My Story
Designing landscapes that work with nature—and for people
What I do
Design, education, and a deeper connection to nature.
You want to create an outdoor space that feels like home—a sanctuary where you can relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature. But instead of inspiration, you’re facing challenges: the space feels underwhleming, doesn’t reflect your style, or maybe you’re not sure where to start. You know it can be better, but how?
That’s where I come in. At Plan(t) Wise Garden & Landscape Design, I help homeowners like you transform outdoor spaces into beautiful, sustainable landscapes that are uniquely yours. With years of experience designing native plant-focused, pollinator-friendly gardens—and puzzling out the best uses for even the smallest spaces—I know how to marry form and function so your landscape not only looks amazing, but thrives year-round.
More importantly, I craft designs and sustainable management programs that resonate with your vision and values, so your landscape feels truly yours.
Professional Associations
Heather Swann – Designer/Mentor
Who I am
Plant-obsessed. Nature enthusiast. Sustainability advocate.
Hi! I’m Heather, a landscape designer with a background in graphic design and an obsession with plants and finding purpose in the tiniest of spaces. Over the past three decades, i’ve cultivated my passion for nature into a career focused on sustainable garden and landscape design— creating spaces that are as functional and eco-conscious as they are beautiful.
I’m proud to be a member of the Landscape Ontario Horticulural Trades Association (LO), several local garden clubs, and a Master Gardener in Training. Dedicated to continuous learning, I’m currently focused on expanding my expertise through The University of Guelph’s School of Continuing Studies Horticulture program. Holding a Diploma with Distinction in Landscape Design and Certificates with Distinction in Horticulture and Sustainable Urban Horticulture, I’m able to offer clients the most current insights.
I envision a future where every designed landscape brings beauty to our lives and provides essential support for wildlife and the environment. That vision inspired me to launch Plan(t) Wise Garden & Landscape Design.
I live on Ontario’s South Coast in the charming city of Port Colborne, where I share space with urban wildlife visitors. When I’m not designing for clients or helping with community projects, you’ll likely find me getting down and dirty in my own gardens—looking for inspiration and reconnecting with the beauty of nature.
Landscapes that do more—for you and for nature.
Let’s talk about what that could look like in your space.
WHY I DESIGN SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES
From curiosity to calling
Nature and gardening: a growing passion.
I have fond memories of spending time in natural areas with my family: St. John’s Conservation Area with my grandparents, Short Hills Provincial Park, Balls Falls, and summer camping trips “up north” with my parents. Romping along trails like hooligans with my sister. Enduring hot, sweaty portages, canoeing for hours, and the joy of jumping into cool, clean lakes.
Those early adventures sparked a curiosity about the natural world—monarch caterpillars, snakes, birds, fish, and even clams! And, though I didn’t see the connection back then, my mom’s love of gardening planted another seed. Over time, gardening became my passion, and like all plants happy in their place, that passion grew.
I’ve come to understand and deeply respect the value our gardens can have—not just to us, but to all species. Creating native plant-focused gardens has allowed me to experience the joy of our wild neighbours, and in turn that has made gardening even more rewarding.
Nature doesn’t just belong in the wild, in parks, or in conservation areas. Our yards and balconies have the power to embrace nature. By welcoming nature into your outdoor space, you’re gardening for change. That change is beautiful, healthy communities for all.
Are you ready to rediscover and enjoy the beauty of nature at home?
MISSION
My mission is to create captivating, sustainable, outdoor spaces that inspire passion for nature and promote environmental stewardship.
Gardens should be beautiful to all species.
VISION
Healthier, happier people, wildlife, and communities — one sustainably designed, resilient landscape at a time.
What guides my work
Why it matters
Gardens are more than decoration. When designed with intent, they can support pollinators, strengthen local ecosystems, and still feel personal, beautiful, and livable. That balance is what excites me—and it’s the thread that runs through every project I take on.
How I work
I design with plants and systems that are well-suited to their place, reducing frustration for homeowners and increasing long-term success. That means thoughtful plant selection, realistic expectations, and guidance that helps clients understand—not just maintain—their landscapes.
What it creates
Landscapes that feel alive, resilient, and intentional — supporting wildlife, evolving over time, and deepening connection to place, all while looking stunning.