Modern, Naturalistic Landscape Design
Landscape design is shifting. Traditional hedges, expansive lawns, and narrow, mulch-heavy foundation beds are giving way to naturalistic landscape design—layered, resilient planting systems that support pollinators, reduce water use, and bring depth, movement, and seasonality to the landscape. We create modern landscape designs that pair refined planting with thoughtfully integrated natural stone patios and inviting spaces for gathering, relaxation, and everyday outdoor living.
Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association 2025 Industry Award Winner
“Ann Arbor Naturalistic”
A Different Approach to Landscape Design
Ann Arbor Meadow Design is an award-winning landscape design studio specializing in naturalistic, design-driven outdoor environments that feel both intentional and effortless. Our work emphasizes structure, movement, and texture through layered, mosaic plantings—composed to evolve over time while supporting pollinators, biodiversity, and long-term ecological resilience.
Rooted in the principles of the New Perennial movement—popularized by designers like Piet Oudolf at the High Line, Belle Isle, and Lurie Garden—our approach translates this influential design language into refined, site-specific landscapes for residential and commercial properties across Southeast Michigan. We thoughtfully combine native Michigan plants with durable, ecologically adapted perennials, shrubs, and trees to create landscapes that are both sophisticated and deeply resilient.
As a landscape design studio, we create naturalistic landscapes that integrate layered planting with architectural hardscape elements such as natural stone patios, pathways, and outdoor living spaces. Each design is carefully composed in response to the site’s unique conditions—soil, light, and surrounding context—resulting in outdoor environments that feel grounded, modern, and enduring.
Our Design Process
Good landscapes begin with a deep understanding of the site—informed by observation and conversation to uncover its unique conditions, including light, water, and soil, as well as how people move through and use the space.
From this foundation, we identify opportunities for hardscaping such as patios, pathways, and gathering areas, while considering circulation, grading, and drainage. We also work closely with you to understand your preferences for planting—balancing aesthetics, seasonality, and maintenance—to develop a palette that feels both personal and ecologically appropriate.
Planting is approached in layers: a structural framework of trees, shrubs, grasses, and anchor perennials; a matrix of ground-layer planting that suppresses weeds and stabilizes the system; and seasonal accents that provide moments of color, variation, and change.
The result is a garden that feels cohesive and natural, while functioning as a resilient and tranquil landscape.
Naturalistic Landscape Design
We design immersive landscapes that combine ecological planting design, outdoor living, and a strong sense of place. Inspired by meadow ecologies and the New Perennial movement, our work emphasizes layered planting, seasonal change, biodiversity, and thoughtful integration with architecture.
Our projects range from native and pollinator-friendly gardens to patios, pathways, rain gardens, and complete residential landscape plans throughout Ann Arbor and southeast Michigan.
Landscape Design
Naturalistic landscape design
Native and pollinator-friendly gardens
Meadow gardens and lawn conversions
Patios, pathways, and outdoor living spaces
Rain gardens and sustainable planting design
Garden renovation and foundation planting redesign
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Project Inquiries
Whether you’re starting from scratch or evolving an existing landscape, we invite you to share a few details about your project—your property, your goals, and how you hope to use the space.
Each project begins with a conversation—an opportunity to understand your site and priorities, and to define a landscape that feels both natural and enduring.
We take on a limited number of projects each season to ensure each receives the attention it deserves.