We’re excited to highlight one of our amazing team members, Brian Newell!
Brian Newell
Title: Landscape Designer
Years with Sargent’s: 22 total (13 consecutive years)
Years in the Landscape Design Field: 26
Education: Bachelor of Science in Horiticulture – University of Wisconsin-River Falls
What inspired you to pursue a career in landscape design?
“I was working as a foreman on one of the landscape crews when a landscape designer position came open. I haven’t looked back since. I love my job; I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
What’s your favorite part of designing outdoor spaces?
“The variety of the jobs. We could be planting trees, installing hardscapes (patio, retaining wall, etc.), working on a full yard landscape on a new construction or removing existing landscaping in order to give the property a fresh look. This variety makes the job fun and rewarding.”
What's a project you’re especially proud of or enjoyed doing and why?
“There are so many projects I can think of for this question. A recent one was working with a homeowner to do a complete upgrade of the landscaping. This included removal of overgrown plants, dead trees and weeds throughout the landscape. We installed the first phase of the project with new plants, edging and mulch. The next phase will involve some native plantings along with stone steps on a hillside with mature oak trees.”
What’s a fun fact about you that not many people know?
“If I wasn’t in the landscaping/landscape design field, I wanted to be an undercover agent.”
What advice would you share with someone looking to start a landscape project at their home?
“Do you have an idea of what you want the landscape to look like? Favorite plants? Photos of completed landscape jobs? Make sure to give your input in to what you want your yard to look like when it’s done. If you ask “Brian, what would you do if it was your yard”, I rely on my past experience to come up with ideas for you.”
Do you have a favorite plant, tree, or material to work with?
“Being in this profession for so long, I have a lot of plants, trees and materials that I love to work with. Saying that, oak trees and natural stone are my favorites.”
Image from one of Brian’s designs in 2024, in Oronoco, MN
What challenges do you face as a landscape designer and how have/do you overcome them?
“Some of the challenges we face are deer/rabbit pressure on plants, soil conditions, sun vs. shade plants, etc. Not every homeowner (very few actually) has a spot where deer or rabbits won’t eat their plants. There is perfect soil and just the right amount of sun for the plants to grow. We can come up with solutions to help overcome most challenges.”
How do you approach creating a design that fits a client’s vision and lifestyle?
“I like to walk around the property with the client to get their ideas and vision. While doing that, I will give them some of my ideas and advice so they have options. This helps us both arrive at final plan/design that will fit their lifestyle.”
What landscape trends do you love right now?
“Pollinator gardens. These are a great way to benefit bees, butterflies, etc.
Outdoor spaces for entertainment. This could include fire pits, patios, outdoor kitchens, etc.
I still love the trend of planting trees (remember, the best time to plant a tree is 10 years ago).”
Do you have a garden or outdoor space at home and what’s it like?
“Three years ago, my wife and I moved from a typical city lot to a 1 acre lot just outside of Rochester. With help from our landscape crews, I am able to design and install the landscape I’ve always wanted. We have about 2 more years left before it will be completely done, but here are some photos of what’s currently done.”
Anything else you’d like to share:
“When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time in my yard. When winter hits and I can’t do that, my wife and I love to travel to warm places (Jamaica, Mexico, Dominican Republic) with friends and family.”
Recent Blog Posts
