About Me
Heidi Schreiner, Garden Designer

Hello, garden lover! As one who shares your passion for everything garden, welcome to my website.

This site is for those who not only love to be in their garden, but love designing it -- transferring their personality into the space. Signature Gardens. Special Places.

Seeds of Learning

Over the years, I've grown from a little sprout who loved flowers (and dreamed of so much more), to a civil engineering technician, to a garden designer and business partner.

When I made the leap from engineering technician to landscape designer, it was after years of helping my husband craft beautiful gardens. Poring over everything available to learn from, quizzing nursery owners (thanks!), reading, searching, I did it all.

I also helped to plant, spoke with homeowners, drafted, and just ... enjoyed being in beautiful garden spaces.

Then I decided to take the Anna Gresham School of Landscape Design course. Finally, I know all the other garden designer bits that it takes to craft amazing spaces.

My Day in the Sun

My experience in an engineering office, what I've learned from having a husband in the trades, and my education from AGSLD have uniquely impacted me.

Each experience has changed me and helped me to learn.

Being there when these outdoor spaces are created, talking to people about their spaces -- I've learned so much over the years!

I've designed gardens for parade homes, helped create water features, woodland gardens, cottage gardens, healing gardens, and more.

Through it all, each challenge is different, each garden unique. Each homeowner has their own garden story.

So many times, I am asked questions by homeowners and business people regarding their garden spaces and plants. I love to share tidbits and thoughts about improving a garden -- and I love to write.

Back when I was doing a lot more learning on-line, I would often become frustrated at sites that sounded more like a textbook -- spouting theory, but missing the practical. They didn't even sound like they were from a person. It was frustrating.

That's the heart of why I'm here. I love to write -- garden designer reality, some humor, some pictures, and fun. Lots of fun.

The Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD)

Winter Garden Tour

Learning and sharing with other garden design professionals -- it's a blast.

I've had speaking opportunities like "How to Communicate With Your Installer" at the APLD chapter meeting. I've gotten even more tips and tricks from other designers.

I've had other speaking opportunities through the chapter, too. "Dressing the Winter Landscape" at the Winter Garden Tour of the Wild Ones in Duluth, MN. They are nature enthusiasts!

Connecting with other garden designers, learning from them, finding out 'what works' during installations -- I'm newly inspired each month.

Garden Designer to Website Designer (sort of)

When it came time to create a website, I knew I shouldn't just toss a website into the web. There are a lot of things to know before you do that!

That's why when I found this software service, I knew I had found 'it'. Here is how I could run my own site, learn, and teach others. Here's where I could reach out to other garden lovers and share. I love that.

I've personally created each page here -- really! It's quite an accomplishment for someone who only knew the basics like e-mail and web surfing.

(I'm even in charge of the APLD Minnesota chapter website!)

Garden Items to Love

Trying to find quality garden items can be horrid. I'm sure you've searched and know what I mean.

Sifting through thousands of cheap-looking items, not knowing if anything will make it through Wisconsin winters (mostly not), and just getting frustrated -- that's why I offer products I believe in.

I still find products that are beautiful and 'new'. Often I wonder, "Why haven't I seen this before?" Little gems.

I'll tell you if it's a 'summer only' item. I'll tell you what software can do. I'll find those great pottery items that warm your heart each spring.

I also like to put links to quality websites. The ones with the excellent plant encyclopedias. The ones with gorgeous pictures to inspire.

So, here it is. The Art of Landscape Design. Garden love for those who love their gardens. Signature gardens. Special places.

I want to help you gather ideas for your garden space. Design your own garden or take your ideas to a garden designer. When you are searching for that perfect garden item, I hope you keep me in mind.

P.S. As of yet, I am not offering on-line design services. I truly believe that you can best design a garden when you experience the space.

When I design a garden, I take hundreds of notes and measurements. I photograph your home and views; I take soil samples. Satallite views of your site simply will not do.

I do offer garden design services in the Chippewa Valley (Wisconsin) and the surrounding area.

For a garden designer in your area, you might try your closest APLD chapter.