We’re excited to highlight one of our amazing team members, Alex Johnson!
Alex Johnson
Title: Landscape Designer
Years with Sargent’s: 9
Years in the Landscape Design Field: 5
Education: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design – University of Minnesota Twin Cities
What inspired you to pursue a career in landscape design?
“My passion for the outdoors and architecture inspired my career. When I realized that I could combine both areas into a job, I knew landscape design was the career I wanted to pursue. From an early age I’ve always loved doing yard work (Mowing, weeding, planting, etc.) as well as helping my grandpa on his farm with the fruit and vegetables he sold at the farmer’s market.”
Share something unique about you that few people know?
“A fun fact not many people may know about me is that I have a twin sister.“
Do you have a favorite plant, tree, or material to work with?
“This is a hard question to answer for someone who is a plant nerd. But, I do have a select few plants that I use quite often. For sun loving perennials I enjoy varieties of Ornamental Allium and Russian Sage ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ and for shade loving perennials I like to use Cimicifuga and Pulmonaria. My favorite trees to work with include Bur Oak, Common Hackberry, and Norway Spruce.”
Can you share a project you’re especially proud of/enjoyed doing and why?
“One project I am especially proud of is a backyard renovation we completed this past summer. What used to be a three-tiered deck and deteriorated timber wall along the back of the home, turned into a single level patio with a brand-new retaining wall. Stepping down into the patio space from the home backed by the woods behind creates an intimate space that the customer can enjoy with friends and family. Complimented by shade tolerant plants to bring color and texture against the hardscape and woods behind. I give special thanks to all the crew who helped on this project and their skills to make this transformation happen.”
Do you have a garden or outdoor space at home and what’s it like?
“I recently moved into a new home this past year in late summer, and it is a relatively open canvas for me to design. Some of my goals to transform this space include installing a new firepit seating area and pergola, Redefine the landscape beds, install more trees, and the thing I’m most excited about it to experiment with more native shrubs and perennials that will provide habitat and food for birds and other wildlife. Notable plants include the American Bladdernut which has interesting seed heads, Leatherwood (Dirca palustris), and Virgin’s Bower (Native Clematis). I am also a big fan of different textures, so I do plan on using a variety of grasses, evergreens and other perennials to achieve this look.”
What's your favorite part about designing outdoor spaces?
“I love being able to transform someone’s yard into a place that they enjoy spending time in. Whether it is creating a patio area for entertaining, cut flower and vegetable gardens, or creating their own urban paradise. Seeing the customers’ excitement as we transform their space into their dream garden is what makes me love what I do.”
What landscape trends do you love right now?
“Some trends I love to see right now are the use of more natives being planted in the landscape. Whether it’s a native tree, shrub or perennial they have lots to give back into our landscapes with habitat, food source and overall beauty. One thing I do advise clients is just because its native doesn’t mean they are less work than an ornamental variety.”
What advice would you share with someone looking to start a landscape project?
“Some advice I would share would be to first take a site analysis of your property. What’s currently there; do you want to keep or remove anything? Is it classified as an invasive species? And take note of sunlight around the home, dry or wet areas, soil type (is it rocky, clay or topsoil). This first initial analysis will help you set up your project for success. But, also note that gardens are always evolving, whether it’s due to sunlight, environmental factors or plant lifespan; and that’s okay too. It can allow space for new plants you’ve always wanted to try.”
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