Garden & Landscape Design, Consulting, & Installations

Nature Inspired Gardens & Landscapes   

Residential, Commercial, Institutional, & Public Gardens

267.251.5855 

Stephen Coan Garden Design 

Exquisite Gardens. Timeless Elegance. Your Sanctuary Awaits.

Step into a landscape designed exclusively for you. Every garden & landscape is a living work of art, blending beauty, sustainability, and refined outdoor living. Curated plants, pollinator-friendly habitats, and bespoke hardscapes create a private sanctuary that elevates your lifestyle.

Begin your transformation today. Call 267.251.5855 to schedule your consultation

The Services of Stephen Coan Garden Design: 

Stephen Coan partners with discerning, high-end clientele who seek more than a garden -they seek an extraordinary landscape experience. For those frustrated by the scarcity of horticulturally knowledgeable designers, Stephen transforms properties into lush, sustainable, and captivating environments that nurture life: attracting butterflies, birds, and other pollinators while providing timeless beauty and effortless elegance.

Every project is a bespoke transformation: high-maintenance, costly lawns evolve into layered, thoughtfully composed, low-maintenance gardens and landscapes that celebrate biodiversity and seasonality. Through meticulous plant selection, immersive design compositions, and integrated architectural elements, Stephen creates garden havens that invite people to connect deeply with nature, their surroundings, and the rhythm of the seasons.

Our Services Include:

• Garden & Landscape Design and Consulting - bespoke solutions for every property.

• Master Plans, Landscape Plans, Construction Documents, Garden Plans, Planting Plans -strategic, detailed, and visionary.

• Garden Installation - plants installed according to our highest standards.

• Hardscape Design - patios, walkways, porches, decks, arbors, pergolas, gazebos, sheds, and more.

• Garden, Landscape & Outdoor Living Design, Consulting, and Plant Installation - seamless integration of beauty and function.

• Garden Coaching - Private Green & Environmentally Friendly Garden Instruction, Consulting, and Lecturing - tailored education for the passionate gardener.

• Certified Wildlife Habitat & Pollinator Gardens - cultivating ecosystems that flourish naturally.

• Organic, Sustainable, and Eco-Conscious Landscape Practices - environmentally responsible yet luxurious.

• Butterfly, Pollinator & Bird-Attracting Gardens - enhancing biodiversity and sensory delight.

• Ponds, Water Features & Rain Gardens - serene, functional, and artful.

• Stormwater Management & Drainage Solutions - thoughtful, effective, and beautiful.

• Contemplation & Mindful Gardens - spaces designed for reflection and peace.

• Planter Design & Land Art - sculptural, elegant, and site-specific.

• Labyrinths & Custom Landforming - transforming landscapes into experiential journeys.

• Custom Stone, Wood & Metal Works - fences, arbors, benches, sheds, mobiles, sculptures, and more.

• Access to a Network of Fine Artists - from sculpture to mosaics, integrated seamlessly into your landscape.

• Contractor Search & Project Installation Consulting - ensuring your vision is realized with precision.

• Wildlife Habitat Creation - fostering harmony with nature.

• Landscape Lighting Design & Installation - highlighting your garden’s beauty day and night.

Experience a garden that captivates the senses, supports life, and transforms your property into a lasting sanctuary.

Schedule Your Consultation: Call 267.251.5855 to begin your journey toward a bespoke, nature-inspired landscape.

Secure Your Design Consultation

By Appointment Only

Stephen Coan     
Stephen Coan Garden Design  
Nature Inspired Gardens & Landscapes
267.251.5855

Garden & Landscape Design, Consulting, & Installations

Residential, Commercial, Institutional, & Public Gardens

NJHIC# 13VH08688500 

           

Stephen Coan Garden Design

Project Availability & Seasonal Openings

For Those Who Understand That a Garden Is More Than a Place, It Is a Living Story, Waiting to Be Written.

Only a handful of landscapes each year are invited to move through the Coan Method™, a deeply immersive design, consultation, and installation process that weaves ecology, artistry, and the quiet intelligence of place into a single, living composition.

Because of this, my schedule fills years in advance. Below is the current availability for discerning Clientèle seeking consideration.

Seasons Spoken For

2022 - Fully Booked

A year wholly dedicated to long-form ecological works and private estate transformations.

2023 - Fully Booked

Reserved for clients seeking deeply intentional, habitat-supporting, multi-layered landscapes.

2024 - Fully Booked

An entire season of bespoke gardens shaped through horticultural precision and hand-placed artistry.

2025 - Fully Booked

Committed to a select circle of clients whose projects required rare botanical nuance, ecological engineering, and multi-phase design mastery.

2026 - Limited Openings

Currently Half Reserved

Half of the 2026 season has already been claimed by clients who secured their place early to ensure entry into the design queue. The remaining openings are extremely limited. Once filled, inquiries will transition to a waitlist or to future-season reservation.

If your property is calling for transformation, if you’re ready for a landscape that feels alive, layered, and meaningful, this is the moment to begin.

Looking Ahead: 2027 Early Reservations

Even as 2026 continues to fill, a select number of discerning clients have already secured advance reservations for 2027. These early bookings are typically held for estate-scale gardens, phased ecological rebuilds, or long-duration Coan Method™ projects requiring early conceptual groundwork.

Only a very limited number of 2027 openings will be released. Additional inquiries may be waitlisted for later phases.

If your vision spans years, or if you prefer to secure your place well in advance, this is the ideal time to initiate the conversation.

Begin the Conversation

A brief exchange to determine whether your project aligns with the depth, intention, and ecological philosophy of a Coan-designed garden.

Call or Text: 267-251-5855 Request a Private Ask-the-Expert Call

A Quiet Note:

I accept only a limited number of projects each year, gardens that deserve patience, precision, and a sense of wonder. If your aspirations echo this philosophy, I invite you to reach out.

Secure Your Design Consultation

By Appointment Only

Stephen Coan      
Stephen Coan Garden Design   
Nature Inspired Gardens & Landscapes 
267.251.5855

Garden & Landscape Design, Consulting, & Installations

Residential, Commercial, Institutional, & Public Gardens

NJHIC# 13VH08688500

Consulting & Garden Coaching:

Expert Guidance for Habitat, Naturalistic, and Nature-Inspired Gardens

Consulting & Garden Coaching with Stephen Coan is a focused, expert-led service for homeowners who want to refine, elevate, and understand their gardens - whether inherited, newly purchased, or in need of direction. This stand-alone service helps you strengthen or create habitat gardens, naturalistic plantings, and nature-inspired landscapes that actively support birds, butterflies, and pollinators throughout the seasons.

A Premium Service for Any Garden - No Coan Installation Required

Garden Coaching is perfect for clients who want professional insight without committing to a full redesign. Your session provides clear, strategic guidance to help you:

• Improve habitat value and pollinator support

• Strengthen naturalistic structure, flow, and seasonal interest

• Solve problem areas, overcrowding, or lack of clarity

• Make smart decisions before investing in larger updates

• Enhance your landscape’s ecological performance

• Begin creating or upgrading a certified habitat garden or certified pollinator garden

This is expert interpretation and direction - not routine maintenance advice.

Guidance Informed by The Coan Method™

Your coaching session applies the core ecological and design principles of The Coan Method™, including:

• Evaluating plant layers and overall structural balance

• Improving seasonal sequencing and bloom progression

• Enhancing ecological function, movement, and visual harmony

• Recommending native and beneficial species that support wildlife

• Assessing soil, water, and microclimate conditions for better performance

These insights help your landscape evolve with clarity and intention.

Your Garden Coaching Session May Include:

• Selective editing recommendations - what to move, divide, or remove

• Strategies to attract and support pollinators & birds

• Plant and placement suggestions to strengthen structure and habitat value

• Seasonal stewardship guidance for naturalistic plantings

• Coaching for certification programs, including:

  • Certified Wildlife Habitat®

  • Certified Pollinator Garden

  • Bird-friendly habitat programs

  • Bee-friendly & Xerces-aligned garden criteria

• Actionable next steps tailored to your garden and goals

You receive a clear, professional roadmap to elevate your garden’s beauty, performance, and ecological impact.

Book Your Garden Coaching Session

If you're ready to refine your landscape, enhance its ecological richness, and move toward a certified habitat or pollinator garden, the next step is simple:

Call 267.251.5855 to schedule your paid Garden Coaching session and begin transforming your garden into a thriving, nature-supporting sanctuary.

Schedule Your Journey

By Appointment only

Stephen Coan    
Stephen Coan Garden Design  
Nature Inspired Gardens & Landscapes  

267.251.5855 

Garden & Landscape Design, Consulting, & Installation 

Residential, Commercial, Institutional, & Public Gardens

Native Bee Consulting & Ecological Integration

For Residential & Estate Landscapes, Habitat Gardens, Commercial & Institutional Properties, and Public Garden Installations

Native bees - mason bees, leafcutter bees, and bumble bees - are among the most effective, gentle, and ecologically important pollinators in our environment. Whether you are enhancing a residential property, cultivating a large estate, designing a certified habitat garden, upgrading a commercial or institutional landscape, or elevating a public garden or park system, native bees dramatically increase flowering, fruiting, biodiversity, and the long-term health of the landscape.

Through the Coan Method™, I provide specialized consulting and site-specific ecological strategies that seamlessly integrate native bee habitat into gardens and landscapes of every scale - quietly transforming them into vibrant, living ecosystems.

Why Native Bees Matter in Every Landscape

These solitary, non-aggressive pollinators are remarkably efficient - one mason bee can pollinate as effectively as 100 honeybees.

Across all landscape types, native bees significantly improve:

• Flowering density & intensity

• Fruit and seed production for edible and ornamental species

• Biodiversity and ecological stability

• Bird and beneficial insect populations

• Year-round garden vitality, from early spring bulbs to late-fall perennials

Their presence elevates both ecological function and the overall beauty and resilience of a landscape.

Gentle, Non-Aggressive & Effortlessly Easy to Support

Native bees require no hive management, no protective gear, and virtually no intervention. They are ideal for homes, estates, schools, universities, commercial campuses, public gardens, and municipal spaces.

They are:

• Extremely gentle and safe around children, adults, and pets

• Low-maintenance, thriving naturally in well-designed gardens

• Among the earliest and most active spring pollinators

• Dependent on features that already exist in naturalistic plantings

Their needs - hollow stems, small cavities, diverse plantings, and seasonal forage-fit seamlessly into the landscapes you design, install, and cultivate.

How The Coan Method™ Integrates Native Bees Into Any Landscape

Using my proprietary consulting framework, I assess microclimates, bloom sequences, garden structure, soil dynamics, planting densities, and ecological patterns. From this, I craft tailored strategies that ensure robust native bee populations.

Integration Services Include:

• Placement of mason bee and leafcutter nesting zones

• Creation of bumble bee habitat pockets in protected areas

• Designing continuous, sequential bloom palettes from earliest bulbs to late-autumn nectar sources

• Integration of meadow-style and mixed perennial plantings for dense forage

• Establishing pollinator corridors and protected nesting sites

• Seasonal stewardship guidance-cut-down timing, hollow-stem retention, overwintering strategies

• Optional coaching for Certified Habitat Garden and Certified Pollinator Garden creation

These elements remain visually subtle, beautifully naturalistic, and fully aligned with your design aesthetic.

Tailored for Every Client & Landscape Type

Residential Gardens

Homeowners benefit from lusher flowering, improved fruiting plants, thriving pollinators, and a more dynamic, alive, and ecologically rich garden-managed with minimal effort.

Estate Landscapes

Large-scale private properties benefit from deeper ecological layering, extensive pollinator corridors, orchard and meadow enhancement, and a landscape that becomes more productive and beautiful each year.

Habitat Gardens

For nature-inspired and certified habitats, native bees are foundational-supporting butterflies, birds, beneficial insects, and the full ecological web.

Commercial & Institutional Properties

Corporate campuses, universities, hospitals, and cultural institutions gain enhanced ecological performance, improved public-facing plantings, and alignment with sustainability and educational goals.

Public Gardens & Municipal Parks

Native bee integration elevates flowering displays, increases ecological storytelling, supports educational programming, and enriches visitor engagement.

The Result: A Landscape That Lives, Evolves, and Thrives

With native bees intentionally supported, landscapes become:

• More vibrant

• More ecologically functional

• More resilient

• More immersive

• More meaningful

Pollination increases. Flowering improves. Fruit and seed production rises. Life returns in greater abundance.    

Begin The Coan Method™

To integrate native bees into your residential garden, estate landscape, habitat garden, commercial property, or public garden installation, call 267.251.5855 to schedule a feasibility consultation and begin The Coan Method™.

Secure Your Design Consultation

By Appointment Only

Stephen Coan     
Stephen Coan Garden Design  
Nature Inspired Gardens & Landscapes
267.251.5855

Garden & Landscape Design, Consulting, & Installations

Residential, Commercial, Institutional, & Public Gardens  

Frequently Asked Questions

Thoughtful homeowners often ask similar questions as they consider investing in a bespoke, nature-inspired garden. Here are some of the most common.

1. How long does a new garden and landscape take?

Every property, Client, and garden story is different, but there is a clear rhythm to the work.

Once we've had our initial conversation and you've chosen to move forward with The Coan Method™, the design phase typically unfolds over several weeks. During this time, I'm studying the site, developing concepts, refining plans, and aligning the horticultural layers with your goals and budget.

Installation is then scheduled into optimal planting windows, often spring or fall, so that the plants establish deeply and the garden can perform for decades, not just a single season. My focus is always on creating a timeless, resilient landscape, not a rushed one.

2. When is the best time to start the design process?

The best time to begin is when you're ready to transform your landscape with intention.

Design work can start at any time of year. In fact, winter and early spring often provide the clearest view of structure, circulation, and underlying site conditions, without the distraction of foliage. That allows for more accurate analysis of soils, drainage, sun exposure, and existing plantings.

We then sequence the installation so the garden is planted during ideal seasons for root development and long-term health.

3. How much does a professionally designed landscape cost?

A bespoke, horticulturally significant garden is an investment, not only in your property value, but in your daily life and the ecological health of your surroundings.

Budgets vary depending on the size of the property, complexity of the design, infrastructure needs (such as drainage, paths, lighting, or walls), and the level of planting density and layering. What I create are living systems, not just "landscaping."

During your feasibility consultation, we discuss realistic ranges, phase options if appropriate, and how to align the investment with your priorities, whether that's front-of-house presence, garden rooms for living and entertaining, habitat creation, or a complete property transformation.

4. Do you work with native plants?

Yes, native and beneficial plants are at the heart of my work.

The novel plant communities I design are built from carefully selected native and compatible beneficial species that support pollinators, birds, and soil life, while also offering structure, seasonal interest, texture, and color.

This isn't about being "wild" for the sake of it. It's about intelligent, artful ecology, gardens that are deeply rooted in place, yet elegant, curated, and appropriate for sophisticated residential estates and discerning commercial or institutional sites.

5. Will my garden look good in its first year?

Yes. A properly designed garden should be intentional, composed, and visually satisfying from the beginning, even as it grows into itself.

From day one, you'll see the framework: structure, flow, and planting patterns that feel cohesive and purposeful. Over time, the garden deepens, plants knit together, layers fill in, and the ecological performance becomes more powerful.

Think of the first year as the opening chapter of a long, evolving story, already beautiful, with the promise of more.

6. How much maintenance will my new garden require?

My gardens are designed to be low-maintenance once established, especially compared to traditional lawns and high-input ornamental beds.

Dense, layered plantings naturally suppress weeds, help regulate soil moisture, and create stable plant communities. Once the garden has settled in, maintenance is focused on seasonal editing, selective cutting back, and thoughtful stewardship rather than constant battling with weeds and bare ground.

You'll spend far more time enjoying your garden than struggling to keep it under control.

7. Can you transform an existing garden instead of starting over?

Absolutely. Many of my projects begin with landscapes that contain both treasures and problems.

I evaluate what is worth preserving, what is harming the ecology or design, and where the opportunities lie. Sometimes the best approach is a complete re-imagining; other times it's a strategic renovation that respects mature specimens, improves structure, and introduces new plant communities to unify the whole.

The goal is always the same: a cohesive, functional, and beautiful landscape that truly serves you and the surrounding environment.

8. Do you address drainage, grading, and site issues?

Yes, these are fundamental to long-term success.

A garden cannot thrive if water moves incorrectly, infiltrates the wrong places, or sits where it shouldn't. As part of The Coan Method™, I assess grading, drainage, and microclimates, often incorporating rain gardens, swales, infiltration zones, and soil improvements to ensure the site functions properly.

Only after the underlying systems are addressed do we layer in plants, paths, and outdoor living spaces.

9. do you personally design and place the plants onsite?

Yes, always.

While plans and plant lists are important, the final artistic and horticultural refinement happens during on-site layout. I personally place each plant, adjusting spacing, massing, and relationships based on real-world conditions, light, views, existing structures, and neighboring plantings.

This is where the garden is "painted" and "sculpted" in living material, ensuring the final result matches the intent of the design and performs beautifully over time

10. How do I know if my property is a good fit?

My work is best suited for Clients who:

• Value bespoke, thoughtful design rather than quick fixes or generic landscaping

• Appreciate ecology, pollinators, and habitat alongside beauty and comfort

• Are ready to invest in a meaningful transformation of their property

• Prefer a structured, professional process with clear steps and communication

If that resonates with you, your property is likely an excellent candidate. We'll confirm the fit during your initial phone conversation and feasibility consultation.

11. Do you work on commercial, institutional, and public garden projects?

Yes.

In addition to residential estates and private gardens, I design and consult for commercial properties, educational institutions, arts organizations, and public or community landscapes seeking to elevate their outdoor environments.

These projects often focus on identity, experience, and ecological leadership, creating spaces that welcome visitors, support biodiversity, and reflect the values of the organization or place.

12. How do we begin?

Beginning is simple.

We start with a free 15-minute phone conversation to discuss your project, goals, and general budget, and to see if we're a mutual fit. If we are, we schedule a paid on-site feasibility consultation and formally begin The Coan Method™, a structured, comprehensive process that guides your project from first idea to fully installed garden.

Call to Begin The Coan Method™

Stephen accepts a limited number of new clients each season to ensure every project receives the highest level of attention, artistry, and horticultural care.

If you believe your property may be an ideal fit:

Call 267.251.5855 to schedule your feasibility consultation and begin The Coan Method™ for your garden and landscape.

You can also reach out via the Contact Form with your name, contact information, project type, and approximate budget.

Secure Your Design Consultation

By Appointment Only

Stephen Coan      
Stephen Coan Garden Design   
Nature Inspired Gardens & Landscapes 
267.251.5855

Garden & Landscape Design, Consulting, & Installations

Residential, Commercial, Institutional, & Public Gardens

NJHIC# 13VH08688500 

           

★★★★★ Client Testimonials

Bespoke Nature-Inspired Gardens & Landscapes by Stephen Coan Garden Design

Every review below reflects a five-star experience from discerning homeowners, estates, institutions, and community partners.

"A Garden That Transformed Our Home"

Hannah S. ★★★★★ Stephen created a beautiful perennial pollinator garden for us,layered, seasonal, and full of movement. He envisioned a curved bed with a vertical brick edge that perfectly complements our patio, blending artistry with horticultural expertise. We are truly grateful for his deep knowledge and craftsmanship.

"Naturalistic, Elegant, and Seamlessly Integrated"

John C. ★★★★★ Stephen transformed our entire front space with a naturalistic garden design that harmonizes perfectly with our Mediterranean-style porch and walkway. The rain garden, stone wall, water elements, and native plantings exceeded every expectation. A year-long collaboration felt effortless and deeply rewarding.

"A Rain Garden Beyond Anything We Imagined"

Kathleen A. ★★★★★ Stephen has designed and installed two native gardens for us, most recently an exquisite rain garden. It is beautiful in every season,restful, ecological, and low-maintenance. The finished garden is even lovelier than we had imagined. I recommend him enthusiastically.

"Knowledge, Talent, and a Garden I Love"

Isabel J. ★★★★★ Stephen is the most knowledgeable horticulturist I know. He first transformed my sister's landscape into a vibrant tapestry of color, texture, and seasonality,so I immediately hired him. My own garden is now a place of joy, beauty, and ecological richness. Highly recommended.

"A Thoughtfully Engineered, Beautiful Front Yard"

Ronald S. ★★★★★ Stephen took my rough ideas and evolved them into a masterfully designed front yard featuring a rain garden connected by a rocky channel, and a bluestone path winding through diverse pollinator-friendly plantings. Functional, ecological, and stunning.

"It Doesn't Just Look Like a Forest , It FEELS Like One"

Jim K. ★★★★★ We asked Stephen to transform our empty backyard into a space that felt like a forest,immersive, natural, and alive. He exceeded every hope. Our once-open lawn is now a slate-patio oasis framed by native grasses, shrubs, and trees, filled with butterflies, bees, and birds. His detailed questionnaire and thoughtful conversations ensured he understood exactly what we wanted. His sensitivity to light, shade, airflow, plant communities, and seasonal dynamics is unparalleled. A genuinely fantastic experience.

"An Exemplary Habitat & Teaching Garden"

Perkins Center for the Arts (Kahra B.) ★★★★★ In collaboration with the Borough of Collingswood, we worked with Stephen to establish the Perkins Center Rain Garden & Neighborhood Habitat. His professionalism, plant knowledge, and attention to detail are outstanding. The habitat now functions as both stormwater mitigation and a living teaching space for the community. We look forward to continuing our work with him.

"A Native Garden That Became the Most Beautiful Yard on the Block"

Helen R. ★★★★★ I live in a rowhouse and had no idea how to improve my front yard. Stephen listened carefully, created a plan full of native plants attracting butterflies and bees, and communicated clearly throughout the process. My once-ignored yard is now the most beautiful on the block.

"Phase One Was Stunning , I Can't Wait for More"

Peter A. ★★★★★ Stephen oversaw a major cleanup for our deep property and then designed a front garden that became a showcase of pollinators and color. The 1150 bulbs he added will make spring extraordinary. I'm a very-extremely satisfied client.

"Eco-Friendly, Inspiring, and Beautiful Year-Round"

Lindsay I. ★★★★★ Even with a challenging site, Stephen transformed our community garden project into an inspiring, ecological space full of native plants that look great in every season. His creativity, plant knowledge, and dedication to continual learning make him exceptional.

"Beautiful Planning, Reasonable Pricing, Excellent Results"

Angelo R. ★★★★★ Stephen spent significant time planning our front yard to ensure it met our needs and budget. The finished garden is beautiful, natural, and exactly what we hoped for. Highly recommended.

"A Designer I Trust Year After Year"

Harriet B. ★★★★★ Stephen has worked on my garden for years. His expertise, planning, and execution are always superb. I'm a very satisfied, long-term client who will continue to work with him for all future projects.

"Unsurpassed Plant Knowledge and Perfect Layouts"

Maureen H. ★★★★★ Our company has partnered with Stephen for more than five years for design and layout consulting. His plant knowledge is unmatched, and his layouts always exceed the client's expectations. We look forward to many more collaborations.

"A Natural Habitat Garden I Can Love and Manage"

Anne Marie P. ★★★★★ After moving from Maine, I wanted a natural, native landscape. Stephen removed invasive ivy, redesigned my entire property, and created a habitat garden that evolves beautifully each season. I'm thrilled with the transformation.

"Our Front Yard Now Has Life, Color, and Anticipation"

Jill C. ★★★★★ Stephen reshaped our front yard with curved beds, selective removal of shrubs, and thoughtful perennial plantings. Everything bloomed beautifully into fall. He recently planted bulbs for spring and summer explosions of color. His enthusiasm and knowledge are inspiring.

"A Meadow That Suits Our Property Perfectly"

Gail C. ★★★★★ I've been working with Stephen for years on my large property. I wanted to learn as we went, and he was the only designer willing to collaborate and teach. The transformation into a butterfly-attracting meadow is extraordinary,beautiful in every season.

"A Backyard Haven for People and Wildlife"

Susan B. ★★★★★ Stephen designed a true oasis,an outdoor room for humans, birds, bees, and butterflies. His taste, knowledge, and ecological expertise created a sanctuary I use every day. It exceeded every expectation.

"A Beautiful Garden and a Smooth, Supportive Process"

Nicole M. ★★★★★ Stephen designed and helped plant a large front-yard garden for us. He met with us multiple times to ensure we received exactly what we wanted within budget. A wonderful experience start to finish.

"Our Best Home Investment"

Richard A. ★★★★★ Stephen is creative, precise, hardworking, and collaborative. Our garden brings joy year-round,to us and to the birds, butterflies, and bees it attracts. Additional gardens added the following year are equally graceful and functional. Truly our best home improvement decision.

"A Three-Season Garden That Delights Us Daily"

Paula W. ★★★★★ Stephen designed and planted our perennial garden along two sides of our condo. We wanted abundant color and texture across three seasons,and he delivered a beautiful, hearty garden that delights us and our neighbors every day.

Begin Your Journey Into a Truly Exceptional Garden

Stephen accepts a limited number of discerning clients each season to ensure every project receives the highest level of artistry, horticultural expertise, and ecological care.

Schedule Your Feasibility Consultation

Discover whether your property is an ideal fit for The Coan Method™,Stephen's bespoke, nature-inspired design and installation process.

Stephen accepts a limited number of new clients each season. Begin your Coan Method™ journey.Call 267.251.5855 to schedule your consultation.

Begin Your Journey 

By Appointment Only.

Stephen Coan    Stephen Coan Garden Design   Nature Inspired Gardens & Landscapes   267.251.5855  

Our Design & Installation Process Using The Coan Method™ 

This diagram illustrates The Coan Garden Design Method™, Stephen Coan's proprietary consulting, design, and installation process. The steps are shown left to right, top to bottom, representing the sequence involved in creating ecologically guided, nature-inspired gardens and designed landscapes.

1. Initial Conversation → Consultation → Engagement

Every project begins with a complimentary 15-minute phone call to understand the Client's goals, timeline, and budget, and to determine whether the project is an ideal fit for our highly specialized services.

If so, the next step is a paid on-site consultation at the project location for deeper review, discussion, and preliminary evaluation.

Each prospective Client receives:

• The Coan Method™ Process Diagram

• A four-page full-color brochure

• An informational overview of the method

Once we mutually agree to move forward, an agreement is signed and a retainer is provided. The Client then receives:

• A copy of Stephen's book outlining the entire process and foundational garden principles

• His comprehensive written Design Questionnaire - an essential tool that provides direction and clarity for designing truly bespoke, ecologically guided, nature-inspired gardens

All work is performed on an hourly basis with retainers used throughout the project.

2. Site Study, Documentation & Base Drawing

The formal design process begins with a site analysis that may include:

• GPS positioning

• Soil, drainage, and compaction assessments

• Elevations and grading

• Sun and shade mapping

• Prevailing wind flow

• Contextual evaluation of the surrounding landscape

• Detailed site photography

• When needed, satellite or drone imagery

This information becomes the foundation for all future work and is drafted into a scaled base drawing - the first structural element of The Coan Method™.

3. Concept Development → Master Plan

Next, after a creative envisioning process, Stephen develops a Preliminary Concept Plan, which is reviewed with the Client.

Following revisions, the Final Master Plan is created-serving as the guiding document for the entire project. The Master Plan also allows the project to be broken into phases, if desired.

4. Construction Documentation & Permitting Support

The next phase includes:

• Landscape Construction Drawings and documents outlining materials, locations, details, and specifications for implementation by construction contractors.

• If required for permitting, conceptual construction drawings are produced for architectural features, structures, or non-permeable surfaces. These conceptual drawings are then used by licensed Landscape Architects or Engineers to create the technical drawings required for building codes and ADA compliance.

Stephen is not a landscape architect; however, he consults and collaborates with licensed professionals whenever needed.

5. Layout, Adjustments & Pre-Construction Preparation

After the Master Plan and Construction Documents are approved:

• The design is fully marked out on the ground (painted)

• On-site adjustments are made as needed

• Final measurements are taken for all materials

• Hardscape, architectural features, and planting bed preparations are scheduled and completed by outside construction contractors

• Stephen consults throughout this phase to ensure the design is implemented accurately and with integrity

6. Planting Plans → The Coan On-Site Layout & Installation Method™

Once construction and bed prep are complete, Stephen creates the layered planting plans.

His signature approach is a formal plan combined with an on-site artistic layout hybrid-allowing him to "paint and sculpt with plants" in direct response to sunlight, structure, surrounding environment, and the ecological rhythms of the site.

He personally performs:

• On-site plant layout design

• Final adjustments

• The full, phased installation of all garden plantings

This ensures that every planting is intentional, expressive, and ecologically harmonious - hallmarks of The Coan Method™.

7. Duration, Sequencing & Timing with Nature

Design, planning, contractor coordination, material sourcing, permitting (if required), and installation often take several months. The Coan Method™ carefully aligns each step with:

• Existing plant growth

• Weather and seasonal conditions

• Soil readiness

• Invasive species treatment cycles

• Frost dates and temperature patterns

Garden bed preparation only begins when:

1. All invasive species have been identified, treated, and/or removed

2. For spring installations, all cool- and warm-season plants have mostly emerged from the ground, usually by mid- to late May. This allows each plant to be accurately identified, transplanted, removed, or chemically treated as needed to ensure a clean, prepared site for the new garden beds.

3. Mother Nature signals that the site is ready for planting

New bed installations typically occur from mid-May through mid-fall, depending on weather, with the spring bulb layer added in late autumn.

This seasonal discipline ensures lasting success, ecological integrity, and vibrant multi-layered gardens that attract and support pollinators, birds, butterflies, and beneficial wildlife.

8. Ongoing Garden Evolution & Client Collaboration 

Throughout the entire process, meetings and conversations continue frequently. Some steps may overlap or be skipped depending on each project's needs.

Garden evolution guidance continues with post-installation consulting to support the garden's growth, establishment, and ecological maturity.

Basic Order of The Coan Method™ Process

Initial conversation → agreement → site plan → meetings → questionnaire → discovery → information gathering → site inspections & studies → concepting → design → preliminary concept plan → client meetings → master plan → search for materials → installation instruction plans → conceptual construction plan(s) → technical construction drawings by licensed professionals → search for installation contractors → contractor estimates → construction contracts → permits → scheduling → on-ground layout & adjustments → architectural feature & hardscape construction → construction consulting → planting plans → plant specification → planting bed prep → on-site plant layout design → plant installation → garden maintenance & progress consulting

Your Site, Your Story, Your Garden 

Every solution is one-of-a-kind, site-specific, and crafted to reflect the unique needs of each Client and location.

Call 267.251.5855 to schedule your consultation and begin the process of transforming your landscape with a bespoke, ecologically guided, nature-inspired garden.

Begin The Coan Method™

By Appointment Only

Stephen Coan  
Stephen Coan Garden Design
Nature Inspired Gardens and Landscapes

267.251.5855.

 NJHIC# 13VH08688500 

Garden & Landscape Consulting:

Consulting Services

Expert Garden, Landscape & Hardscape Advisory

CoanDesign offers consulting services for clients who require high-level expertise in fine-garden design, horticulture, ecology, and hardscape planning. Stephen Coan provides precise, informed guidance to help clients make confident, strategic decisions.

General Consulting (Hourly)

Garden • Landscape • Hardscape

Expert advisory support covering:

• Naturalistic and pollinator-focused garden systems

• Ecological planting design and plant community planning

• Soil, drainage, hydrology, and ecological site analysis

• Hardscape layout, material selection, and spatial planning

• Grade transitions, steps, walls, and drainage considerations

• Long-term stewardship and development strategies

Ideal for homeowners, architects, builders, and design professionals seeking authoritative insight.

Design/Install Project Initiation Consulting

Entry into the Coan Method™

This consultation establishes feasibility, alignment, and project direction prior to entering a formal design contract.

Includes:

• Review of goals, needs, and priorities

• Ecological and horticultural site evaluation

• Hardscape planning and spatial assessment

• Budget alignment and phasing recommendations

The Coan Garden Design/Install Method™

Stephen's proprietary methodology ensures an integrated approach where ecological systems, planting design, and hardscape architecture work together with intention and clarity.

Process Steps:

1. Exploratory Call

2. Comprehensive Paid On-Site Consultation

3. Design Contract

4. Client Resources

   • The Coan Method™ book

   • Detailed project questionnaire

All consulting services are billed at an hourly rate plus expenses.

Start Your Consultation To begin your project or request expert guidance: Call 267.251.5855

Begin Your Journey

By Appointment Only

Stephen Coan  
Stephen Coan Garden Design
Nature Inspired Gardens & Landscapes
267.251.5855 

Garden & Landscape Design, Consulting, & Installations

Landscape Design Master Plan: 

A landscape design master plan is a comprehensive, long-term blueprint that outlines the overall vision, layout, and development strategy for an outdoor space - whether it's a private residence, park, campus, commercial site, or community area. It's a detailed, scaled drawing that provides a unified vision, ensuring all elements of the landscape work together harmoniously, regardless of whether the project is installed all at once or in phases.

Key Features of A Landscape Master Plan

A master plan typically includes:

1. Overall Site Plan

• Big-picture goals for how the space should look, feel, and function
• Aesthetic themes (modern, naturalistic, traditional, etc.)
• Environmental considerations (sustainability, habitat support)

2. Spatial Layout

• Placement and relationships of major outdoor elements:
  • Patios, decks, and outdoor rooms
  • Lawns and planting beds
  • Water features (ponds, pools, fountains)
  • Circulation (paths, driveways, access points)
  • Structures (pergolas, pavilions, sheds)

3. Planting Strategy

• General plant types and distribution (not always specific species at this stage)
• Zones for trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers
• Shade, sun, and microclimate considerations

4. Hardscape Concepts

• Materials and design intentions for patios, walls, walkways, and fences
• Drainage and grading concepts

5. Phasing Plan

• If the project will be built in stages, the master plan shows how phases fit together
• Helps with budgeting and long-term implementation

6. Supporting Documents

May include:

• Site analysis (sun, wind, views, soil, drainage)
• Concept diagrams
• Illustrative renderings of architectural features

Why a Master Plan Matters

• Ensures that every element-plants, structures, utilities - works together cohesively
• Prevents costly mistakes by planning before building
• Helps communicate the vision to contractors, stakeholders, or homeowners
• Supports long-term maintenance, growth, and adaptability

In Short:

A landscape design master plan is the "roadmap" for creating and developing an outdoor space over time-both visually and functionally

Schedule Your Consultation: Call 267.251.5855 to begin your journey toward a bespoke, nature-inspired landscape.

Begin Your Journey

By Appointment Only


Stephen Coan   
Stephen Coan Garden Design 
Nature Inspired Gardens & Landscapes 
267.251.5855 

Garden & Landscape Design, Consulting, & Installation 

Residential, Commercial, Institutional, & Public Gardens

Landscape Design Construction Documents:

Landscape design construction documents are the detailed, technical drawings and written specification used to build a landscape exactly as designed. They translate a conceptual or schematic landscape plan into instructions contractors can price, acquire permits, and construct. Here's what they usually include:

1. Layout / Dimension Plan

Shows the precise location of all site elements - paths, patios, walls, plant beds, structures - with exact dimensions, alignments, and reference points.

2. Grading & Drainage Plan

Indicates existing and proposed elevations, slopes, swales, drainage patterns, spot elevations, and stormwater infrastructure. Ensures water flows correctly and the site meets code.

3. Planting Plan

Lists plant species, sizes, quantities, spacing, and planting details. includes a plant schedule (botanical name, common name, container size, notes).

4. Irrigation Plan (if applicable)

Shows pipe layout, valves, controller zones, head types, and water calculations.

5. Hardscape / Materials Plan

Details pavements, retaining walls, decks, fences, site furnishings, and other constructed features. Specifies materials, thicknesses, bases, and finishes.

6. Construction Details

Large-scale drawings showing how to build each element - e.g.:

· Patio edge detail

· Retaining wall section

· Footings for pergolas

· Steps and risers

· Raised planters

· Tree planting detail

These ensure consistency and proper construction.

7. Specifications (specs)

Written instructions that complement the drawings. They describe:

· Materials and workmanship standards

· Soil amendments

· Installation methods

· Quality requirements

· Submittals and testing

· Maintenance periods

8. Demolition / site Preparation Plan

Shows what must be removed, protected, or relocated before construction.

9. Lighting Plan (if included)

Locations, fixture types, mounting heights, conduit routing, and control systems.

10. Cost Estimating & Quantity Takeoffs (optional)

Contractors use these documents to create their estimates for their services and also use them to guide them in the installation of the gardens and landscape features. Also, if the plans may require permits, they would be used by licensed landscape architects or engineers to perform their certified drawings in order to acquire the permits.

Purpose of Construction Documents:

· Communicate the design intent clearly

· Allow contractors to bid accurately

· Obtain permits

· Guide the construction process

· Reduce errors and change orders

Schedule Your Consultation: Call 267.251.5855 to begin your journey toward a bespoke, nature-inspired landscape.

Begin Your Journey

By Appointment Only
 
Stephen Coan    
Stephen Coan Garden Design  
Nature Inspired Gardens & Landscapes 
267.251.5855 

Garden & Landscape Design, Consulting, & Installations

Residential, Commercial, Institutional, & Public Gardens

Garden Design Planting Plan:

The Coan Method™ Garden Design & Planting Plan

Every garden Stephen creates is a one-of-a-kind work of living art. Planting plans are meticulously hand-drawn, either as formal designs - like the commercial example shown, or more commonly, as on-site, site-responsive compositions. This unique approach allows Stephen to "paint" directly with plants, responding intuitively to the garden's environment, light, and topography.

While structural elements such as trees and shrubs are indicated on the Master Plan, the softer plant layers - perennials, grasses, and flowering shrubs - are carefully arranged on-site. Stephen selects a refined planting palette, orders the precise quantities, and personally positions each plant to ensure every garden is visually stunning, ecologically supportive, and functionally elegant, enhancing habitats for pollinators and birds while managing stormwater naturally.

Planting plans are coordinated with the construction phase, allowing Stephen to experience the installed structures and refine the garden's composition for a seamless, luxurious result. The outcome is a personalized, vibrant landscape that feels effortlessly natural yet masterfully designed.

Schedule your consultation at 267.251.5855 and begin crafting a garden that is uniquely yours.

Begin Your Journey


By Appointment Only

Stephen Coan    
Stephen Coan Garden Design  
Nature Inspired Gardens & Landscapes 
267.251.5855 

Garden & Landscape Design, Consulting, & Installations

Residential, Commercial, Institutional, & Public Gardens

Landscape Construction & Planting Bed Preparation:

This phase encompasses all site demolition, construction, and planting bed preparation required to bring the design to life through The Coan Method™. Before any work begins, invasive species are identified, treated, and removed - sometimes requiring multiple seasonal applications for the most aggressive varieties before construction can responsibly proceed.

Once the site is cleared, the selected contractors handle all demolition, removal of unwanted plant material, and the construction of hardscape elements such as patios, walkways, fire features, structures, and other built components. After the hardscape installation, they prepare the planting beds according to the detailed specifications established through The Coan Method™ to ensure optimal planting conditions.

Throughout the process, Stephen remains closely involved, typically on-site, to answer questions, guide contractors, and ensure that every detail aligns fully with the design intent and the standards of The Coan Method™.

Call 267.251.5855 to schedule a consultation and begin The Coan Method™ process.

Begin Your Journey

By Appointment Only

Stephen Coan    
Stephen Coan Garden Design  
Nature Inspired Gardens & Landscapes 
267.251.5855 

Garden & Landscape Design, Consulting, & Installations

Residential, Commercial, Institutional, & Public Gardens

Garden Installation:

The Final Phase: Bringing the Garden to Life Through the Coan Method™

The most exciting stage of every project is the moment the planting begins - after all invasive species have been fully treated and removed, construction is complete, and the planting beds have been properly prepared. Using The Coan Method™, this phase unfolds through a series of carefully timed, layered plant installations:

• Structural Layer - Trees and shrubs that establish form, architecture, and long-term presence

• Perennial & Ornamental Grass Layers - Dynamic, textural plantings that create movement and seasonal expression

• Groundcover Layer - Cohesive, ecological stitching that stabilizes the design and supports biodiversity

• Spring Bulb Layer - Installed in late fall for an early-season display that signals the garden's yearly renewal

Most gardens are installed using Stephen's distinctive on-site plant layout design hybrid, an approach rooted in the Master Plan and Planting Plans while allowing him the freedom of an artist - painting and sculpting with the plants directly in response to the site, its conditions, and the surrounding environment. We prioritize native and highly beneficial species, with occasional annuals and tender perennials added for their unique beauty and ecological contribution.

Call 267.251.5855 to begin your consultation and experience The Coan Method™ applied to your landscape.

Begin Your Journey


By Appointment Only

Stephen Coan    
Stephen Coan Garden Design 
Nature Inspired Gardens & Landscapes 
267.251.5855 

Garden & Landscape Design, Consulting, & Installations

Residential, Commercial, Institutional, & Public Gardens