30Mar

Design a residential garden needs a vision for the designer.

In America, most residential properties come with a modest outdoor space. When clients ask for a design, you're not just offering a layout—you're selling an idea. And to do that effectively, you need a story. 

That story often comes from a deeply personal and creative place within the landscape designer. In truth, designing a small garden can be one of the most difficult and demanding tasks. 

Much like painting on a blank canvas, the beginning is often the hardest part. You're met with hesitation, even fear. But what drives the first mark, the first sketch, is something essential: a vision.

The photo below shows the existing condition of the residence in Virginia.

Then, it was my vision that guided the design of the space for the client. I’ve always felt that designing a landscape is never easy. Like a painter or a musician, the process takes time, reflection, and continuous learning.

It's not something I can master once and for all. Maybe the learning never ends. 

To me, design is the process—not just the final product. It’s a journey of observation, imagination, and intention that unfolds over time.