djd landscape design

David J. Donofrio designs captivating, lyrical outdoor sanctuaries—spaces that feel authentically inhabited, subtly elegant, and closely tied to their setting. With a horticultural degree from the University of Delaware and a practice known for uniting precise design vision with advanced plant expertise and extensive technical experience, he brings an ordered, creative approach to landscapes.

In every project, Dave respects the unique natural features, existing architecture, and community dynamics present at each site. By carefully studying the land, surrounding buildings, and the people who will use the space, he creates long-lasting gardens and landscapes with deep personal meaning—striking representations of 'home.'

Family retreat

This garden reads as a richly layered, naturalistic planting designed for immersion and seasonal drama. Strong sweeps of strap-leaved foliage make a cohesive ground plane, while repeated vertical spires and airy umbels rise through the composition, adding rhythm and movement—giving the bed a meadow-like structure without feeling messy. The palette is softly orchestrated, with cool blues and lavenders receding into the midground and brighter pink and yellow flower spikes punctuating key moments, generating depth and a clear focal hierarchy. Behind the planting, an open lawn functions as a visual “breathing room,” and the woodland edge provides a dark, textured backdrop that makes the blooms and foliage glow while it reinforces a graceful transition from the cultivated garden to the surrounding landscape.

Country commercial

The approach to this commercial building is a simple, welcoming landscape structure that appears both orderly and relaxed. A broad gravel drive and walk establish a clear central axis to the porch, while two multi-stem trees act as a soft “allee,” framing the view and creating a shaded threshold without blocking the façade. Crisp lawn panels and low, neatly contained planting beds keep sightlines open and the architecture legible, while layered foundation plantings and seasonal perennials add texture and color at pedestrian height along the steps and terrace. Grouped containers in varied sizes introduce a curated, flexible element—great for strengthening the entry and making seasonal refreshes easy—while subtle path lighting and clean edging guide visitors and give the arrival sequence a composed, boutique-hospitality feel.