From a childhood spent tending his grandfather’s garden to a career in landscape design, Peter Falkner of Falkner Gardens has dedicated himself to creating beautiful, usable landscape for hundreds of clients. We chatted with Peter about all things landscape.
Do you have a favorite project you’ve completed?
One of my favorites was for a family member outside of Atlanta. It’s a very unique, really beautiful pool, outdoor kitchen and dining terrace in a beautiful setting on a small farm. The project flows so well and fits the family so well. The bricks that line the courtyard are from an old general store that was across the street. The family uses it like we built it—to entertain, relax and enjoy. It was fun to see the project come to life.
What does your dream project look like?
We just completed a project on a home built in the 1920s. The new owner has four daughters and they envisioned having parties and weddings at the home. We kept it true to the ’20s style and helped bring that design to life with the pool, courtyard and different features. It’s not just work to make it look beautiful, they really wanted to make it a special place.
Where do you draw inspiration?
I’m a visual person and always have been. I could be anywhere and see something inspiring. A trip, a walk, bike ride—it will ignite something inside of me to use that idea somewhere. Walking and riding your bike is a slower way to take in your surroundings, so for visual people, that is important. The roads we ride on have some really beautiful houses, so it’s fun to ride bikes and notice those types of things. Slow down and take in your surroundings.
What does the process of a new project look like from beginning to end?
Someone will call, and we will meet and try to learn what they want to accomplish. What is the end goal? We will have a master plan and implement that a year at a time. Once we finish the designs, we will meet and talk about the cost of different phases. Once the project is started, we will pick out features like pots, benches and lighting. We are with them the whole way. You don’t just see me once; I’m there through it all.
What are your favorite plants to use in landscape design?
Boxwoods. Whether they’re in a hedge or potted, boxwoods are classic and timeless and can look great in a traditional or contemporary home.
What is your favorite material to work with in addition to greenery?
Natural stone, whether that is Pennsylvania blue stone, sandstone or reclaimed bricks. Do you have any tips for those who might just be getting into DIY gardening or landscaping? Try to focus on one area at a time and finish that area. Even if you have to clean everything out or go back to replant, do one space really well before you move onto the next one.
What is the best way to landscape for year-round beauty?
Using containers and pots. You can change those out as much as you want to. Even if everything else is dormant, you can have a really vibrant pot that can warm the space up and make it feel alive.
What tips would you pass along to homeowners wanting to update a smaller outdoor area?
Adding pots or a fountain and freshening up your furniture can have a tremendous impact. You don’t notice that the stone or pavers might be older if everything else looks great.
What are some other common problems someone can run into when landscaping, and what is your best advice to combat that?
The biggest problem I see is that people have trouble watering. You have to run the water a lot to get the
plants established.
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