Susan Parrish Carter joined Gnome Landscapes, Design & Masonry in 1991 as a Designer and is now the Director of the Design Department. Having worked with hundreds of clients, Susan’s philosophy stems from the recognition that each project is unique and must be approached with a balance of creativity and practicality.
In addition to a wide range of residential landscape projects, Susan has developed plans for gardens at historic buildings as well as contemplative gardens for private residences and churches. She has also worked in coordination with other design professionals on a number of commercial projects. Having a familiarity with local, state and federal environmental laws and standards, Susan encourages clients to consider using a broad palate of plants and techniques to minimize environmental impacts. In that capacity, Susan has worked on LEED residences as a consultant and designer.
Susan lives in Yarmouth, Maine with her husband and any of three sons who periodically return home from their travels. Her own garden is a place in which to experiment with unusual shrubs and hardy perennials. It is located in a tiny, abandoned granite quarry and receives little care in the summer. The quarry is surrounded by a wine vineyard, a small orchard, and a few happy bee hives.
Susan is certified by both the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and the Maine Landscape and Nursery Association. Susan has lectured on landscape design and has also taught design at Maine College of Art.