Good Gardens Begin w/ Chalie Howes
- Mar 30
- 4 min read
This months Feature Creative, Curator, and Craftsmen
As we move into spring, our focus naturally shifts outward. While our work at DeGianni Designs begins inside the home, the same principles apply beyond it.
Having a plan and building a strong foundation create spaces that feel cohesive and considered from the start.
That is why Chalie Howes felt like a natural fit for this feature. Her work supports homeowners in a way that mirrors our own.
Through her garden consultation service, she simplifies the process with a personalized approach that helps clients understand and design their outdoor spaces with clarity.
The result is a garden that feels intentional, sustainable, and aligned with how they live. For those spending more time outside this season, she is a valuable resource.
Foundation First
For Chalie, everything begins beneath the surface. “While looks are incredibly important and the key to successful design, soil health is the key to a flourishing garden.” She is clear in her approach.
“Poor soil equals poor plants, period.” No matter how visually appealing a plan may be, without a strong foundation the results will fall short.
“You could have the most stylistically pleasing plan, but if your soil is not at optimal health then you are just wasting your time and money.”
This mindset aligns closely with how we approach interiors. A well-planned foundation leads to a smoother, more successful outcome.
An Extension of Home
“I regularly reference a client’s outdoor space as an extension of their home.” By organizing outdoor areas into “rooms,” a sense of intention is created. The experience becomes more natural.
“We should be naturally led into a space rather than forced to accept a radical change.” When the aesthetic of the home carries outward, it creates integrity and cohesion. The result is a space that feels connected to how you already live.
Designing for Longevity
When it comes to creating a garden that lasts, Chalie keeps it simple.
“Natives.” She emphasizes the importance of working with your environment.
“We are so blessed to live in a growing zone that accommodates a plethora of choices, however a climate conscious gardener is a smart gardener.”
Native and naturalized plants support pollinators and local wildlife. They require less water. Less maintenance. More ease. “I like to aim for a 50% native or naturalized selection in my plans.” She also notes that native does not mean limiting. “Some of my favourites are Red Flowering Currant, Mock Orange and Red Osier Dogwood.”
Her guidance is direct. “Please, please, please do not plant anything invasive, no matter how pretty it is.”
Where Things Go Wrong
Chalie sees a few consistent patterns when it comes to common mistakes.
“The three most common mistakes I see are plants that have outgrown a space, plants that have never received a proper prune and probably the most common is a singular season garden.”
The excitement of a new season can lead to quick decisions. “I know it is super exciting to walk into a garden centre with the promise of a new season and purchase everything in sight.” But without a plan, it often leads to overbuying and mismatched selections.
Her advice is to slow the process down. “I always recommend homeowners do a proper plant and maintenance plan before heading to the garden centre.” Visit throughout the year.
Observe what draws you in. “See what inspires you in different seasons.”
If the urge to buy is strong, she offers a simple solution. “Take home some annuals. It will give you the quick fix you need without costing too much.”
Start Simply
For those feeling overwhelmed, Chalie brings a sense of ease.
“Take a deep breath.” There is no need to know everything at once. Start with inspiration. “Pick up a few garden magazines and watch Monte Don’s Gardeners' World.”
Make it enjoyable. “Take that stroll through the garden centre. Maybe make it a date night or a fun outing with friends.” Break the process into stages and/or "rooms" keeps it manageable.
“If pests are enemy #1, then burnout is a close second.” Her advice is to take on only what you can sustain, build slowly, and learn as you go.
And when you are ready, she leaves the door open. “Give me a call. I love helping others find their style and take the guess work out of a good garden design.”
Why We Value Designers Like Chalie Howes
She brings structure to what can feel overwhelming. She connects planning with feeling. She helps homeowners create outdoor spaces that are thoughtful, cohesive, and lasting.
Spaces that support how you live. Inside and out.
Connect w/ Chalie
Her Garden Consultation service simplifies gardening with a personalized approach to help you understand and design your garden. With this expert help, you can enjoy beautiful and sustainable results by choosing the best plants for your space.
Visit her website to learn more about her garden consultation services.
Or connect with her via socials @howsclere_gardens
A Note on Curation
Art and décor curation is part of how we support our clients. The same thinking extends outdoors. It is not about filling a space. It is about building it with care over time. Working with people who share that approach is what allows a home to feel complete.
We created this series to introduce the people we trust and work alongside. The creatives, curators, and craftsmen who help shape our projects behind the scenes. When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a design studio. You’re gaining access to a thoughtful network that adds depth, care, and intention at every stage.
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