Home Functional. Mindful. Inspired Design.
About About Sunflower Designs
My philosophy is that landscapes are to be lived in. With that in mind, I strive to create more than just a pretty scene. I work to create spaces and settings that are not only beautiful, but also reflect who we are and how we live. A front yard can provide curb appeal, but should also welcome guests and hint at the personality of those who live beyond the front door. A backyard is a place to be shared with friends and family, and serve as a retreat from the outside world.
Our landscapes are the ideal place to experience and enjoy nature, which is why I utilize ecologically responsible design principles. Through the use of sustainable plants, appropriate hardscape materials, and sound horticultural practices, we can create landscapes that are functional, easy to maintain, attractive to beneficial insects, birds and butterflies, but don’t require large amounts of water, pesticides or fertilizers.
I work closely with contractors, masons, nurseries, and most importantly, with you. Only by working hand in hand with homeowners can I create a truly inspired design. After all, nobody knows how you live better than you. Your budget, your style and your ultimate goals must be the foundation of the design and my experience and vision will guide us to a solution that will hopefully exceed your expectations. It is through such collaboration that we can create functional, ecologically responsible, and beautiful landscapes that are truly lived in.
Sunflower Designs is a proud member & supporter of the following organizations:
Services Collection inside Services
"The belly rules the mind" ~Spanish Proverb
* Landscape Design Services - All Designs include the following steps.
Client Meeting/Needs Analysis: We discuss your concerns, needs & desires for your landscape. Do you want more privacy? An outdoor kitchen? A water feature? A play area? An edible garden? Site Survey: We assess the strengths & weaknesses of the site. For example, are there good views that we want to take advantage of, or an eyesore that needs screening? Is one part of the yard especially windy, or wet, or hot and dry? Are their drainage issues to address? Will the site need grading before landscaping? Create a Plan: Depending on the complexity of the job, this step may include a concept plan, a preliminary plan and a final planting or "Master Plan". The end result of all projects is a Master Plan which will include all aspects of your design, including hardscape and planting specifications. You will receive a CAD blueprint of your plan. * Project Management - I work with you to get bids and select a contractor (or contractors in some cases) to install your project and then work with them to oversee the installation of the design.
* Consultations - Perfect for the homeowner with an established landscape who wants some ideas to spruce up an area, is looking for some plant suggestions for a particular site, or just wants some tips on maintaing their garden. This service does not include any drawn up designs, but can be the first step in the design process. Provided on a hourly basis.
* Maintenance - Garden maintenance services such as pruning, deadheading and weeding are available to design clients and are especially recommended for the first year after installation of a garden.
Project Gallery Project Gallery
Providence 01
Barrington 01
N. Kingstown
Barrington 02
Bristol 01
Providence 02
Colorado Springs
Bird Garden
Contact 
Contact
Contact me to discuss your project by phone, e-mail or simply fill out this form!
Sunflower Designs 7 Barbara Drive Bristol, RI 02809
t. 401-525-0634 f. 401-396-9867 email: brookemerriam_yahoo.com
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News & Links
Upcoming Events
RI Spring Flower and Garden Show
February 24-27, 2011
Booth #306
Arrow 
A few of my favorite garden-related websites & blogs:
Bio Brooke's Bio
Brooke Merriam is a long time gardener who decided to turn her passion into her profession in 2000 when she returned to school to study horticulture and landscape design. After graduating and working for a landscape design-build firm in Denver, Colorado, Brooke created Sunflower Studios (now Sunflower Designs) in 2003 and began working with homeowners to create ecologically friendly, unique outdoor settings. In 2004 she was awarded 1st place in the Colorado Springs Utilities Xeriscape Beautiful contest. In 2006, Brooke relocated to the East Bay of Rhode Island and founded Sunflower Designs Landscape and Garden Design.
Brooke is a Rhode Island Certified Horticulturist, and a member of Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association. She continues to attend classes and seminars to stay abreast of the latest trends, developments and technologies in the green industry. She also teaches workshops and seminars in garden related topics, especially ecologically friendly gardening, including Xeriscape. While not working, Brooke enjoys running, photography, gardening in her own yard, and most of all, spending time with her husband and two young children.
Yew photos Bird Garden
The homeowners of this urban lot wanted to attract birds and enhance the beauty of their small yard. They realized that their lawn was a sterile space that was offering no food or shelter for birds. Because the owners never used the lawn either, we decided to remove all of the grass and add in a sitting area they would use, and a variety of plants that would provide food (berries and seed heads), nesting material and shelter for wild birds.
Click on any photo to view larger.
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Page 20 Miscellaneous
A variety of shots...a few of my favorite things...
Click on any photo to view larger.
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- Daylily
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Fresh veggies from the garden -
Frances WIlliams Hosta & Endless Summer Hydrangea -
Monarch -
Praying Mantis -
Garden fun.
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