Review my project 30+ years from drawing board to job site
Practical guidance for homeowners planning a serious outdoor project—from a Penn State–trained landscape designer and builder who has spent more than 30 years seeing what works in the real world.
01 / WHY THIS EXISTS
“Most costly mistakes happen before construction begins.”
I have spent more than 30 years drawing landscape plans, building them in the field and correcting the details that looked fine on paper but did not work on the ground.
In The Dirt Design Co. gives homeowners an experienced second set of eyes, along with simple tools to make better decisions before the shovel hits the dirt.
02 / FEATURED BOOK
Thirty years of lessons. One honest story.
What the Dirt Taught Me About Design and Human Nature
A reflective, field-tested book about what really happens when landscape design meets gravity, water, soil, budgets, weather—and people. Through real projects and hard-earned lessons, Keith Morris explores why patience, humility and judgment matter more than a perfect drawing.
“You don’t become wise in this profession by being right. You become wise by being corrected.”
Secure checkout is handled by Stripe. Paid orders are verified before protected download access is provided.
15 PAGES / DIGITAL PDFFEATURED LANDSCAPE DESIGN GUIDE
Create a landscape with something to enjoy all year. Practical advice from the field, a complete color landscape plan, and matching plant schedules help you see how the pieces work together.
DESIGNER / BUILDER / AUTHOR03 / DESIGN & CONSULTING
A practical second opinion before work begins.
Send your photos, plans, contractor proposals and questions. I will help you work through the details drawings and estimates often leave unclear.
$295 virtual review Available to homeowners throughout the United States. Payment is collected after I confirm the project is a good fit.
04 / CHOOSE YOUR NEXT STEP
Three simple ways to plan with more clarity, depending on how much guidance you need.
Start with practical guidance
Use the free plant field guide and Backyard Investment Guide to think through planting, priorities, phasing and budget before work begins.
Free 11-page PDF with a planting plan, plant schedules and a nursery worksheet.
Both guides are free. Enter your email on the planting guide page to download your copy.
The complete planning toolkit
Thirty Years in the Dirt, the Backyard Project Planner and the Contractor Question Guide—$34.97 purchased separately, together for $29.
Advice for your actual project
A 60-minute virtual review plus written notes to help you spot unclear details, missing questions and costly concerns before construction begins.
05 / FIELD NOTES
Practical lessons about drainage, budgets and construction decisions—written from experience in the field.
Read all field notes