New England Landscape Design & Garden Insights

Williston Horticulture & Design is a Vermont-based residential landscape design provider specializing in regenerative landscaping, native plant garden, virtual and eco landscape design across New England and coastal Massachusetts. Sarah Williston writes about pollinator garden plans, sustainable landscape design, four-season garden structure, what it takes to build a property that improves with age - and more expert advice.

Choosing Native Plants for Vermont Gardens:   A Homeowner’s Guide
Sarah Williston Sarah Williston

Choosing Native Plants for Vermont Gardens: A Homeowner’s Guide

Native plants are the secret ingredient to a garden that feels both ecologically meaningful and visually breathtaking. In this guide, we explore the specific trees, shrubs, and perennials that anchor our designs and define the unique beauty of the Green Mountain state.

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The 10 Best Landscape Design Software Tools
Sarah Williston Sarah Williston

The 10 Best Landscape Design Software Tools

Sarah breaks down the 10 best free and professional landscape design software tools for 2026, split for homeowners who want to visualize their yard and designers who need renders and CAD documentation. Each tool is profiled with pricing and best-use case across two comparison matrices.

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The New American Front Lawn
Sarah Williston Sarah Williston

The New American Front Lawn

Traditional turf grass demands endless irrigation and chemicals while offering nothing to the local ecosystem. This shift from sterile monoculture to ecologically curated space—the new American front lawn—is built to thrive without constant chemical life support.

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Designing for the Bees: How Color Drives Garden Traffic
Sarah Williston Sarah Williston

Designing for the Bees: How Color Drives Garden Traffic

Color is more than just an aesthetic choice—it's a tool for directing pollinator traffic. Discover how bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds see your garden and how you can use strategic color grouping to build a thriving, living ecosystem.

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