Curated Design for Outdoor Living

Carmen Johnston Gardens | Georgia River Home Transformation

From overall aesthetics and curb appeal to meticulous design of outdoor living spaces and gardens, Georgia-based landscape designer Carmen Johnston and her team provide comprehensive installation for new construction and existing homes. When drawing up plans for clients, Carmen considers the whole picture, factoring in function for how each family will utilize their new space, as well as a long-term investment and potential phases—for example, grading space for a future pool or other design elements.

“Designing lush, beautiful spaces that engage the senses while also creating a backdrop for unforgettable family moments is my driving passion,” she says.

For this river home in Columbus, Georgia, Carmen and her team initially met with the clients in March 2020 to look at photos and design inspiration. Then, she spent several weeks focusing on an intentional, curated plan for their outdoor spaces, which included a stone terrace and fire pit area overlooking the water. After the final plan was nailed down, Carmen and her team completed phase one of the installation, including the fire pit terrace and total back yard makeover.

 
Pictures of what the property looked like before renovations

In August 2021, Carmen began installing a month-long phase two refresh at the home, implementing fresh design for the front exterior and porch, including a reconfigured driveway, gated entry and the addition of plants to create a lush, established feel.

“My goal is to weave timeless, classic, colorful designs into outdoor living spaces,” she says.

Ultimately, her aim is to extend livingspace into the landscape while creating anintegral relationship with a client’s home.

“These wonderful clients were so thankful they made the investment in their landscape and outdoor spaces because they spend nearly every weekend and all summer here, enjoying the gorgeous surroundings and making memories with their children,” Carmen says.

"They have so many options for entertaining,
& their home is now a place they can enjoy year-round."

While Carmen worked with these clients in person, it was not long after this install that the pandemic forced a change in her business plan. With families spending more time at home, many turned their attention to their outdoor spaces. While they wanted Carmen’s design expertise and instruction, it just wasn’t possible for her to travel all over the southeast at the time. So, she created Bespoke Garden Plans, a full-service remote landscape design that allows Carmen to work with clients anywhere in the country.

The process takes images and dimensions from the current property and inspiration photos from the client’s curated wish list. After meeting virtually via FaceTime or Zoom, Carmen collaborates with a network of landscape designers throughout the U.S. who specialize in detailed hand drawings and 3D renderings to deliver customized landscape plans tailored to each client’s needs.

“You don’t want a landscape plan that can be done in two days or a week,” Carmen says. “We take this very seriously, and we really think long and hard about what will work for each space. It’s important to invest in a solid landscape plan. Not only does it save money in the long run, but you also won’t be moving plants around or discovering that something doesn’t work in a particular location after the fact.

"These designs are truly customized
for every single client."

After completion, clients receive a full-scale color rendering of the plans, as well as a detailed planting schedule, botanical and common plant names, and quantity of plants needed—including the thought process behind the choices.

“Clients can opt to have a landscape professional install the plan all at once or in phases as their budgets allow,” Carmen explains. “We work with installers to make sure it’s done well and it’s done right. Clients can even DIY if they prefer. We’ve made mistakes and we know what works and what doesn’t. That’s why we believe in a truly collaborative process, and we’re going to hold their hands and make sure they have a beautifully bespoke design experience.”

About Carmen Johnston

Carmen Johnston and her team provide comprehensive landscape design and installation for new construction and existing homes. Over her 15-year career, her work has been featured in Southern Living, Country Living and on the Today Show. She is the outdoor living designer for the HGTV Smart Home.

Phone: (706) 284–1114
Email: carmen@carmenjohnstongardens.com 
Instagram: @CarmenJohnstonGardens
Facebook: @BespokeGardens
TikTok: @CarmenJohnstonGardens

www.carmenjohnstongardens.com 

www.bespokegardenplans.com