecosystems. Other times, things need a little adjustment—that’s where transplanting comes in. Working with what’s already growing may take some extra effort, but the long-term benefits are plentiful.
Patience Over a Quick Fix
This ties into preserving existing vegetation. Lots of homeowners envision a brand new landscape as if it were already mature. Plants are living, growing things, they need time to fill out and come into their own. You may look at your freshly planted garden and think “There are so many open spaces!”. Give it time. Perennials usually take off after a year or two. Shrubs and trees are slower. They usually need to recover from transplant shock the first season, then they get used to their new environment the next, and then by the third season they begin to really grow.
Grading Before Anything Else
If your landscape is already directing water safely, cleanly, and efficiently, then we would suggest preserving the overall grading scheme and using that as your base for new design. A landscape that looks pretty, but causes water problems is simply a bad idea.
Function First
Before diving into aesthetics, we focus on function—both of the space itself and the materials and plants we choose. How will you use your landscape? What do you need it to do? Defining these elements early on helps narrow down plant and material choices. A well-designed space balances beauty with purpose. While just-decorative elements have their place, a strong foundation comes from selecting materials and plants that serve a functional role and look handsome.

By working with what’s already in place, we aim to create landscapes that are not only beautiful but also use our resources well. We also recognize that there are always new ways to improve, and we take advantage of those opportunities when they arise. If you see new other ways to preserve what’s at hand, drop us an email and let us know.