Life & Work with Karen Keay

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Keay.  

Karen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
keay+summers landscape design inc., a “boutique” firm, is in its 8th season, has brought new hardscapes and landscapes to our community. And if the past 2-3 years during the pandemic have taught us anything, it’s that we NEED our outdoor spaces to be places where we can relax, enjoy and be comfortable. I’m very happy to be a part of bringing my clients these spaces. 

I met my (now former) partner at Ryerson University (now Metropolitan University) in the Landscape Design program. We’d both recently left our previous careers – he in financial services, me in Marketing – and both had a passion for landscaping. keay+summers landscape design inc. was formed. That was 8 years ago, and Terry retired last year. My BComm and years of Marketing in Toronto helped hone my communication, analytics, organizational, and people skills – key to a client-focused business such as landscape design. 

I’ve always loved gardening and garden design, and have been involved with the Leaside Garden Society for 22 years, on the board and as a consistent volunteer on many committees, including publicity, the garden tour, plant sale, flower shows, the Canada Blooms design team, among others. 

Most of my work is right here in Leaside, where I live, and I couldn’t be happier! My family’s lived here for many years, and we love it. I’ve always appreciated the friendliness of the neighbours and, of course, the big trees and beautiful gardens. I feel fortunate to have the chance to pursue my passion in a second career. Helping people extend their home’s use and enjoyment through the creation of functional, dynamic, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces is gratifying. I’m grateful for the continued support of our Leaside community of friends and neighbours, which allows me to do this job. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We initially thought we’d have a difficult time getting started, but it happened pretty organically! Friends, neighbours, and acquaintances all reached out to support us, and we found our first few seasons quite busy. The referrals have been consistent and keep me busy still. 

Of course, the pandemic was a bit of a challenge, at least for a few months before we were allowed to actively work on people’s properties again. We quickly grew accustomed to wearing masks and often meeting outside, even in the winter, and doing much more by Zoom or phone conversations and sharing documents by email rather than in person. Like everyone. We were lucky that the outcome of our services is what many people were wanting and needing – especially as no one was traveling; everyone wanted to now have that beautiful, comfortable backyard – that they looked at every day, all day – and could enjoy outside of their house. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
A focus for me in the last few years has been to add pollinator, native and drought-tolerant plants to the landscapes I design. This can be done seamlessly with the right knowledge of plant material and design. I’ve done small front garden beds and full front lawn replacements, very large backyards, and small patio gardens – beautiful, appropriate, useful plants and flowers can be thoughtfully designed into every garden! 

What were you like growing up?
I grew up in a small town and liked hanging out with my friends. I figure-skated (a little) and read a lot. I started gardening very early with my mom with annuals and a Weigela, and Peonies! I guess I was hooked. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.keaysummerslandscapedesign.com/
• Instagram: keaysummerslandscapedesign
• Facebook: keay+summers landscape design inc.

Image Credits
Karen Keay