Ecologically Minded Landscape Design

At May Garden Design, we create soulful, sustainable landscapes that connect people to nature. Rooted in ecological principles and guided by a deep appreciation for natural beauty, our designs are tailored to enhance your outdoor space while nurturing the environment.

Our Services

Landscape Design & Installation

Transform your outdoor space into a functional, beautiful extension of your home.

Our landscape design and installation service takes your vision from concept to completion — blending creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainability. We begin with a detailed site assessment and design consultation to understand your lifestyle, soil conditions, sunlight patterns, and overall goals.

From there, we develop a custom plan featuring thoughtful plant selection and hardscaping elements that complement your space. Our expert installation team then brings the design to life with precision and care, ensuring every element thrives in harmony with its surroundings.

Sustainable Garden Consulting

Expert guidance to help your garden thrive — naturally and beautifully.
Our sustainable garden consulting service is designed for homeowners who already have a landscaper but want professional oversight to ensure their garden reaches its full potential.

We collaborate directly with you and your landscaping team to refine plant placement, guide proper pruning techniques, divide perennials, and integrate new plants seamlessly into your existing garden. By considering soil health, sunlight, and seasonal growth patterns, we make sure every plant is in its ideal location and that your landscape matures harmoniously over time.

The result is a balanced, sustainable garden that looks intentional, cohesive, and vibrant year-round.

Native Plant Landscaping

Celebrate local ecosystems with native plants that thrive naturally.
Our native plant landscaping service focuses on designing gardens that highlight the beauty and resilience of plants native to your region.

These species are perfectly adapted to local conditions, requiring less water, fewer chemicals, and minimal maintenance once established. We carefully curate plant selections that reflect your aesthetic preferences while supporting pollinators, birds, and local wildlife.

The result is a landscape that feels both intentional and deeply connected to its natural surroundings — a living space that evolves gracefully through the seasons.

About

Founder and Lead Designer

Jenny Rye

I’m a landscape designer with deep roots in the garden — quite literally. My connection to the land runs generations deep: all of my grandparents grew up on farms, and my mother is a master gardener. From an early age, I learned that tending the earth is both an art and an act of care — one that requires patience, curiosity, and respect for nature’s rhythms.

I studied horticulture and landscape design at the New York Botanical Garden, where I also earned a certificate in Sustainable Landscape Design. That formal education, combined with a lifetime spent in gardens, informs every project I take on. My approach blends design expertise with intuitive, hands-on understanding — creating spaces that are not only beautiful and functional, but also ecologically balanced and deeply personal.

At May Garden Design, I focus on sustainability, intentionality, and connection. Each garden is crafted to support both people and pollinators, grounding beauty in purpose. Whether you’re starting from scratch or reimagining an existing landscape, my goal is to help you create a garden that feels alive, rooted, and entirely your own — a place where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and feel at home in nature.

Why Choose Us

Deeply Personal, Not Formulaic

Many landscaping companies focus on fast turnarounds and templated designs.

At May Garden Design, every garden begins with you — your lifestyle, your space, your story.

We take the time to understand how you live and what you love, creating a landscape that feels like a natural extension of your home rather than a copy of someone else’s.

Rooted in Horticultural Expertise

With formal training from the New York Botanical Garden in both Horticulture and Sustainable Landscape Design, Jenny brings a depth of plant knowledge that ensures every choice — from soil to species — is intentional, practical, and suited to thrive in your environment.

Hands-On and Collaborative

We're not just designers behind a screen — We're on-site, guiding and collaborating with homeowners and their landscapers to make sure each plant is placed in the right spot, pruned correctly, and given the conditions it needs to flourish. This level of involvement sets our work apart and ensures lasting results.

Sustainable by Design

Every project is guided by sustainable principles that respect both people and pollinators. I prioritize native plants, water-conscious practices, and long-term ecological health — so your garden isn’t just beautiful, it’s regenerative.