The Story Behind Plan(t) Wise
Helping you reconnect with nature, one landcape at a time.
What I Do, Who I Am
You want to create an outdoor space that feels like home—a sanctuary where you can relax, recharge, and reonnect with nature. But instead of inspiration, you’re facing challenges: the space feels underwhelming, 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 spaces that are uniquely yours. With years of experience designing gardens that prioritize native plants and ecological balance—and puzzling out the best uses for the smallest of areas—I understand how to marry form and function to create spaces that thrive. More importantly, I understand what it means to craft a design or sustainable management program that resonates with your vision and values.
Let’s work together to bring your dream eco-consious outdoor oasis to life. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a pollinator haven, or sustainable management tips for a low-maintenance landscape, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Together, we’re reconnecting communities with nature, one garden at a time.
Hi! I’m Heather, a garden designer with a background in graphic design and a lifelong obsession with plants and finding purpose in the tiniest spaces. Over the past three decades, I’ve cultivated my passion for nature into a career focused on creating outdoor spaces that are as functional and sustainable as they are beautiful.
I’m proud to be a member of the Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association (LO) and several garden clubs. Dedicated to continuous learning, I’m currently focused on expanding my expertise through The University of Guelph’s OpenEd Horticulture program, and hold a Diploma with Distinction in Landscape Design and Certificates with Distinction in Horticulture and Sustainable Urban Horticulture, ensuring I can offer clients the most relevant and innovative 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. My greatest joy comes from sharing my love of gardens and nature with others and seeing the delight in their eyes as they reconnect with the natural world. My goal is to give you knowledge, guidance, and support to create a haven for yourself and the wildlife that share our landscapes—a space that contributes to thriving, healthy communities for all species.
I live in the charming city of Port Colborne, Ontario, with my partner and wildlife visitors. When I’m not designing for clients, you’ll likely find me getting down and dirty in my own gardens, finding inspiration, and reconnecting with the beauty of nature.
Need some inspiration before connecting? Grow ideas for your outdoor space by checking out the Inspiration Gallery.
Expert knowledge and support to help you create and manage your beautiful, beneficial, sustainable outdoor space.
A Note from Heather
I have fond memories of and always enjoyed spending time in natural areas. There were trips to 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. Hot, sweaty portages, canoeing for hours, and the joy of jumping into cool clean lakes. Learning experiences were everywhere! Monarch caterpillars and butterflies, snakes, birds, fish, and even clams! How do you catch a clam? You’ll have to ask my sister!
Sadly, back then, I didn’t see the connection between gardening and nature. While Grandma and Grandpa’s vegetable garden was great, it was just tasty snacks stolen when I thought no one was looking. In those days I thought Mom and her gardens, which didn’t have tasty snacks, were crazy. I made sure she knew it too!
It took a long time to germinate, but those outings with family and my mom’s love of gardening planted a seed. Gardening has become my passion, and like a garden, that passion has grown and evolved. I’ve come to understand and deeply respect how valuable our gardens can be—not just to us, but for all species. Creating native plant focused gardens has allowed me to appreciate the joy and wonder of garden visitors of all kinds and has made gardening an even more enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Nature doesn’t just belong in the wild, in parks, or in conservation areas. Our yards and balconies have the power to embrace nature too!
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?
