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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

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 8th grade and decided it would be my career path. My mom had flower gardens and my parents tended two veggie gardens.

I spent time playing in my mom’s flower gardens

Longwood Gardens – nursery intern, Bailey Nurseries – inventory, Stoneridge Golf Club – gardnener then I found my ‘home’ at Field.

I had tried many aspects of the horticulture industry, including greenhouse growing / propagation but I wanted to join Field and their maintenance division. I eventually ran the maintenance division for eight years.

I saw the website, saw the group photo, and wanted to be in that ‘family.’

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 perennial-forward designs and coming up with fun, new combinations with clients who are incredibly excited about their landscapes as I am.

Memorable Projects

Favorite Project Type

Bright, resilient perennials that take full advantage of the sun to create a visually striking and dynamic landscape.

A Standout Moment

The Mac-Groveland raingarden project, for which I won a PPA Award of Merit. My heart always sings when I see it in person (it sang even before it won an award).

img Outside of Field

My family and I camp just about every other weekend in the summer. I love going for hikes and identifying plants in the woods.