Interview by Kelly Postiglione. Photos provided by Lavish Gardener.
Meet Tina Langley Walsh, the founder and creative force behind Lavish Gardener. A local Larchmont mom with a background in fashion and a deep love for nature, Tina has built a business transforming outdoor spaces with her signature style: lush, layered, and effortlessly chic. From seasonal planter refreshes to over-the-top floral installations for restaurants and events, Tina brings a fresh perspective to garden and floral design.
You offer everything from seasonal planter refreshes to full garden design, not to mention your incredible floral installations at restaurants and shops. How did this all begin, and what inspired you to turn your love of gardening into a full-blown business?
As we all know, the pandemic was such a wild moment in time and gave me a chance to self-reflect on what I saw for my career in the future. It pushed me to reinvent myself and pivot from fashion to landscape and floral design. It was always a hobby of mine, so I enrolled in some online classes in Cornell’s Horticulture program. I started working on friends’ and neighbors’ gardens, created my website and IG, and the brand grew very quickly. The silk floral installations were also popping up all over NYC, and opportunities with restaurants and storefronts in WC and CT just started happening, along with small weddings and events. It’s been so fun to work with so many great people on this journey, and it’s hugely rewarding.
Your restaurant installations are so striking. Can you walk us through what it takes to create those over-the-top floral moments?
Thank you! We start our design process by asking the client what they love and what they envision in their installation. I start with these questions:
Are you looking for a statement out front to draw people inside?
Would you like to create a photo moment for patrons to enjoy?
Could this be both an aesthetically pleasing and functional installation?
What is the mood we are trying to achieve?
I like to pull references that coincide with the brand’s look, menu, edit, etc., so we can create something that transforms the space and almost transports them to a faraway place. I create a mood board with lots of images and ideas that we review with our clients so they can really visualize my design. I also provide sketches upon request. In my past fashion life, I was an Accessories Editor. Designing a garden or floral installation really isn’t that different. As long as I have a story to pull references from, a color palette, etc., the edit comes together pretty quickly.
What do you look for when designing a space, especially one that will be experienced during dining or entertaining?
First and foremost, I want to create an experience—something that is unique and special to the brand. But I also love when it serves a purpose, i.e., provides shade for a sunny spot, frames an entrance or seating area, or simply draws in people passing by.
What’s inspiring you this season? Any favorite flowers, colors, or textures you’re drawn to?
I am really loving citrus colors like yellow, lime, and chartreuse, and I always love green. A recent install we did was a really fun lemon installation for The STAND in Rye, and we are currently working on Bar Aida’s back terrace, where we pulled inspiration from the verandas and patios in Italy, France, and Spain. On a recent trip to St. Lucia, our hotel had these gorgeous striped pagoda umbrellas, and we were able to source them in yellow and white, which feel really fun and fresh for summer al fresco dining. I can’t wait to start this install—it’s going to be really fun.
Your work feels polished but still wild and natural in the best way. How do you strike that balance in your designs?
I love this question. I suppose that art imitates life, and my designs are much like my personality. I definitely always strive to give my clients exactly what they want, but I always put a lavish spin on it. For example, if they request a “shade garden,” I give them the most lush and inviting version of a shade garden that I can think of. I am also a stickler about quality product and attention to detail—I hand-select every tree, plant, shrub, and flower that goes into my installations. If it doesn’t look PERFECT, we won’t use it. It really makes a big difference in the overall outcome.
For homeowners looking to give their space a quick refresh, what’s one simple tip or idea to make things feel instantly more alive and inviting?
Adding annual plantings always brightens up any space. If your front entry or back patio is feeling a bit boring, why not pop in some new planters and some annuals to freshen it up? I also love planting annuals in empty holes in garden beds to add some color for the season. Now is the perfect time!
We’re incredibly grateful for our amazing community and the wonderful people and places that make it so special. Explore our Blog page for features that spotlight local businesses and more. Looking for something to do in Westchester? Check out our Local Guides and Calendar pages to discover what’s happening locally and follow along on Instagram for more!