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Two we’re keeping a close eye on right now in Ohio are the Spotted Lanternfly and the White Pine Weevil. Neither is a reason to panic, but both are worth understanding, especially if you want to stay ahead of potential damage.

One of our favorite times of the year is finally here! Our full seasonal team is back, and that means one thing: things are about to get busy (in the best way possible).

For M.J. Design Associates owners Molly and Joel John, a recent journey through Rwanda and Tanzania became something more than travel. It was an experience that shifted perspective on nature, on people, and on the quiet responsibility we all carry to protect the world around us.

There’s something about the first signs of spring that makes everyone ready to refresh their outdoor spaces. After a long Ohio winter (and let’s be honest… a few fake springs), adding a fresh seasonal pot by your front door or patio is one of the easiest ways to bring things back to life.

Winter in Ohio has a reputation. Gray skies. Snow-covered beds. Bare branches. But if you know where to look, this is one of the most quietly beautiful times in the landscape. A thoughtfully designed garden doesn’t disappear in winter, it shifts. Structure, texture, bark, and early blooms take their turn in the spotlight.

Winter deer damage is one of the most common landscape issues homeowners notice in February, especially on evergreen shrubs like taxus, arborvitae, and boxwood. If your shrubs look chewed, uneven, or strangely sculpted, deer are likely the culprit.

You know the feeling. You’re on hold. Again. An automated voice cheerfully reminds you, “Your call is important to us,” while you stare at your phone in disbelief. You’ve already explained the issue. You’ve pressed every button. You’ve been transferred more than once. This is call number 26. And still, no one has taken ownership.

Landscaping is about more than the work we do today, it’s about the people who will shape the industry tomorrow. One of the ways we invest in that future is through our internship program, which gives emerging professionals the opportunity to learn, grow, and gain real-world experience alongside our team.

We often talk about the importance of community in our own lives—family, neighbors, coworkers, and the people who help support us through hard seasons. What many people don’t realize is that trees rely on community in much the same way.

Plants are going to grow the way they want to grow. Period. Every plant has a genetic blueprint, and it doesn’t care what we think it should look like. The goal is simple: work with the plant, not against it because when you wrestle with nature, YOU . NEVER . WIN.

In an industry built around early mornings, long days, and physically demanding work, the winter shutdown serves an important purpose, one that often goes unseen by those outside the field.

As 2025 comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on a year shaped by hard work, meaningful partnerships, and the people who made it all possible.

As another season comes to a close, December gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect not just on the projects we completed, but on the people who made them possible. Our annual holiday party is one of our favorite traditions at M.J. Design because it allows us to do just that.

As the year winds down, we want to take a moment to thank our incredible clients for trusting us with your homes and landscapes. Your support makes everything we do possible, and we feel truly lucky to be part of your outdoor spaces.

Fall 2025 seemed to come and go quietly here in Northern Ohio. Unlike previous years with bright, show-stopping color, many trees displayed muted tones and dropped their leaves quickly. We were surprised by just how fast some trees lost their leaves this season!

At M.J. Design, we love celebrating the people who make our team so strong. This month, we are spotlighting one of our newest faces, Jack, who joined us in February of 2025.

There is something special about a handmade holiday wreath—it is creative, personal, and instantly makes your home feel festive. Whether you are using fresh greens or a trusty faux wreath you have had for years, we are here to help you design something beautiful this season.

We’re thrilled to introduce a new face at MJ Design: Hannah Miller! Hannah is helping in all parts of the company, bringing her background in architecture, design, and marketing, plus a love of working with her hands.

We had an amazing time at this year’s Ohio High School Landscape Olympics (OHLO) by OGIA (Ohio Green Industry Association)!

As the weather cools, your evergreens and broadleaf plants need a little extra protection to make it through the winter looking their best. That’s where anti-desiccants come in (kind of like moisturizer for your plants)!