Oakland Design Associates is the landscape architecture and design/build division of Oakland Nurseries, founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1940. The design department was founded in 1974 by John Reiner, RLA, son of nursery founder Gustav Reiner. There are currently ten landscape architects and designers on staff who address a wide variety of landscape design needs in the greater Columbus area, from commercial to residential, public to private. The large majority of work includes middle-to-high end residential design, with specialty areas in irrigation system design/build, pond and water feature design and installation, and seasonal container and annual rotations. Oakland Design Associates has been the recipient of hundreds of design awards throughout its history, and continues to be ranked among the best and most-respected landscape design/build firms in the region.

Grimes-Flood Residence, Bexley, Ohio
This home, reminiscent of a 16th – 17th French chateau and property, contains many interesting features. The homeowner wished to combine a meditative walk in the garden with this historical home. In the rear there is a formal design separated by two large Japanese maples, which lead into another area. The garden is alive with bountiful plantings of specimen roses, boxwood, hydrangeas, hostas, catmints and an assortment of perennials. A wooden trellis separates the rest of the garden and shed area from the auto court.

 

Miely Residence, Columbus, Ohio
With its graceful lines and mix of softly textured plantings, this property exudes elegance and tranquility. The walls of greenery and airy canopy provided by the sprinkling of trees gives the gazebo area a feeling of being secluded within a sanctuary. The plantings are a flowing mix of rhododendrons, hydrangeas, day lilies, hostas and roses.

Deree, Dublin, Ohio
The front plantings were designed to lead the visitor through the narrow corridor to the entry door. Beyond the front entry is a Japanese inspired garden using an ancient Japanese principle of capturing the distant view, which in this case is a championship golf course. The minimalist garden design offers gravel walkways, hardscapes, a Japanese raked garden and a dry riverbed "stream." Bluestone and limestone slabs form access paths to all parts of the landscape. Local stone was used to construct much of the hardscape, including the elements of the dry garden.

Riat Residence, Bexley, Ohio
This front yard is a classic formal garden in the best of European traditions. Boxwood encapsulates the 4 quadrants with flowering crabapples as the center focus of the space. Liriope escorts the visitor to the back gate entry. A heavy gate leads into the backyard through a narrow passage onto an open space of patio, lawn and screening backdrop.

Havens Garden, Delaware, Ohio
This extraordinary large garden is as one would see at a European estate. Multiple gardens have fantastic viewing corridors and focal points. This is one of the great gardens in Middle America not open to the public. The garden contains multiple water features and defined spaces, with a fantastic array of plants.