Landscape designer Susan Opton is a graduate of The Landscape Institute of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University and practices private landscape design and consultation for residential and commercial projects nationwide.

Susan is an active volunteer for Cogdesign, Waltham Massachusetts, a non-profit service organization offering:
· quality landscape design for community-based groups;
· meaningful professional experience for student and practicing landscape designers;
· volunteer opportunities for those interested in strengthening communities by creating and improving neighborhood green spaces.

In addition to her volunteer work with COGdesign she is dedicated to being involved in beautifying community spaces. In 2004 Susan designed a dedication garden for the retiring principal of Hillside Elementary School in Needham, MA. A previous unused space was transformed into a small courtyard garden, which serves to engage the school and public community in gathering for educational and public activities. The space was gifted by the PTC to the retiring school principal of 20 years, Andrea Wong and was received with great enthusiasm by the school community.

In 2005, Susan joined the Needham Garden Club in order to serve on its Civic Committee, which pursues and maintains town-wide garden spaces. The most recent garden space is being decided at the new Needham Free Library. Susan will co-chair the Garden Club’s Horticulture Committee in 2007-2008 with Kate Taylor, a noted garden designer and Needham resident.

2007 brought Susan and The Massachusetts Horticultural Society together. Her desire to better know plants and get involved with the Rose Kennedy Greenway Project inspired her part-time employment with the MassHort Society.

A root philosophy of giving back to the environment and helping others is at the core of Susan’s landscape design and practice. She donates her landscape design expertise to many local auctions in order to help other individuals and organizations meet their fundraising goals.

In 2001 Susan relocated from her native home, Los Angeles, California. Her knowledge of west and east coast plant material allows her to freelance to the trade and privately, nationwide. Currently, Susan provides freelance designs for Designscape, based in San Diego, California.

Susan Opton with son Miles

Her main interests are in ecologically sound landscapes and in helping others to enjoy their outdoor spaces, either at home or at work.