Melissa Gerstle Design Featured at Abode from The Dallas Morning News

Melissa Gerstle Design was featured in The Dallas Morning News for its work on the 2026 Southern Living Idea House in Fredericksburg, Texas. As the landscape designer for the project, Melissa Gerstle brought a thoughtful approach to the Hill Country property, drawing inspiration from its rolling landscape, wooded surroundings, and waterway beyond the home.

The project offered an opportunity to explore a more natural and expansive approach to landscape design in North Texas. Gerstle selected a broader mix of plant species suited to the open site, incorporating native and adaptive plants while creating outdoor spaces that feel connected to the surrounding landscape. A fire pit nestled among mature trees, a custom fountain, and carefully considered planting areas help extend the experience of the home into nature.

Featured in the article alongside Dallas interior designer Jean Liu, Gerstle discusses how the Hill Country setting shaped her design decisions, the plants she selected for the project, and the opportunity to experiment with new ideas. Her work demonstrates how thoughtful landscape design can complement architecture while creating outdoor spaces that feel rooted in their environment.

Read the full feature in The Dallas Morning News to explore the 2026 Southern Living Idea House and learn more about Melissa Gerstle Design’s landscape approach.