Hi, my name is Erica Mita. I started The Little Shovel to fill a gap for the type of landscaping services I was looking for but couldn’t find. I wanted a beautiful garden, but I also wanted to heal my compacted subdivision soil, emphasize native plants, and provide habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and other species. When all of these elements come together, the garden becomes a wonderful place for humans to spend time as well.

The term regenerative landscaping best captures our ethos. Our designs focus on:

• Thoughtful, high-level garden design using natural, non-toxic materials
• Wildlife habitat gardens that provide blooms and food sources from spring through fall
• Montana native plants, which are more likely to thrive in our dry climate and support the insects that evolved to live here
• Building healthy soil that supports resilient, long-lived gardens

I hold a BA in Environmental Studies from Montana State University, where I focused on sustainable food systems. Early in my career I worked with permaculture designer Dave Jacke on the design team for the 6th Ward Edible Garden Park in Helena, Montana. I later completed the Certificate of Merit in Landscape Design program at Longwood Gardens and am a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. In 2021, I transformed a dirt lot beside my home into a layered pollinator garden using a mix of Montana native and adapted plants. The garden continues to evolve each season and is featured in the gallery.

My work focuses on layered planting design—gardens that combine structure, habitat value, and long seasons of bloom. Because these installations benefit from careful planning and attention to detail, I take on only a limited number of installation projects each year.