Welcome to Habit an ecologically minded space shaping collective
Services
Stewarding
Stewardship helps us reestablish a reciprocal relationship with nature. We love nothing more than to educate and empower people to care for spaces. We recognize stewardship is not for everyone and offer maintenance plans to fit all needs.
Space shaping
Re thinking existing or new spaces can often feel daunting. Habit thrives on opportunities to concept and shape spaces together. From cluttered overgrown back yards to small balconies and everything in-between. We offer design to build solutions for all spaces.
Plant care & maintenance
There is a myth of the self sustaining garden. Gardens require our care and love to thrive. Habit offers full maintenance plans for those who are un able or prefer not to care for their garden. For those who enjoy getting their hands dirty we offer a minimal visit, on call plans for essential maintenance and advice.
“We strive to create positive habits (and habitats) through gardening, stewardship and empowerment.”
-Ryan
Why Native plants
Our preference is to use majority native species in our landscapes. We consider each ecologically beneficial garden an island of biodiversity and habitat. While giving us endless joy and beauty we also help support our insect and feathered friends by providing sustenance and shelter through the seasons.
Testimonials
“One of my greatest joys this summer is seeing my garden become a beautiful living growing thing! My backyard was an absolute mess - an eyesore and a space I never used. Thanks to Ryan Smith of Habit we created a gorgeous space full of native plants and a planter with vegetables and herbs. 🌿 It’s so nice to step outside and see what’s blossomed.”
— Concetta Raz
Ryan’s deep knowledge and passion for plants and pollinators is present in every part of his design and installation work. He’s not just a great horticulturalist, he’s a thoughtful, artistic, receptive person who understands that outdoor spaces often have to serve more than one purpose. When consulting with him on our yard, he considered both the way we wanted the space to look and the many ways it would be used as a respite from the city—to host adult gatherings, for our kids to play, and a place to grow fresh herbs and vegetables for our kitchen. We knew from the first day of working with him that the final product would be awesome, but still every part of the process has exceeded our expectations. From clear and thorough communication, to fair pricing and a strong and accurate timeline of installation, to a truly stunning and amazing outdoor space that has made our home complete, Ryan has been incredible to work with and we have him to thank for the many joyous moments we spend together outside.
— Lauren
“When we moved into our Brooklyn home, the backyard space was beyond a concrete jungle. It was a toxic wasteland in an industrial zone. Shards of broken glass, hunks of abandoned asphalt, weeds growing through garbage. In our minds it would take years before we would be able to transform it. When we approached Ryan, he instantly saw the potential and began explaining his vision. Rather than be bogged down by budget constraints, Ryan thought outside of the box, ways to use natural materials, local native species, and brought forth a plan that not only would transform the space into something aesthetically pleasing to be in, but also practical and useful in that our children could play in certain zones, we could grow edible vegetables in spaces, and we could entertain and barbecue in others. Ryan drew out a plan and executed it so well, that what we thought would take 5 years, he and his team accomplished in one season. Ryan took the time to think about what plant species would work in the right spaces, and planed out a Brooklyn back yard that would change with the season and blossom at different points of the year. With sustainable practices grounded in indigenous practices, we now have a backyard that is admired by anyone who’s been in it. We went from junkyard to literally hosting our friend’s wedding rehearsal dinner in the space into a matter of months. We can’t recommend Ryan an enough for any sort of horticulture or landscaping job, from big to small. Ryan is passionate about his work, follows through on his plan, works with the budget you have in mind, and treats each project like a sacred living organism. He is an artist working with the pallet of nature.”
-Brian