Naturalistic Gardens, Pollinator Plantings & Rain Gardens

Across Ann Arbor and beyond, more homeowners are looking for landscapes that feel both ecologically responsible and aesthetically pleasing. We design naturalistic planting schemes, native gardens, pollinator habitats, and rain gardens that support birds, butterflies, bees, and local ecosystems — while remaining refined, intentional, and visually compelling throughout the seasons.

We believe sustainable landscapes should still feel beautiful, immersive, and appropriate for the architecture of the home. Whether inspired by a visit to the Oudolf Garden Detroit, concerns about declining pollinator populations, a successful neighborhood rain garden, or simply a desire to live among more flowers, birds, and seasonal texture, we create landscapes that balance ecological function with lasting aesthetic value.

Our work draws from native Midwestern plant communities while remaining flexible to each client’s preferences and the realities of residential landscapes. We regularly work with native plants, “nativars,” ornamental grasses, flowering perennials, woodland species, shrubs, and small trees — combining them into layered planting compositions that evolve beautifully over time.

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Designed for Michigan Landscapes

Many properties throughout Ann Arbor present unique opportunities for naturalistic planting design: mature canopy trees, sloping grades, woodland edges, clay soils, drainage challenges, and strong seasonal variation. We design planting plans specifically suited to these conditions, helping landscapes feel integrated with their site rather than imposed upon it.

We regularly create landscapes for homes throughout neighborhoods and communities including:

  • Barton Hills

  • Ann Arbor Hills

  • Burns Park

  • Angell

  • Old West Side

  • Wines

  • Water Hill

  • Dixboro

  • Geddes

  • The Huron River corridor

  • Surrounding Washtenaw County communities

Our Naturalistic Planting Services

Our planting work often incorporates:

  • Native plant gardens

  • Pollinator-friendly landscapes

  • Rain gardens and bioswales

  • Perennial garden design

  • Ornamental and understory trees

  • Woodland edge plantings

  • Privacy screening

  • Meadow-inspired plantings

  • Low-maintenance landscape design

  • Four-season interest and winter structure

  • Habitat-focused planting design

  • Foundation and entry plantings

  • Ecological landscape renovation

Native Gardens & Pollinator Landscapes

Thoughtfully designed native gardens can provide habitat, seasonal beauty, and long-term resilience while reducing the need for excessive irrigation, fertilizers, and maintenance. We select plants for bloom succession, ecological value, texture, movement, and structure — creating landscapes that support pollinators from spring through fall while remaining visually cohesive year-round.

Depending on the project, our designs may include species such as coneflower, prairie dropseed, little bluestem, anise hyssop, asters, woodland phlox, joe pye weed, serviceberry, river birch, and other regionally appropriate plants suited to southeastern Michigan conditions.

Rain Gardens & Sustainable Drainage

Rain gardens and naturalized drainage plantings can help manage runoff, reduce erosion, and improve infiltration while adding beauty to the landscape. Rather than treating drainage as purely functional infrastructure, we integrate grading, water movement, and planting design into a cohesive landscape experience.

These systems are especially valuable for properties near wooded slopes, low areas, downspouts, or the river-adjacent terrain common throughout parts of Ann Arbor.

Begin Your Naturalistic Garden Project

Whether you’re interested in a full landscape renovation, a native front yard garden, pollinator habitat, or a rain garden tailored to your property, Heirloom Landscapes creates site-specific planting designs intended to mature gracefully over time and strengthen the connection between home, landscape, and environment.

Contact us.

  • “Heirloom Landscapes put the finishing touch on our historic home with their incredible landscaping. From the design to implementation the process was easy, and Michael’s level of detail is unmatched with regard to his craftsmanship and selection of both hardscape and plantings. Our stone wall is the envy of all of our neighbors and will surely outlive us.”

  • “We recently remodeled a modern ranch home in Ann Arbor and hired Heirloom Landscapes to design and install landscaping and stonework in our front, side and back yard, including three bluestone patios. Michael Cullen gave us several unique design ideas and worked closely with us to arrive at a final design that is the talk of our neighborhood. Michael and his crew focused on every detail and made sure the landscape complimented our contemporary home design. He always made himself available to address questions that came up as the crew was installing the landscaping. Michael is extremely creative and a super nice guy. We highly recommend Heirloom Landscapes.”

  • “When I needed a new retaining wall, Mike listened to my wishes, addressed my concerns, and considered all aspects of my property and home. His design and craftsmanship are the best imaginable. The end result is a piece of art.”

  • "Heirloom Landscapes, led by Mike Cullen, has done remarkable work for us. He brings a thoughtful sense of design and creativity to his work. Mike has helped transform our property with unique spaces incorporating bluestone, custom elements like rain gardens, and engaging landscape design. Over the past several years, we have found him to be a good communicator and easy to work with. We continue to work with Mike and his crew and would recommend him to others without reservation."

  • "We had a fantastic experience working with Michael and his talented team. Heirloom Landscapes turned our “problem” backyard corner into a flourishing rain garden. The bluestone work for the new patio was also impeccable."

  • "My husband and I are so grateful for the work that Mike Cullen and his team have provided. He has helped manage ivy; introduced many new plantings and trees; designed a bluestone porch and walkway (Mike studied mosaic design in Italy!); mended our picket fence; leveled where needed our stone patio and walkways. Big or small tasks, he’s there to please. In addition to his talents and artistry, Mike is a man of integrity. You recognize this immediately upon meeting him. It is a pleasure to know him and work with him. I highly recommend him and his work."

  • "Mike and his crew have done work on multiple projects at our house over the years. Stonework, plantings, grading, drainage infrastructure. Couldn't be any happier with how it all has come together. Mike has a great vision and knowledge to make some really neat things around town! As an architect, I've recommended him to many clients and always know they will get the same awesome service, design, and care that Heirloom gave us at our own house. Best in town, for sure!"

  • "Michael and his team were great. The overall design, installation and hardscape was thoughtful, creative and efficient. Most important Michael and his whole team are just all good people. It was a pleasure to work with them and we would highly recommend. Just the best."

  • "Our experience with Heirloom Landscapes was outstanding from start to finish. They completely transformed our backyard into a beautiful space that truly feels like the pride of our home. The artistry and creativity of the design were exceptional, and the quality of the materials exceeded our expectations. Throughout the entire process, Heirloom Landscapes were easy to collaborate with, attentive to our ideas, and always made sure every detail met our standards. We couldn’t be happier with the final result and highly recommend them!"

  • "Heirloom does exactly what they say, when they say they’ll do it. Mike is an artist. He and his team transformed our 1987 build (and the dated landscaping to match) into a stunning blue stone paved courtyard filled with ivy, boxwoods, and mature trees. Walking up to the house now feels like arriving at a brand-new home. The execution is elite, delivering a "wow" factor that provides immediate, high-quality curb appeal. No excuses, just total class and professional integrity. Highly recommend."

  • "We have had fantastic experiences with Heirloom Landscapes, especially working with Mike Cullen. From the start, Mike really got what we were going for and helped turn our ideas into a design that felt both beautiful and practical. The stonework and hardscaping turned out amazing—everything is clean, solid, and clearly built with care. There’s real craftsmanship behind it his work. We absolutely love our bluestone patio—it’s become the heart of our backyard. Surrounded by the beautiful landscaping, it feels like a completely transformed space. Everything flows together so naturally, and it’s both relaxing and great for entertaining."

  • "Michael and his team really helped us get a handle on our unruly yard! We have a big lot with lots of design challenges (e.g. sloping / steep grade, mix of sun/shade). Heirloom installed a beautiful retaining wall with large boulders, made our lawn much more inviting, and added numerous 'accents' in terms of ornamental plants and deer-resistant evergreens around the property. Heirloom's also done numerous smaller projects that added curb appeal to the home (a south-facing hillside bed of perennials and a beautiful large-stone paver patio near our entryway.) They are reliable, professional, and creative. We will continue to work with them in the future!"