Gaia Gardens - Montclair's Experienced Landscaping
28 Valley Rd Ste 1, Montclair, NJ 07042
Business Profile
Gaia Gardens in Montclair, NJ, is a landscaping company founded by Daria Paxton, who brings a unique blend of artistic vision and ecological expertise to every project. With a BFA in visual arts from Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts and additional studies in botany and ecology at Cook College, Daria combines creative design with scientific knowledge. She further honed her skills by completing the Rutgers Master Gardener Program in 2003 and drawing inspiration from travels to gardens across the U.S., Japan, Costa Rica, and Spain. This background informs Gaia Gardens' focus on organic and native plant landscaping, emphasizing low-maintenance, sustainable designs based on permaculture principles. The company is LEED certified and affiliated with the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association, ensuring professional, environmentally friendly practices through integrated pest management. Gaia Gardens tailors each project to the specific characteristics of a property, creating beautiful, functional landscapes that solve practical issues like drainage while enhancing ecological harmony.
Main Services
- Driveway construction or installation
- Gardening
- Earthmoving or regrading
- Walkway construction or installation
- Shrub planting
- Disease management - shrubs
Q&A
How does Gaia Gardens address common Montclair landscaping issues like moss growth and tree root damage?
In Montclair, where moss growth and tree root damage are frequent concerns, Gaia Gardens takes a holistic approach. For moss, we assess drainage and soil conditions, often recommending native plantings or regrading to improve water flow and reduce moisture. For tree root issues, we use careful earthmoving and regrading techniques to protect tree health while installing solutions like permeable walkways or retaining walls that accommodate roots. Our focus on sustainable design helps prevent these problems long-term by creating balanced ecosystems tailored to local conditions.
What sustainable practices do you use in landscape design and construction?
We prioritize sustainability through organic methods, native plant selections, and permaculture principles. Our designs aim for low maintenance and ecological integration, using techniques like integrated pest management and water-efficient irrigation systems. For construction, we employ environmentally friendly materials and practices, such as building retaining walls or patios with permeable options to manage runoff. This approach not only supports local wildlife but also reduces long-term upkeep and resource use.
Can you handle both design and installation for projects like patios or irrigation systems?
Yes, Gaia Gardens offers comprehensive services from design to installation. For hardscaping projects like patios, walkways, or retaining walls, we provide custom design services followed by skilled construction. Similarly, for irrigation, we design efficient systems tailored to your landscape's needs and handle the installation and ongoing maintenance. This full-service approach ensures consistency and quality, with every step guided by our sustainable principles and attention to detail.























