Business Details
26 Years
experience
Native Garden Design in Seattle
Piers 55/56 was founded to make site-specific, native plant landscape design accessible to Pacific Northwest homeowners. Since 2000, our team at Gustafson Guthrie Nichol has developed expertise in creating immersive gardens that connect residents to local ecology and cultural history. We specialize in transforming urban and suburban spaces through ecologically responsible practices, combining artistic vision with scientific precision. Our approach prioritizes habitat restoration, using native plants to attract pollinators and support biodiversity.We provide comprehensive services including site assessment, garden design, contractor coordination, and long-term maintenance oversight. Our design philosophy emphasizes dense planting and natural species combinations to minimize maintenance while maximizing beauty. With our two-year post-installation garden management program, we ensure the lasting success of every project. Our team brings decades of collective experience in landscape architecture, horticulture, and ecological restoration to every client engagement.
Services
Native Garden Design
Habitat Restoration
Eco-Friendly Landscaping
Garden Maintenance
Pollinator Habitat Creation
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We have over two decades of experience in native landscape design
- Our designs create immediate habitat for native pollinators
- We offer comprehensive garden care through the critical establishment period
- Our plant selections combine ecological value with seasonal beauty
- We minimize maintenance through strategic native plant combinations
Services
Native Garden Design
Our native garden design service creates immersive outdoor spaces using regionally appropriate plants. We combine artistic composition with ecological knowledge to develop gardens that support local biodiversity while requiring minimal maintenance. Each design addresses both aesthetic values and functional habitat needs.
Habitat Restoration
We restore degraded landscapes by reintroducing native plant communities that support pollinators and local wildlife. Our approach establishes ecological connections through strategically designed plant palettes that mimic natural patterns while meeting property owners' functional needs.
Garden Installation
Our installation service pairs clients with qualified landscape contractors who implement designs with precision. We coordinate contractor selection and oversee construction to ensure technical execution matches design intent while maintaining ecological integrity throughout the installation process.
Post-Installation Care
We provide two years of post-installation maintenance to establish new gardens. Our horticultural team monitors plant health, manages invasive species, and provides seasonal care to ensure the long-term success of your native landscape investment.
Ecological Consultation
Our consultation service helps property owners understand their site's ecological potential. We assess existing conditions, identify opportunities for habitat improvement, and provide guidance on maintaining ecological balance while achieving aesthetic goals.
People
Shannon Nichol
Co-Founder & Principal
Shannon Nichol is a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects with extensive experience in ecological design. She has received numerous awards including the ASLA National Landscape Architecture Firm Award and Cooper Hewitt National Design Award.
Tess Schiavone
Landscape Architect
Tess Schiavone leads Piers 55/56's garden design initiatives with expertise in native plant integration. She is a registered architect and LEED accredited professional specializing in residential landscape transformations.
Jennifer Guthrie
Principal
Jennifer Guthrie brings over 20 years of experience in landscape architecture and urban design. She focuses on connecting ecological principles with site-specific design solutions that create meaningful human experiences.
Rodrigo Abela
Senior Designer
Rodrigo Abela combines artistic vision with technical expertise in sustainable landscape solutions. He specializes in creating designs that balance ecological function with aesthetic composition across various project scales.
David Malda
Principal
David Malda leads complex urban design projects with a focus on ecological restoration. His work emphasizes the integration of natural systems into built environments to create resilient, beautiful landscapes.
Questions
What makes Meadowshop's approach unique?
We specialize in native plant gardens specifically adapted to Pacific Northwest ecosystems, combining ecological science with landscape design to create thriving, low-maintenance outdoor spaces.
Do you work with small urban lots?
Yes, we design gardens for properties ranging from small urban spaces to larger landscapes throughout Seattle and surrounding areas.
How long does the garden process take?
The initial design and installation process typically takes one year, followed by two years of post-installation care to ensure your garden's long-term success.
What is included in your maintenance program?
Our program includes regular visits for plant health monitoring, invasive species management, and seasonal maintenance to establish your garden during its critical early years.
Can I choose specific plants for my garden?
While we recommend native plant combinations based on your site conditions, we work collaboratively to incorporate your preferences within ecologically appropriate parameters.
How do I start the process?
Begin with an initial consultation to discuss your goals and property needs. Contact us to schedule your consultation and begin transforming your outdoor space.
