From a childhood spent tending to 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 and we can’t wait to introduce you! 

Thank you so much for talking with us! Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. My wife and I love to spend time outdoors entertaining our friends and family (pre-Covid) and our two boys so the job fits my lifestyle well. 

You were born and raised in Alabama and you still work in the south. How does your experience growing up in this area guide your landscape designs?

Knowing the area really guides my design. It’s very hot here so designing spaces that are useful matters. Winters are cold but not that cold so an outdoor fireplace and entertaining space can be used through the seasons. Pools and large fountains are so popular because it gets so hot in Alabama that people love to cool off. Even something as small as a stock tank can be the perfect place to keep cool.

You design AND build landscapes for your clients. How does that experience differ from a typical landscape designer? 

A lot of people just create the design. The experience I have growing up working on my grandparent’s farm and participating in their excavating business really gives me an edge. The artistry of gardening was learned from my grandmother. I like that connection. Sometimes there is a disconnect in landscapes when you have an architect and an installer. It loses fluidity. I love both sides of it, which not everybody does. 

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 and 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 the home 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 I 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 extract 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, if you 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, 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.

Do you have any advice for someone who is looking to begin their own landscaping business? What do you know now that you wish you would have known when you first began?

When you are new on the scene and you are coming into an established community, don’t let big businesses intimidate you. Being small can be a great thing. We build solutions that competitors or more experienced businesses can’t do. Put yourself out there! I think that is what scares people the most. I started my business when I was in my early 20’s. You can do it!

How has the garden & landscape industry changed since first began your practice?

There have been changes in styles, just like interior design or architecture. I see less layers and colors in the landscape. More clean lines and neutrals. 

What was the best advice your grandparents ever gave you, in regards to landscaping or life in general? 

It can cost a lot to do something the right way but if you do it right the first time, you don’t have to pay to fix it in the future. My grandmother taught me to be artistic and to never do anything halfway.

Just as your grandparents passed on information to you, what family knowledge or traditions do you hope to pass onto your boys someday?

If you say you’re going to do something, you do it! Do it once and do it the right way. Slow down and take things in. It’s something I want all of us to do. Slow down and take it in and let those great ideas come to you.

RAPID FIRE

For more amazing work from Falkner Gardens, visit their website and give them a follow on Instagram. You’ll be obsessed with their amazing creations, just like we are! For more industry inspiration, revisit some of our favorite features. Inspired to transform our outdoor space? Shop our outdoor collection!

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