Let’s create a fullfilling and sustainable landscape together.
At its heart, your outdoor space is where you unwind, gather, and connect with your home—and I am here to bring that vision to life. Dedicated to crafting sustainable, fulfilling retreats across the DC, MD, and VA areas, I combine a practical eye for color, texture, and layout with seamless project coordination. From initial site analysis and illustrated master plans to contractor oversight, I handle the complex logistics so you don't have to. Whether your dream includes patios, vibrant gardens, or custom stonework, my goal is to solve your yard's unique challenges, capture the exact mood you desire, and build a lasting space that truly feels like home.
–Galen Lawson, Landscape Designer
My Focus
Collaborating with clients who are new to landscape design, as it allows me to be a guide through the process and share my expertise as their spaces come to life.
Inclusion of native and pollinator plants that will benefit the local ecosystem and be less maintenance long-term.
Arrangement of elements that provide multiple seasons of visual interest. This includes staggered bloom times throughout the year, evergreens, ornamental grasses, boulders, artwork, etc.
Minimizing grass lawns or suggesting alternatives to lawns that have little to no benefit for the local ecosystem.
Unique living considerations like small/large spaces, complex light/shade needs, privacy, slopes and water runoff, and microclimates around your yard.
The use of pet/kid friendly plants that aren’t dangerous for our loved ones.
Explanation and illustration of processes and technical issues along the way. I can tailor my designs to be presented in lush detail, technical schematics, 3D renderings, and so on.
Guidance for choosing a landscaper or contractor and making the estimating and installation process stress-free.
“Galen was an excellent choice to upgrade the landscaping in our yard! He developed a beautiful design for our yard. He is professional in his demeanor and work ethic. He worked with me in a collaborative manner, so I had input in the design process throughout the project. I would definitely hire him again!”
“Galen was wonderful to work with! He provided prompt and regular communication, and he designed the perfect layouts for our front and backyard spaces. His expertise and guidance were essential in re-designing our spaces. I would recommend him to anyone looking for some landscaping help, whether your project is big or small.”
“Galen’s knowledge of plants got us more variety than we would have managed to think of alone. Drawings and presentations showing the plants and their characteristics and what to expect from each year-round were an essential part of the process. We highly recommend Galen for his expertise, client focus and smooth working with the garden installers.”
I am a certified Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional