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Carolyn Johnson

Landcape Designer

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Years With Field 17 years
Industry Experience 25 years
Credentials

BS in Horticulture from Iowa State University
MNLA Certified Professional
PPA Award of Merit Winner
Member of Perennial Plant Association

img Personal Picks

Favorite Plant
Redbud and Calamintha nepeta ssp nepeta

Outdoor Feature
A firepit is where friends and family can gather, tell stories, and roast marshmallows.

Favorite Place
Tettegouche State Park and Gooseberry Falls State Park

I want clients to feel proud of their space and excited to spend time outside. The finished landscape should feel beautiful, functional, and uniquely theirs.

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In my role as a landscape designer, I focus on creating planting plans and yard layouts that are both beautiful and functional. Much of my work centers on perennial design – layering plants for seasonal interest, texture, and long term success in the landscape.

I also think carefully about how the overall yard is organized, designing spaces that flow well, and support how homeowners use their outdoor areas. The goal is to create landscapes that feel cohesive, natural, and enjoyable throughout the seasons.

img Background & Journey

I fell in love with horticulture in the 8th grade, inspired by the time I spent playing in my mother’s flower garden and watching my parents tend their vegetable plots.  This early connection to plants turned into a lifelong career path.  Over the years, I held many diverse roles in the industry, from a nursery internship at Longwood Gardens to inventory management at Bailey Nurseries, to gardener at Stoneridge Golf Club.  After exploring the many facets of the horticulture field, I felt a strong pull towards the design and maintenance world.  

When I came across the website for Field Outdoor Spaces and saw the group photo, I knew I wanted to be part of that family.  My first position at Field was on a garden maintenance crew.  I went on to lead and manage that division for eight years before moving into my current role as a designer.  

My Approach

“My philosophy is to work closely with homeowners to understand their vision, lifestyle, and priorities. I focus on creating outdoor spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and easy to enjoy. By combining thoughtful design with clear communication, I aim to make the process smooth and the finished landscape a space they love for years to come.”

Expertise

I love creating perennial-forward designs and collaborating on fresh, new combinations with clients who share my enthusiasm for their landscapes.  My focus is on using resilient perennials that take full advantage of the sun to create visually striking and dynamic spaces.

Memorable Projects

A Standout Moment

My most memorable project is the Mac-Groveland Raingarden Project, which received a 2025 Perennial Plant Association Award of Merit.  The homeowner contracted with Field to design and install an ecological landscape that would be an example to the neighborhood of all that could be done to preserve storm water, offer pollinator and bird habitat, minimize lawn, have a spot for veggie production AND be stunningly beautiful. I’m incredibly proud of how this project turned out.  It always makes my heart sing when I see it in person!  (It sang even before it won an award.)

img Outside of Field

Outside of work, I spend many of my summer weekends camping with my husband, two sons, and our dog Max.  I love going out for a hike and practicing my plant ID skills in the woods.