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Resources & Guides

This library includes free guides and curated links to trusted references I use in professional practice. You’ll find Field Guides on planting design, site intelligence, ecology, and garden structure, along with Project Fit Guides and Seasonal Stewardship Guides designed to support clear, confident decisions.

These resources reflect the same approach I bring to every project in the Philadelphia tri-state region of NJ, PA, and DE: plant-forward, nature-inspired gardens and landscapes shaped by ecological intelligence and quietly integrated hardscaping, built to mature beautifully over time.

Access: Free guides are unlocked on this site after a brief registration to confirm your email and reduce spam.

If you are planning a garden or landscape redesign in NJ, PA, or DE, start here for practical guidance on planting, drainage, seasonal stewardship, and long-term performance, written for real site conditions, not generic dates.

Some entries are marked “Forthcoming” and are not yet available. New resources and downloads are added as they are completed.

Guide Library

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Guides: Field Guides (3)

 (Registration required)

Studio field guides on planting design, site intelligence, ecology, and garden structure, delivered by email after a brief form.

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Guides: Project Fit Guides (4)

 (Registration required)

Clear guides on scope, timing, and investment, designed to confirm fit and choose the right starting point before we speak, delivered by email after a brief form.

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Guides: Seasonal Stewardship Guides (3)  (Registration required)

Field-tested seasonal checklists that protect habitat value while keeping gardens clean, legible, and refined, delivered by email after a brief form.

Resources 

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Plant Resources

A list of different resources for plants and organizations.

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Public Gardens & Arboretums

This is a list of different public gardens in the Philadelphia Tri-State region and others of note.

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Native Plant Information

This is a list of native plant resources and pollinator finder.

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Invasive Plant Information

This is a list of invasive plant information and resources.

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Plant & Animal ID Resources

This is a list of resources for plant and animal identification.

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Wildlife Rescue Centers

Wildlife first aid, rescue centers, and information.

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Recommended Books

Here is a list of a few of the books that I have in my library with links to where to buy them.

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Ecological Resources

This is a list of ecological resources.

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Amaryllis Care

Information on growing and caring for amaryllis's.

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Stephen Coan - Artist

Stephen Coan has been a lifelong artist trained at the Philadelphia College of Art - BFA, in addition to being trained by Longwood Gardens in Landscape Design and Ornamental Horticulture levels 1 & 2. He has had many one-person and group shows and is in many permanent collections. His book is available in a limited edition printing run and the individual prints are available as archival pigment prints in very limited editions.

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Forthcoming

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Drainage and Stormwater Resources (Forthcoming)

A curated list of references for runoff, grading, rain gardens, and practical residential drainage strategy.

Forthcoming

Forthcoming

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Soil Building and Mulch Alternatives (Forthcoming)

References on leaf litter, compost, living mulch, and building soil health without defaulting to hardwood mulch.

Forthcoming

Forthcoming

Ready to Discuss Your Site?

If you’d like a clear starting point, begin with a brief application. If we’re aligned, I’ll reach out to schedule a complimentary Project Fit Call.

Stephen Coan Garden Design  
Nature Inspired Gardens & Landscapes

267.251.5855

info@coandesign.com

Garden & Landscape Design, Consulting,

& Installations, Residential, Commercial,

Institutional, & Public Gardens

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BEST OF HOUZZ 2018 for service in garden and landscape design and installation
BEST OF HOUZZ 2025 for service in garden and landscape design and installation
BEST OF HOUZZ 2019 for service in garden and landscape design and installation
BEST OF HOUZZ 2020 for service in garden and landscape design and installation
BEST OF HOUZZ 2025 for service in garden and landscape design and installation
BEST OF HOUZZ 2026 for service in garden and landscape design and installation

Certified by Longwood Gardens in:

Landscape Design &

Ornamental Horticulture Levels 1, 2, & 3

NJHIC# 13VH08688500 

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All contents of this website © Stephen Coan 2026 / All Rights Reserved.

Stephen Coan Garden Design provides high-end landscape design and garden installation services throughout Southern and Middle New Jersey, as well as the Philadelphia tri-state region. We frequently collaborate with residential clients across Collingswood, Haddonfield, Haddon Township, Haddon Heights, Moorestown, Cherry Hill, Medford, Voorhees, Marlton, Mount Laurel, Riverton, Cinnaminson, Princeton, Philadelphia, the Main Line including Gladwyne, Bryn Mawr, and Villanova, and the greater Delaware Valley.

Select civic, institutional, and public-facing garden spaces are also considered throughout South Jersey and the Philadelphia region.

A limited number of destination commissions are considered each year by invitation, including private gardens, estates, cultural landscapes, public-facing garden spaces, and specialty horticultural projects in North America and Europe.

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