Fen is a Bay Area garden design studio.
ETHOS
Gardens are dynamic, evolving spaces that have the potential to enrich local ecosystems and have a profound effect on well-being. Fen’s garden design practice is rooted in a thoughtful, responsive approach that begins by listening to the landscape and working with its unique character to create gardens with a strong sense of place.
We work with clients to create gardens that reflect their needs and deepen their relationship with the natural world. By involving clients in every step of the design process and introducing them to the plants that will shape their garden, we offer a bridge between people and place in a process that engages creativity, intuition, and curiosity.
We specialize in residential garden design, creating landscapes that are ecologically sensitive and deeply personal.
PROCESS
01 Consultation In the consultation, we establish information about the site, including your vision & style, expected usage, and preferred maintenance. If it’s the right fit, we’ll move forward with the concept design.
02 Concept Design At this stage we play with the general flow of the space to get a good framework for the structure of the garden.
03 Plant Palette Once we have a good idea of the form of the garden, we’ll start creating a plant palette based on your existing soil, microclimate, maintenance parameters, and what feelings you want your space to evoke.
04 Final Design After the forms and colors of the plants have been established, we’ll put all the pieces together to create the final design.
05 Installation Consultation In this stage, we realize the vision of the garden. Our studio consults with experienced local carpenters, stonemasons, and contractors that have a sharp eye for detail and take care in their artistry.
06 Garden Consultation At regular intervals, we’ll come check in on the progress of the garden. We check soil health and plant growth to make sure your ecosystem is thriving.
ABOUT
Designer Molly Ackerman developed a love of landscape and a curiosity for the natural environment through her years of floral and nursery work. She graduated from Smith College with a BA in Architecture and a minor in Landscape Studies.