Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Meeks.
Hi Tonya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I got interested in horticulture after visiting a friend in Colorado that is an avid gardener and plant lover. I’ve always loved design and decided to leave a career in sales and marketing to start over. While in school I discovered regenerative landscaping and one of my first jobs after graduating was with a local company that does invasive plant removal. I learned about ecology through that work and the importance of utilizing native plants in landscapes. I did freelance design and decided to make it official and start my own company. It has been so rewarding creating landscapes for folks here in Atlanta that are both beautiful and regenerative. All the designs I create are utilize at least 70% native plants to the southeast. This creates habitat for all kinds of pollinators and birds local to our area.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of the initial obstacles were finding native plants. I originally would look for all my plants at the larger wholesalers in the areas. But over time I have discovered several native centric growers and nurseries in the area. I feel like more people are starting to see the beauty and value of using native plants. This year I have been very busy! Personally, the struggle for me now is to manage my time where I am not working constantly so that I can spend time with my family.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a landscape designer and I specialize in using native plants as well as managing water through solutions like rain gardens and earthworks. I have worked with several clients this year to “kill their lawn” and create an alternative lawn whether that is a meadow or an area filled with walkable groundcovers. This has been really exciting as grass/sod lawns have been a standard of our yards for almost 100 years in the U.S. With so many insects going extinct, alternative lawns and increasing native plants in the landscape, are an answer to helping sustain our pollinators. Alternative lawns are a bit rebellious. And I believe we need a little more rebellion in this moment. One of the things that sets me apart from others is that I truly listen to the client’s needs and what their wants are and I am able to tap into their aesthetic to create an outdoor space for them that is unique to their style. All while creating habitat for wildlife to bolster the local ecosystem at the same time .
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I had an old co-worker that linked me with local landscape businesses Grantlanta Lawn and Caspian Horticulture Group. We have been working together for 3 years now. They have connected me with clients that are interested in getting design work and are interested in native plants. I also work with a native plant nursery in Avondale, Beech Hollow Wildflower Farm. The owner is a wealth of knowledge in native plants and their ecosystems. I have learned about so many more species available in our area and she has helped me promote my business on her website. Without these local businesses that I have formed relationships with I would not have the clientele I have now. Also, my husband has been a constant cheerleader urging me to follow my dreams and giving me the space to do so. Community makes such a difference!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pinkhousedesignsatl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkhousedesignsatl
Image Credits
MJ Leach (1st photo with planter at table)
Keelan Lyons (all the rest of the photos)
