Missy Anne Schweiger, of Corona del Mar, is a coveted secret around her neighborhood. She creates beautiful environments in homes and gardens and find customers by word-of-mouth. With her love of nature, she transforms garden landscapes into areas of harmony and peace.
Q: Describe your work.
A: I consider myself an artist. I feel it is a gift that comes from God through me to create the work. The very first time I was hired, I wondered how I would picture the design, how it would arrive in my mind, what was I going to do. But as always, it comes through in bright vivid color and shapes dancing inside my head. That is why I say I paint with plants. I’m an artist first and foremost, but I also care for it as a business by maintaining the gardens as well. After the initial installation, I’ll do a second phase in six months with my crew to fix it up and follow through with a maintenance schedule if the client wants it.
Q: Does this eliminate the need for their regular gardeners?
A: I’ll come in every two or three month to work in the gardens. But I’m not looking to replace their regular maintenance gardener. I realize they have family, too, and have worked many years with the same client. As gardeners, they have a different type of energy where they are aware and sensitive to the nature around them. It’s a job only they can do. If the client is happy with the gardener to mow, blow and fine tune it, I feel it is a win-win situation where we both contribute to the garden’s success.
Q: Where did you get your start designing gardens?
A: I actually begun as a flooring contractor, both design and build. I had previously graduated with a dual degree in business administration and fine arts. One day as I was putting in French doors for a client, I mentioned I could fix their garden outside and so I started helping people with their landscapes. But my big break came in 2000 when Wade Roberts, at that time a manager of Sherman Gardens, approached me to be in their garden tour (I’ve now done three of them), which spurred a lot clients my way. What is so unique about my house is it sits on just a quarter of a corner lot and the rest of the property is devoted to my ever-changing gardens.
Q: What types of gardens do you design?
A: I don’t really have a certain style. I constantly go out of the box with my ideas. When I start the design, I visualize what the house looks like and how to enhance it with the surrounding nature and existing products such as water fountains, boulders, etc. I work with many of the plants and trees already established since there is no reason to tear out an entire yard as well as place plants my clients would personally love to have in the garden. One couple said they never realized they liked the tree in their yard until I had redone their garden, which brought out the beauty of the tree. I am very conscious of the surrounding environment and blend the gardens with it so everything is very natural. I have a lot of fun with it. I never know what is going to pop in my head.
Q: Are your designs drought tolerant?
A: As a landscaper and gardener, I am always challenged by the water crises and have been learning and building ideas on what really works. I’ve personally reworked 20 sidewalk parkways locally to make them drought tolerant. I was amazed that even Newport Beach doesn’t have a master plan for them in CdM, which has to be maintained and watered by the residents. Planting basic succulents is one remedy for saving water. I also like planting baby olive bushes since it is more challenging for dogs to lift their legs and mark it. A cedar forest walk is another drought tolerant way to cover the parkway and it deters dogs from walking and doing their business on it.
Q: Do your gardens become prey to wildlife?
A: I love wildlife, but I know they can be pests and cause much destruction. In my area here in Corona del Mar, besides coyotes, we have a huge population of squirrels, bunnies and raccoons. Did you know it usually takes 90 days for them to canvass through an area as they eat their way through the town? We provide a complete smorgasbord for them! I try to guard against critters if possible. I put mesh fencing around the perimeters, hiding it behind hedges and other foliage. I had one bunny take out five rose bushes in a 24-hour period. I thought I had locusts, but it was only one little cottontail. So when the rabbits get out of hand, I trap, catch and release them back into the canyon. I even use organic carrots in the traps.
Q: Do your garden designs get the organic touch as well?
A: I do everything organically, which is so much better. I realize some people use product that makes plants instantly grow for instant gratification. What they don’t realize is product such as Miracle Grow destroys the structure of the plant. It’s like giving steroids to plants. Yes, going organic takes a longer time. Using organic methods such as compost, a soil amendment, brings enzymatic action to the soil for healthier plants. Sometimes I add other soil amendments such as gypsum and live worms since they are superb at breaking down and aerating the soil. Roots need to breath as well as absorb water. It becomes very evident, plants are much happier with organic gardening.
Q: Your gardens invite people to take part. Why is that important?
A: I try to get people involved in their garden. It is part of my goal in every garden I create. I’ll plant roses and certain other flowers to try and entice my clients into the garden. It gives them a chance to relax and enjoy nature. It promotes a healthier attitude, enjoying and participating in the natural beauty. Cut something from the garden and put it in the house; you’ll find it gives the space a home spun and heart-felt feeling. Plus I show there are treasures to be found in the garden. So many times I find little seashells in the dirt, which makes it so much fun. Alas, I have yet to find gold!
By Gina Dostler
CONTACT INFORMATION
Missy Ann Schweiger
Missy Ann Schweiger Home & Garden Design
2915 Redhill Avenue, #B201E
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
949-923-0542
www.Maschweigher.com
missyschweigher@me.com
