Creating beautiful outdoors by design. Unique full color, 3D designs that can include patios, outdoor kitchens, water features, pergolas and fire pits. Don't wait to create our outdoor oasis.

Landscape Design

Denise creates landscape designs that are unique as each of her clients. One of the most important parts of her job is listening to her clients and understanding what they want in their yard. What plants do they like or dislike, what colors do they prefer, how are they going to use the space, and how much do they want to spend? Plants are an important feature in a landscape design, but other features in a design can include patios, walkways and walls (what we commonly refer to as hardscapes), firepits and fireplaces, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and water features.

The two most common requests from clients are low maintenance and more color. Planting the 'right plant in the right spot' is the first step in having a low maintenance landscape. Plants placed in the wrong spot, that do not receive the right growing needs such as the amount of light, moisture, space and soil pH, will not grow as expected or may grow too large for the space provided. To help choose the right plants for your design, she collects a soil sample to be analyzed for soil pH and the major nutrients of your soil.

Denise uses perennials in the landscape along with shrubs and trees to provide color in the landscape. She incorporates native plants and cultivars in her designs. As the leading landscape designer in Huntsville and Madison, Alabama, Denise will create your 'beautiful outdoors by design'.

Photo of pink muhly grass and client landscape design project.

"After moving into a new house, we were daunted by the task of landscaping a yard that was a completely blank slate. The yard was long, narrow, and sloped, which presented lots of challenges. We wanted a patio, bed design, and plant placement but just didn't know how to start. Denise crafted a beautiful design that draws us outside and gives us so much pleasure. She is gifted in choosing just the right plants - nothing too ordinary, but nothing that won't thrive in our environment. I especially appreciate the notebook that contains all the information I need to maintain our plantings. Denise worked with us every step, gathering the plants, working with the landscapers, and even making sure things got placed correctly. She truly cares about her customers! We are extremely pleased with our results and look forward to enjoying our garden for years to come!"

Melissa A.
Happy Client

3D Landscape Design

Click to visit Green Thumb Design 3D videos.

Denise creates individualized landscape designs using the VizTerra Professional 3D Design Software. The benefit to this software is the ability to turn a 2D landscape design into 3D photos and videos. Green Thumb Design videos can be found on YouTube.

The design process is a gradual process that begins with an initial consultation and interview at your home to discuss what it is that you would like to do with your landscape and help assess your landscape needs.
Next, she conducts an extensive site analysis of your property by assessing the site, the soil and the surroundings. The measurements taken during the site analysis are what she uses to draw your design to scale.
During the preliminary design review you will see the 24"x 36" color 2D design, view your design video, plant slideshow and discuss any changes you'd like to make to the design.
The final design includes a detailed plant list, and a customized landscape notebook with instructions on how to care for your new garden landscape.
The design process typically takes 4 - 6 weeks, depending on the time of year. On average, Denise spends 10 - 20 hours on a design project. The landscape design price is based on the size and scope of the project.

Landscape Design Features

Green Thumb Design project of new patio, retaining wall and water fountain.

Patios, Walkways, Walls

Patios add outdoor living space where you can spend time with your family and friends enjoying your yard and nature. Walkways provide a path to different places in your landscape. The purpose of a wall can be to help hold dirt in place on a slope, such as a retaining wall or it can help define a space and serve as extra seating in the form of a sitting wall.

Outdoor Living

Outdoor living spaces are extensions of our homes where we can relax and entertain. Pergola's, arbors, covered patios, fire pits, swings, and outdoor kitchens are additions that enhance our outdoor living space.

Landscape Beds

Landscape beds are the backbone of the design. Bed size and shape should be in proportion to the house and yard and large enough to accommodate the size of the plants as they mature. The most common mistake are landscape beds that are too small with too many plants.

Basalt column custom water feature and patio wall.

Water Features

Water Features are popular because of the soothing sound of running water. In today's fast paced life, we can all use more relaxing moments. Pondless water features are very popular because they are lower maintenance than traditional ponding water features. Pondless water features have no standing water which reduces mosquito breeding grounds and safer for small children. One of the more popular water features is a bubbling stone.

Plants that give color and texture to the front yard landscape beds. The right plant in the right spot.

Plant Selection

Selecting the right plants for a design is very important. Since plants grow and change each year, planning for future growth and size is key. The most common request by Green Thumb Design clients is a low maintenance landscape. Low maintenance begins with the 'right plant in the right spot'. Plants that require little or no pruning, are happy in their spot and grow and bloom without fuss. Plants are selected based on her experience and knowledge that will not only survive but thrive in her clients landscapes.

Testimonials

She was so attentive to our wants and wishes, and she gave us very good advise about what would work best for our site. In addition, to the talents Denise offers, she also has a fun sense of humor, deep kindness and integrity that is refreshing this day and age.
Marcy W.

She spent a lot of time talking to me and hearing my definite opinions of plants and style.
Terri W.

Other Services

Green Thumb Design landscape bed with perennials and shrubs after installation.

Green Thumb Design being installed. New retaining walls, sidewalk and landscape beds.

Landscape Consultation

Yes, Denise makes house calls! If you have questions about your landscape, problems in your yard, or need advise about your existing landscape a garden consultation may be the answer. Consultations typically take 1 - 2 hours.

Landscape Installation
Some people plan to install their own landscape in phases and others hire a professional landscaper to install their landscape design. If you want to have your landscape installed by a professional, Green Thumb Design works with landscape companies who can install your design for you.

Plants for an landscape install. Green Thumb Design project.

Green Thumb Design landscape project ready for the plant install.

Plant Selection and Sourcing
Whether you hire someone to install your design or do it yourself, Denise can provide her expertise in locating and selecting the plants at local nurseries, and deliver them to be installed. This is an additional fee, separate from the landscape design.

Project Management
In addition to selecting and sourcing the plants, Denise can oversee the planting and installation of the project.

Workshops and Program Speaker

Garden Clubs, Master Gardeners and others have enjoyed programs presented by Denise on a variety of topics. Some of the popular topics are "Designing a 4 Season Garden", "Perennials for Every Purpose", "Rainwise Gardening" and "Landscape Design". Contact Denise at 256-503-3395 if you would like to book her as your next program speaker.

Landscape Design & Features