Tell us how growing up in Lebanon guided you toward becoming such an amazing landscape artist!
I was raised in Lebanon, and it’s where my family’s roots run incredibly deep—my grandparents, Joe and Patsy Vance, both grew up on large family farms dating as far back as the late 1800’s. That sort of history and connection to the land has always been central to who I am. My grandad, in particular, is this brilliant, self-taught, jack-of-all-trades who showed me the meaning of dedication and love of being outside. He’s truly a mind only a farm could produce! But my mom inspired my love for art, design, and fabulous flair. It’s most likely this blend of practical, farm-based wisdom and artistic freedom that shaped my perspective from the start.
When I say landscaper, I really think of myself as an artist who uses nature as the medium. Growing up here cultivated a genuine appreciation for the land—and for the stories each space can tell—so when I eventually pursued fine art and got interested in large-scale installations, it felt natural to bring those big, imaginative ideas back home. Lebanon’s openness and its sense of community grounded me, and it’s where I learned that there’s always room to push creative boundaries, even in familiar terrain.
Tell Us About Your Farm!
My farm in Gordonsville is a dream realized: it’s my own living studio and a kind of open-air laboratory for The Grass Girl’s design concepts. I walk it daily with my dog, Pickles, noting the interplay of sunlight, shifting shadows, and how each season transforms the landscape. Rather than a traditional working farm with crops or livestock, I’m cultivating ideas.
Have you worked with any local stars we can brag about?
I’ve definitely worked with some high-profile folks in the music scene, but I’m not a big name-dropper. That said, my second-ever client was the manager for a major country star, and that early partnership propelled my business forward in ways I never could have imagined.
But as special as those projects are, my absolute favorite will always be my parents’ home in Lebanon. There’s something so meaningful about transforming my childhood home and the place they live every day. Bringing them joy is worth more to me than any spotlight or headline.
When you are driving around, what are some things that catch your eye and inspire your design creations?
I’m an artist first and foremost, and my mind is always tuned to the shapes, colors, and textures of the world around me—whether I’m wandering through a museum, traveling, or even just taking a quick drive around town. I’m constantly looking for unexpected or daring color combinations, architectural details, and the interplay of organic forms with man-made structures. I also draw deeply from my own experiences installing large-scale art at the Nevada art festival, Burning Man, where the harsh desert environment forces you to be radically creative, resilient, and resourceful. That spirit of pushing boundaries—from building giant sculptures in dust storms to experimenting with light and shadow—fuels every project I take on.
Spring Spruce Up Advice
Clare says, "Think of your property as the one place on earth where you can shape your surroundings entirely on your own terms. The outside of your home is just as essential as the inside—maybe even more so—because it’s what greets both you and the world every day."
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Start Indoors
Before you even step outside, look through the windows of your home. Observe the shapes, colors, and textures inside your space, and imagine how your outdoor garden could echo—or play off of—those elements. The goal is to create a visual flow that calls you to get outside! If your living room has a vibrant accent color or interesting architectural lines, try incorporating similar hues or sculptural plant forms in the area of the garden you see from that window. -
Embrace Non-Conformity
Great garden design doesn’t try to match the neighbors. In fact, a good garden is deeply personal—it should celebrate your own tastes, history, and lifestyle, rather than trying to blend in. Whether you’re drawn to bold, avant-garde statements or prefer a wild, whimsical cottage feel, embrace your instincts. Remember, your outdoor space can be a living art installation unique to you. -
Create One Cozy Nook
Not ready to tackle the entire yard, start with a single, intentional space you truly love. It might be a meditation nook, a prayer bench, or a reading lounger tucked away under a favorite tree. Invest in comfy seating, add a few potted plants that speak to your sense of color and style, and create a bit of refuge for your spirit. Once you have that one magical corner, it’ll naturally inspire you to build out the rest over time. This way, your yard evolves at a pace—and budget—that’s comfortable for you.
Your garden is a reflection of you...
...By tending to it, you're not only shaping a space—you're nurturing your soul.