Garden Writer & Landscape Designer
About Martha Swiss
Martha Swiss is a garden writer and landscape designer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
She is a regular contributor to Pennsylvania Gardener Magazine, and her work has also appeared in The American Gardener, GROW, Fine Gardening, Pittsburgh Magazine, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and publications of the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.
Martha combines writing, design, teaching, and hands-on gardening with a focus on landscapes that are attractive, practical, easy to care for, and supportive of pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
Her Approach to Garden Design
Martha helps clients envision landscapes that are useful, attractive, and relatively easy to maintain while also supporting pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
Her interests include trees and shrubs, native plants, edible gardening, pruning, and thoughtful garden design that balances beauty with long-term function.
Education and Horticultural Training
Landscape Design
Graduate of Chatham University's landscape design program
Master Gardener
Master Gardener training
Garden Writing, Design & Teaching Experience
Martha works as both a garden writer and designer, helping homeowners think through practical and attractive landscape solutions for their properties.
She also teaches classes on a range of gardening topics, including trees and shrubs, native plants, edible gardening, pruning, and garden design.
Her one-acre garden has been photographed for Organic Gardening, The Cottage Journal, Hobby Farms Magazine, and Pennsylvania Gardener Magazine.
Areas of Expertise
Martha's work focuses on practical landscape design, plant selection, and creating gardens that are attractive, useful, and supportive of wildlife.
Featured Gardening Articles
Martha has contributed Plant Addicts guides focused on choosing low-maintenance plants for different light conditions.
Shade Gardening
Low-Maintenance Plants for Shade
Plant-selection ideas for creating attractive shade gardens with lower maintenance needs.
Full-Sun Gardening
Low-Maintenance Plants for Full Sun
Plant-selection ideas for sunny gardens where dependable performance and easier care are priorities.