David and Lisa Cifarelli’s North Road nursery in Southold (Cifarellis, 3405 Ackerly Pond Lane, Southold, 631-765-8654) is a magical place to stroll if you’re looking for inspiration to plan or update a garden (or any outdoor space). Open since 2022, its greenhouses and garden boutique are filled with all sorts of unusual succulents, ferns, cacti and small trees and garden accessories. The property also features hardscape items like planters, furniture, fire pits, firewood racks, doghouses and chimineas all designed and fabricated by David. “Almost every item that is not ceramic on the property is David’s creation,” says Lisa. Additionally, the business has a metal fabricating shop set up in a historic barn on the property where in-house welders and fabricators assist David when he’s building the pieces.
We asked David for some advice on preparing and updating a garden space for the 2026 season.
What gardening/landscaping trends are on your radar for the upcoming season?
Functional artistic spaces that create outdoor living areas and native and natural plantings.
What are some easy ways to update a garden or outside space?
All depends on the site, really. It can be as easy as adding a water feature or a new piece of hardscape (garden art, cage wall, etc.). Or updating or adding a few specimen plants or creating a small raised bed garden.
When it comes to outdoor pieces, what kind of materials are worth investing in and do best over time?
Stone, rocks, metal and hardwoods.
What kind of garden and yard prep should you be doing in April to get on good footing for the season?
April is when yards should be cleaned — not in the fall, as yard debris should remain for overwintering pollinators. Once cleanup is done, [spread] mulch (we like to use natural pine needles) and cut back grasses that were not cut in the fall.
There’s a lot of talk about creating “moments” in both indoor and outdoor design these days. What’s one of your favorite ways to adapt this?
For indoor, bring outdoor elements inside. For outside, a fire pit area. I think everyone should be burning a fire and enjoying time with friends and family fireside.
