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Landscape + Garden Designs for How You Live

Welcome to the practical approach to outdoor living space design. At Tucker Hill Landscape + Garden Design, we believe in creating spaces that reflect timeless value based upon a philosophy that “home” is not where you exist, but rather where you live.

From simple redesign of existing gardens to a complete creation of the outdoor living space of your dreams, we work with our clients to achieve a place that adds to their quality of life.

At Tucker Hill, we believe that a good garden design is one that speaks to and is in complete harmony with the natural elements and to those who will grace the space with their presence.

This approach is the foundation of each of our designs, whether urban or country settings. For each design we follow a formula of foundation - what is the history of the space; function - what is its purpose; harmony - what plantings and other design elements will have the desired impact based upon the environmental conditions; and last but not least, visual - what colors and textures will have the desired effect on the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of those who dwell in or visit the space.

Designer and founder, Bonnie McDaniel is committed to preserving the natural environmental elements through her designs and is fortunate to have been mentored for over 15 years  by acclaimed landscape architect designer, the late Gordon Riggle, who among his vast creative accomplishments, created many of the gardens in Washington DC’s Georgetown (profiled in Washington Post’s Adrian Higgins’ book, The Secret Gardens of Georgetown) as well as for lifestyle guru and actress, Gwyneth Paltrow’s Hampton compound.

Bonnie is an accomplished chef, cookbook and lifestyle author, and former award-winning restaurateur and boutique hotelier; the inspiration for the edible elements that are incorporated in her garden designs.


This is what happens when the perfectly-designed hardscape meets landscape.  My team and I had the most fun creating this design which involved an elaborate drainage system to handle serious water issues, functional hardscape and plantings to capture the vision of lushness and timeless beauty for all seasons. And to capture the essence of this space,   a beautiful garden gate was designed for the most dramatic and welcoming entrance.  This Secret Garden , situated in the client’s back courtyard,  is the perfect setting for entertaining, private retreat or getting her hands in the dirt.  And since the client is also the director of  the school of dance at a prominent university, she could not ask for a better setting in which to choreograph her next production.  Her former dance troupe, directed by the acclaimed Baryshnikov,  would be proud.  My team and I would have to agree.

This is what happens when the perfectly-designed hardscape meets landscape. My team and I had the most fun creating this design which involved an elaborate drainage system to handle serious water issues, functional hardscape and plantings to capture the vision of lushness and timeless beauty for all seasons. And to capture the essence of this space, a beautiful garden gate was designed for the most dramatic and welcoming entrance. This Secret Garden , situated in the client’s back courtyard, is the perfect setting for entertaining, private retreat or getting her hands in the dirt. And since the client is also the director of the school of dance at a prominent university, she could not ask for a better setting in which to choreograph her next production. Her former dance troupe, directed by the acclaimed Baryshnikov, would be proud. My team and I would have to agree.

Our services include, but are not limited to the following:

  • landscape design

  • consultation services

  • project management

  • curation of outdoor furnishings

  • accessory structures design and buildout

  • hardscape design and installation

  • garden restoration




The perfect setting for a design studio, surrounded by a mixture of flowering shrubs and flower gardens for an inspiring atmosphere.

The perfect setting for a design studio, surrounded by a mixture of flowering shrubs and flower gardens for an inspiring atmosphere.

Texture is everything! So it goes without saying, that when I design a garden, this important element is always a consideration. This courtyard garden is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or a simple dinner with friends.

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Moon Garden- This section of a much larger garden is an example of how we create different moods or themes through the selection of plantings to achieve the intended design. Each of the selected plantings in this section of the garden consist of an all-white palette. The result will be a textured green canvass painted with a bounty of different shades of white flowers, shrubs and trees. The small patio was built and situated in the middle of this garden as an additional seating area, perfect at the end of the day for the enjoyment of a glass of wine, bourbon, and/or a cigar.

If a garden structure is what you desire, we have the knowledge and expertise to design and build what you have been dreaming of. This potager/kitchen garden, was designed using a mixed-media approach consisting of in-ground, raised beds and pots for planting all kinds of vegetables and herbs. A small patio was added for the perfect spot to sip a cool glass of lemonade in between plantings.

Atriums and courtyard gardens are the perfect canvasses to introduce art and furnishings. This art piece was created by famed artist, Carl F. Anderson, for a client’s atrium, using a photograph from my private peony gardens . The medium is acrylic on stone. This piece now graces the walls of her beautiful atrium along with plantings to create a very welcoming breakfast room.

In garden design, details matter. It’s not just about the flowers, but every element and component is considered. This iron trellis adds another visual detail, but also provides a structural element for vining plants to travel.

Did someone say containers? Garden design is all about the numerous components that make up a garden. From very elegant courtyards, garden beds that meander for as far as the eyes can see, patios, or a collection of perfectly curated pots to gather your favorite array of floral eye-feasts. At Tucker Hill Urban Landscape Design, we believe in coloring outside the lines to capture the essence of who you are..


Here the same image is captured in a soft watercolor.  Perfect as an addition to a conservatory or, if you would prefer ; bring a bit of the garden indoors to grace your favorite room.

This is a beautiful image of a peony that was captured in a soft watercolor for a client. Perfect as an addition to a conservatory or, if you would prefer ; bring a bit of the garden indoors to grace your favorite room.

This historic inn, Swann House, located in Washington, DC is a project for which consultation was provided for the landscape.  The recommendation was for a  canvass of textures to create balance between a modern and classic aesthetic.

This historic inn, Swann House, located in Washington, DC is a project for which consultation was provided for the landscape. The recommendation was for a canvass of textures to create balance between a modern and classic aesthetic.

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Details matter when creating the ultimate garden. Our approach is to make every inch of your landscape count. That means selecting the right touches like window boxes, planters and pots, all making for a garden that nurtures every part of your spirit.