About

Professional landscape design, quality landscape construction, and detailed landscape maintenance are described by the testimonials on our site, Facebook reviews and review sites around the internet. Our guarantee is backed by a reputation of excellence  since 1984 serving landscaping in Allentown, Emmaus, Coopersburg, Lower Macungie and the greater Lehigh Valley.

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Frederick Learey, ASLA, Owner and President

Frederick Learey purchased Garden Design Inc. from Joanne Kostecky in the spring of 2014. He had worked with Joanne and Garden Design as a design/sales associate ten years earlier. In 2004, Frederick left Garden Design to work in the Philadelphia region. There he expanded his design skills, sharpened his construction knowledge and honed his business management ability. When Joanne decided to sell Garden Design, Frederick was her first choice as someone who could carry the company forward while maintaining excellence in landscape design, construction and customer service.

Over 35 years, Frederick has designed and built award winning landscapes. He grew up working with his father on 365 acres of camp and farm where he developed his love of the landscape. Frederick attended High School in Bucks County then went on to study economics and physics at Franklin & Marshall College. He finished his studies with a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of California, Davis where he was awarded the American Society of Landscape Architects Highest Honor Award. Since then he has practiced landscape design and landscape construction on a diverse range of residential and commercial landscape projects.

Frederick manages all aspects of Garden Design Inc. He personally meets with every client and works with them through the entire landscape design and landscape construction project. Frederick manages the project team, coordinates schedules and regularly supervises on site to ensure the quality landscape project clients expect.

 

Joanne Kostecky, APLD, Retired

Joanne started Garden Design Inc. in the early 1980’s designing and installing gardens for friends. From there she built a company of trained landscape installers and developed her design skills. She is past president of the American Nursery and Landscape Association. In 2007 she became the first woman president of that organization in its 132-year history. She also served as president of the National Landscape Association. Other organization service has included terms on the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Nursery and Landscape Association (PLNA) as well as membership on its Awards and Long Range Planning committees. She is a charter member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers.

Joanne attended Rutgers University. She is a Certified Professional Landscape Designer, APLD (from the International Association of Professional Landscape Designers) and a Certified Landscape Design Critic (from the National Federation of Garden Clubs.) She is currently the Public Commissioner for the Certified Association Executive Accreditation of the American Society of Association Executives based in Washington, D.C.

In 2014 Joanne sold the company and is no longer involved in any way other than the general friendship with the current owner, Frederick Learey.

 

DESIGN OFFICE QUALITIES

Landscape and Landscape Design Association Membership

Landscaping Awards and Excellence in Business
The company has been recognized with the Excellence in Business Award from the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Garden Design won a record 23 Merit and 5 Honor Awards from the national Perennial Plant Association; more than 35 Gold, 24 Silver, 11 Bronze, and 7 Honorable Mention Awards for design excellence from Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association; 3 Gold, 6 Silver, and 3 Bronze design awards from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers; and numerous Lehigh Valley Builder’s Association’s recognition of Excellence in Landscape Design. Over the years, the company has also been rewarded with Most Creative/Best of Show and Most Educational trophies for their booth displays in Home Show.