We’re a small, thoughtful team with a deep love for Maine gardens. We create residential landscape designs and offer garden support to help people live more connected to the natural world and discover joy in their outdoors spaces.

Maine Garden Design Rooted in Beauty, Function, and Stewardship

Whether you’re dreaming of a full landscape transformation, a productive kitchen garden, a refreshed planting plan, or a clearer path forward for your outdoor space, our work blends ecology, artistry, and practical guidance to create gardens that thrive over time.

We’re for homeowners that want more than just a “pretty” yard

We work best with folks who want a garden that feels personal, purposeful, and alive — not just a quick cosmetic landscape. Whether you're staring at an overgrown yard, a blank slate, or a space that no longer fits your life, we help you slow down, see the potential, and move forward with a plan that makes sense for your land.

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Who We Are

We’re a small team of women who share a love for plants, ecology, and meaningful outdoor spaces.

Our work is personal because gardens are personal. We take time to understand not just how you want your landscape to look, but how you want to live with it.

Cultivating Wild is led by Melissa Keyser. With a background as a naturalist, connecting people to the natural world and environmental stewardship is at the root of all of her designs. She blends both ecological and aesthetic design principles to create gardens that encourage people to engage with the landscapes just outside their door.

In addition to being a landscape designer, Melissa is a writer, photographer, and an avid home cook. When not in the garden, you’ll probably find her getting a coffee from Treats or hiking in Dodge Point. She lives near Damariscotta with four rescue cats, all named after pizza toppings.

GET IN TOUCH

From First Conversation to Flourishing Garden

Starting a garden project can feel overwhelming.
Our process makes it clear, collaborative, and grounded from day one.

  • Say Hello.

    We start with a complimentary phone consultation to learn about your property, your goals, and whether Cultivating Wild is the right fit.

  • On-site Consultation.

    Depending on your project, we may walk your space together and talk through possibilities.

  • Design Proposal.

    You’ll receive a design proposal outlining the scope of work, project timeline, and design fee.

  • Understanding Your Land.

    We take measurements, make observations, and get to know your site.

  • Explore Possibilities.

    Back in the studio, we create multiple concept sketches and mood boards to discover the right direction of your design.

  • The Final Design.

     You receive a detailed, to-scale landscape plan that brings the design together. The final design includes a layout plan, planting plan, and materials guidance.

  • Bring It To Life.

    We source plants, install plantings, coordinate with contractors, and stay in the picture as your garden grows.

Let’s create your dream garden.

Tell us what's happening in your outdoor space, what you're hoping to create, and where you feel stuck. We'll follow up to set up a conversation about what's possible. 

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