Hi, my name is Erica Mita. I started The Little Shovel to fill a gap for the type of landscaping experience I was looking for but couldn’t find. I wanted a beautiful garden, but I also wanted to be involved in shaping it over time — collaborating with knowledgeable professionals while still remaining connected to the process myself.

I was looking for an approach that balanced beauty, structure, practicality, and ecology: improving compacted subdivision soil, incorporating native plants, and creating habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and other species. When these elements come together thoughtfully, the garden becomes not only more resilient, but also a meaningful place for people to spend time and feel connected to.

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 well-adapted non-native species. 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.