Landscape designer, Horticulturist
Suvi Tuokko-Harmoinen
"I don’t see gardens as static images, but as part of the landscape and daily life, alive with seasons, light, and people. When everything fits, the garden feels light, natural, and effortless."
Creating Beauty with Passion
For me, every garden represents a distinct and unique entity, each with its own character and potential.
In my perspective, a truly successful outdoor space is a reflection of its users' unique personal lifestyle and meets their functional needs effectively. A well-executed garden design harmoniously integrates the outdoors with its surroundings, gently blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The distinctive details of a garden, combined with a clear Scandinavian style and a creative fusion of materials, colors, and plant life, culminate in an outdoor area that is simultaneously understated and brimming with personality. What ties all my designs together is the Nordic aesthetic, characterized by a fresh and functional approach to organizing outdoor spaces as integral, harmonious extensions of the home.
I view every garden space as an individual canvas, ripe with possibilities for transformation and creativity. The process of designing these spaces is something I approach with a deep sense of passion and commitment. I dedicate myself to understanding the unique aspects of each area, considering how each element can be harmonized to create a cohesive and beautiful whole. My approach is rooted in the belief that every garden is not just a physical space but a living, breathing entity that deserves careful thought and inspired design.
I am a professionally trained landscape designer and horticulturist, equipped with a strong foundation in designing outdoor spaces that balance aesthetics, functionality, and ecological responsibility. My expertise as a landscape designer enables me to craft environments that are visually compelling, highly functional, and ecologically sound. Complementing this, my horticultural background provides in-depth knowledge of plant characteristics, care, and their integration into dynamic, livable spaces. My expertise is further strengthened by the Demanding Level Professional Qualification in Landscape Construction Design, granted by FISE Oy. The qualification is based on an independent external evaluation and confirms that I meet the competence and experience requirements for demanding design assignments. For clients, it provides assurance that the design process is professional, responsible and carefully managed, even in technically complex projects.
Throughout my career, I have worked on a diverse range of projects, from intimate private gardens for single-family homes and vacation properties to smaller-scale terrace and gardens. My portfolio also includes larger, more complex developments, such as recreational areas, residential courtyards, corporate landscapes, restaurant terraces, and hotel outdoor spaces. In every project, I strive to blend practicality, elegance, and a commitment to sustainable development. My ultimate goal is to create spaces that not only fulfill the unique needs of their users but also harmonize effortlessly with their surrounding environment, leaving a lasting and positive impact.
Press / Media
When it's about gardens, I'm happy to be part of the project.
Gardening and nature are both my lifestyle and my source of inspiration. In my work, I have combined my expertise in the green industry with content production, creating garden design and gardening-related articles for garden magazines. The garden designs I have created have also been featured in international garden magazines and books. I enjoy taking on the role of an expert in garden articles, at exhibitions and events, as well as in television and radio appearances.
Biophilia, vol 1 / 2021
Il senso e le firme del Nordic garden design: intervista a Suvi Tuokko-Harmoinen
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the designer.
A garden designer creates a clear and practical garden plan for a private garden. The plan typically defines elements such as pathways, terraces, planting beds, paving, lighting and stormwater management. A well-designed garden plan helps visualize the overall layout before construction and ensures that the garden is functional, easy to maintain and adds value to the property. The plan also makes it easier to estimate costs and implement the project.
A good garden plan also helps contractors work more efficiently and reduces the need for changes during the construction phase. In this way, a professional garden designer can save time, money and prevent costly mistakes.
Sustainability is reflected in selecting plants that naturally thrive in the site conditions and require as little additional maintenance as possible. Diverse and balanced planting supports the long-term health of the garden and helps create an environment that is naturally easy to care for.
Stormwater management is designed so that rainwater can be managed and utilized on the property without causing damage to structures. When choosing materials, I prioritize durability and ease of maintenance so the garden remains beautiful and functional for many years. A sustainable garden does not mean sacrificing aesthetics, but making thoughtful choices that support both the environment and everyday living.
My approach to garden design is holistic and site-specific. Each project is approached through the unique characteristics of the site, the architecture of the building and the everyday needs of the people using the space.
Garden design is not about simply adding individual elements, but about creating a carefully balanced whole where space, structures and planting support each other.
Yes. Garden design often begins with an idea or a desire for change. I help clarify your needs and explore the possibilities so that a residential garden or a company’s outdoor space can be designed into a clear, functional and well-balanced environment.
I primarily provide garden design services in Finland, but I also work more widely across the European Union. Projects can be arranged in several European countries, including for example Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom.
Garden design can also be carried out remotely, provided that sufficient site information is available, such as site plans, drawings and photographs of the property. Remote garden design makes it possible to develop well-considered outdoor spaces efficiently regardless of location.