Gail was born outside of Akron, Ohio. She moved to the Sandhills in 1978 and opened Lotus Designs Landscaping in 1987. Her work includes new and existing residential homes in Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Sanford area, with additional work in such places as Raleigh, NC, Charleston, SC, and Houston, TX. Her commercial projects include, several schools, churches and individual businesses. Gail lives on a small horse farm just outside of Southern Pines with her husband and two daughters.  
   

"I feel very blessed to be a landscape designer. I love what I do. I have done this work since 1987, and there are so many new plants and products being created in the landscape industry that keep the work always fresh and exciting. I enjoy the whole process, from working with the clients, to creating the plan, to on-site layout and implementation.

"Every job is different and so each design is a new creation. When I start a new plan, I work the various layout possibilities until I have something I know is makes the most of the site. Then I consider materials and structures that would work well in the different areas. I find that sometimes the way I curve a patio or design a pergola can really transform a space. I want to create spaces that bring not only enhance the looks of the landscape, but also the clients' enjoyment of it.

"When someone hires me for a job, they are putting their trust in me. I take a client’s trust very seriously. Most of clients come from referrals of other satisfied clients, I really appreciate that and want to keep that going.

"I
think one of my strengths is that I am a good listener. My goal is to create something for people that will fit their needs, desires, and budget and exceed their expectations. My favorite comment is, 'that is exactly what I wanted.' When I hear that, I know I have done my job well.

"Landscape projects come in many different forms. For instance,
some homeowners want to do the work themselves, while others prefer to hire a landscape contractor. In either case, I work with each client to make sure that he or she will have a workable plan and have the tools to implement it fully. Sometimes that means directing clients to particular nurseries where they can find the best plants and materials at the best prices as well as giving them advice on planting and selection. Or, if a client wants professional installation, I act as a liaison with the contractor and make sure the work is perfect.

"A word on sub-contractors: The contractors I have worked with over the years are top notch. Many of the designs I have done in the past 20 years, have been done by Richie Cole of Knat’s Creek Nursery. But I have also had the pleasure of working regularly on projects with Tanglewood Nursery, Anderson Landscaping and Vence’s Landscaping, as well as the local masonry and pool companies. In every case, I work closely with the contractors to make sure the client receives the best job and a competitive price.

"I hope to do this work for a very long time. There is nothing that I'd rather do."