Native landscapes welcoming nature home in Greenville, SC and beyond.

We design fine gardens that are not only beautiful and low-maintenance but essential—providing habitat and life for the ecosystem we all share.

BLAKE SIMS, FOUNDER

Hi, I'm Blake!

With over 25+ years of experience as a landscape designer, I believe passionately in creating fine gardens that are not only functional, beautiful and less maintenance for my clients, but also ones that support our precious, local ecosystems.  

In order to accomplish that goal, my landscape design approach requires the use of native plants, which are absolutely essential in fostering a biodiversity of pollinators, birds, and other wildlife in Greenville, SC and beyond.

My artistic sensibilities have been shaped by living and working in various markets like the Deep South, Southern Germany, Central Florida and Los Angeles, providing me with a diverse knowledge of garden styles from classical to ultra modern.  

With a spirit of curiosity and a love for travel, I continue to explore and meditate on some of the world’s most impressive landscapes, providing me with an intimate understanding of not only what great gardens can look like, but more importantly, how they can make one FEEL.

Ultimately, I believe landscapes are a source of Spiritual Oneness.  By working with native plants, Piney Mountain Design is able to create “Fine Gardens for People & Nature” that not only reconnect clients to themselves but also to the natural world of which we are all a part.For me, that is a landscape of true beauty!

I look forward to serving you.  ~ Blake Sims

A selection of Blakes design work.

CAPABILITIES

BEFORE & AFTER

Most landscapes suffer from 'the wrong plant in the wrong place,' leading to constant upkeep and tired designs. We reboot these spaces, replacing the run-of-the-mill with hardy, native habitats that thrive in our region. See how we turn a blank canvas into an elegant, sustainable sanctuary.
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SELECTED WORKS

A landscape should be felt, not just seen. Explore our recent projects to see how native plants create a sense of connectedness—modern, mindful, and full of promise.
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CHOOSING
PINEY MOUNTAIN 
DESIGN

25+ Years of Industry Insight
With over two decades across every corner of the industry—from construction and nursery sales to design—I’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn't. You get the benefit of a garden rooted in real-world durability.
The Native Advantage
I specialize in plants that evolved to thrive in our region. They are naturally hardy to our climate and soil—meaning less maintenance for you and a vital lifeline for local birds and insects.
Global Style, Local Roots
Whether your aesthetic is ultra-modern or timelessly classic, I use my experience living and traveling worldwide to ensure native plants achieve the exact look and feel you desire.
A Personal & Mindful Approach
I only take on projects I truly believe in. This ensures your garden receives my full, undivided attention and a design process that is as mindful as the final result.
Site-Specific Curation
To me, every project is a unique ecosystem. I hand-pick each plant specifically for your site's soil and sunlight, ensuring a landscape that stays healthy, happy, and alive.
Vetted & Trusted Execution
A great design needs a great build. When it’s time to break ground, I connect you with a local installation team I know and trust personally to ensure my vision is brought to life flawlessly.

WHY
GO NATIVE

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//
25+ Years of Industry Insight
With over two decades across every corner of the industry—from construction and nursery sales to design—I’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn't. You get the benefit of a garden rooted in real-world durability.
The Native Advantage
I specialize in plants that evolved to thrive in our region. They are naturally hardy to our climate and soil—meaning less maintenance for you and a vital lifeline for local birds and insects.
The Native Advantage
Each and every plant is chosen for your specific site.
//
The Native Advantage
25+ years across every corner of the industry. He's seen what works and what doesn't.
Every project is unique //
When it's time to build, Blake connects you with a local team he knows and trusts personally.

Read more of Blakes reviews Here

4.9 Stars
50+ Google Reviews

"Blake did a phenomenal job redesigning my entire backyard after I had significant storm damage."
Emily Ledbetter, Parkins Mill
"Blake took the time to create drawings with his vision, carefully selected mature healthy plants and kept in contact to ensure the plants established well in our beds."
Jay Addison, Paris Mtn
"Blake helped us dramatically transform our front yard!"
Julie Cook, Botany Woods
"I can’t wait for the next phases and to see how everything looks as summer progresses."
Millie Collins, Travelers Rest
"Blake made this entire process so smooth! We had a vision for wanting our front flower bed to look full with lots of variety, and he executed his design plan flawlessly! "
Charity Koschel, Pickens
"Blake made this process very enjoyable from the design meeting to the install process. He is very knowledgeable and was able to design our area with a variety of colors and textures. "
Monica Keffenbarger, Easley
"Blake did an amazing job designing beds that were appropriate for our vintage home. He was always on time, very attentive and knowledgeable. "
Nicole Rainey, Travelers Rest
"Blake Sims, the owner of Piney Mountain Design, developed, and implemented, a great design for our garden."
David Schutzman, Simpsonville
"Blake worked up a beautiful design and warm setting. Everyone that sees it is complementary. We love it! Thanks."
McBee Park, Greenville
"Blakes choices of seating areas, berries, figs, maples, grasses and evergreens were even better than we expected."
Donna T, Taylors

COMMON
QUESTIONS

Do you only use native plants in your designs?

Native plants are a core part of my design approach because they are essential for our local ecosystem. They are beautiful, required for local wildlife, and naturally hardy to our climate. While I specialize in natives, I may incorporate non-native plants as specimen features or when a client has a strong preference for them.

Why choose native plants over traditional landscaping?

Traditional "contractor-build" landscapes often use plants that struggle here and require constant upkeep. Native plants evolved in our region; they are low-maintenance, functional, and support the birds, bees, and butterflies that make a garden feel alive.

Is a native garden messy or unkempt?

Not at all. To me, native design = modern design. I create sophisticated, elegant landscapes that feel serene and "enveloped in beauty," proving that a sustainable garden can be incredibly polished and never messy.

Who is the ideal client for Piney Mountain Design?

I work with those who want a garden that makes a difference—whether you are a new homeowner wanting a mindful sensibility, or you’re looking to "reboot" a tired yard into something more elegant, sophisticated, and sustainable.

When are consultation and design fees determined?

Consultation and design fees are discussed at the end of our initial phone call, once I have a clear understanding of your landscape needs and project scope.

How does the design process work?

The process begins with an in-person consultation at your property. After that, I present the completed design during a Zoom meeting so we can review everything together and ensure it aligns with your vision.

Will I receive a formal architectural landscape rendering?

I do not provide formal architectural plat renderings. Instead, I create hand-drawn design sketches on my iPad using photos taken at your property. This gives you a more realistic and personal view of how the landscape will look from your actual yard and perspective.

Do you install the landscape designs yourself?

I focus on the design and plant selection to ensure the "right plant is in the right place." For the physical build, I partner with a trusted local company to carry out the installation proposal. They also offer optional landscape maintenance services to keep your design thriving.

COMMON
QUESTION

Do you only use native plants in your designs?

Native plants are a core part of my design approach and an area I care deeply about. I specialize in creating landscapes built around native species, though I may incorporate nonnative plants as specimen features or when a client has a strong preference for them.

When are consultation and design fees determined?

Consultation and design fees are discussed at the end of the initial phone call, once I have a clear understanding of your landscape needs.

How does the design process work?

The process begins with an in-person consultation at your property. After that, I present the completed design during a Zoom meeting so we can review everything together.

Will I receive a formal architectural landscape rendering?

I do not provide architectural plat renderings. Instead, I create hand-drawn design sketches on my iPad using photos taken at your property. This gives you a more realistic view of how the landscape will look from your actual yard and perspective.

Do you install the landscape designs yourself?

I no longer handle installation directly. Instead, I partner with a trusted local company to provide and carry out the installation proposal. They also offer optional landscape maintenance services.

GET IN TOUCH

Ready to feel connected, inspired, and serene?
Let’s create a yard that’s as hardy and functional as it is beautiful!
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