Bridging the Gap: How Growers Can Elevate Design Integrity in Built Landscapes

Landscape projects often lose design integrity when growers are brought in too late—leading to unavailable plants, rushed substitutions, and compromised outcomes. A recent article authored by Midwest's Matt Dingeldein, Affiliate ASLA and Christa Orum-Keller, ASLA, makes the case for integrating growers early in the design process so their horticultural insight can inform plant selection, availability, and long-term performance. By treating the designer, contractor, and grower as collaborative partners rather than isolated steps in a supply chain, projects can better uphold aesthetic, functional, and ecological intent. Early conversations lead to stronger plant palettes, fewer installation challenges, and landscapes that more faithfully achieve their original vision.