Hi, I’m Thomas Wheaton.

I’m a freelance garden designer working with private clients in the Narragansett Bay and Metropolitan Boston areas. I specialize in sustainable, ecological planting and the design of outdoor spaces that are both elegant and highly functional — from contemporary terraces and courtyards to naturalistic gardens and coastal landscapes.

I trained at the UK-based Garden Design School, where I graduated with distinction in 2012, studying landscape and planting design under leading British designers. I’m a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) and the Ecological Landscape Alliance.

My work is driven by a belief that gardens should feel inviting, personal, and quietly restorative — spaces that support both people and the natural world.

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My Approach

“In essence, I design landscapes that are beautiful, functional, and deeply connected to their environment.”

My approach is both creative and technical, combining contemporary design thinking with a detailed understanding of how landscapes function.

Design Foundations

Every project begins with listening – to you, and to the site itself. I study light, soil, drainage, microclimates, and existing vegetation before any design decisions are made. From there, I develop thoughtful concepts that integrate hardscape, planting, and circulation into a harmonious whole.

Lasting impact

I put great effort into ensuring that my designs are not only stylish and elegant, but also practical, buildable, and enduring. Plant choices are always site-specific, favoring resilient species that promote biodiversity, reduce long-term maintenance, and support ecological balance.

See below to find out more details about the design process

  • The process begins with a conversation about your garden and your goals. We may start with a simple introductory meeting to discuss the scope of the project, or with an on-site consultation where I walk the property with you and share initial ideas. This first step helps clarify priorities and possibilities, and establishes a thoughtful foundation for the design work that follows.

  • The client brief brings together the ideas, preferences, and practical needs that guide the design. Through our conversations, I develop an understanding of how you want to use the garden, including your favorite colors, design preferences, and the atmosphere you hope to create. Practical requirements — such as improved access, privacy screening, or challenging site conditions — are considered alongside aesthetic goals to ensure the design feels personal and well resolved.

  • A successful garden begins with a careful understanding of the site. I document existing features, take accurate measurements, and analyze conditions such as light, soil, drainage, topography, and existing vegetation. This information is essential for producing reliable scale drawings and making sound design decisions. When professional survey drawings or site analyses are already available and still relevant — as is often the case with newly constructed homes — using them can help save time and expense.

  • Using the information gathered in the brief and site analysis, I develop an initial design concept that establishes the overall structure and character of the garden. This scaled drawing explores the relationships between spaces, circulation, planting areas, and built elements. The concept design is presented for discussion and refinement, allowing your feedback to guide the evolution of the design.

  • The outline plan develops the concept design into a clear and resolved layout. Materials, spatial relationships, and key features are refined so the design can be easily understood and evaluated. This stage brings greater definition and clarity while maintaining flexibility for adjustments, and typically includes one or more in-person meetings to review progress and refine the design together. Areas for planting are identified, establishing the framework for the detailed planting design that follows.

  • The planting plan defines the living structure of the garden. Plant selections are based on both the design concept and your personal preferences, while responding carefully to site conditions and long-term sustainability. The plan specifies the exact locations, quantities, and spacing of trees, shrubs, and perennials, including individual specimens and planted groups where appropriate.

  • Final drawings and documents bring the design together into a complete set of contractor-ready plans. These detailed, hand-drafted drawings communicate the layout, dimensions, and planting specifications needed for accurate installation. Multiple copies are provided — typically one for your records and additional sets for contractors to prepare estimates and carry out the work. Clear, carefully prepared documentation helps ensure the finished garden reflects the design intent.