Robert E. O’Keefe, Jr.

Robert O’Keefe has been creating spectacular gardens in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester and lower Connecticut for over twelve years with his design and build company, Distinctive Gardens. Robert studied courtyard gardens in southern Spain while achieving his degree in landscape architecture and horticulture. His detailed knowledge of plant materials and design principles allows him to maximize unusual spaces and create beautiful garden oases, whether in small courtyards between buildings in Manhattan or on entire estates hidden behind the natural stone walls of upper Westchester and Connecticut.

Having worked in the industry since he was a teenager, Robert has combined that experience with the fundamentals of his formal landscape architecture and horticultural studies to develop his own unique style -- organic meets classical.

Robert also has a passion for heirloom vegetables and herbs, inspired by the many italian relative and close family friends whose entire yards were often dedicated to the art of growing food. His use of these plants, as well as unusual perennials, annuals and shrubs obtained in his many travels, has helped him create a style quite his own. This unique style carries over to his business designing and installing fresh-cut flower arrangements for interiors and special events. Often using special fruits, vegetables and branches as well as flowers, he creates one-of–a-kind arrangements for parties, offices, spas and for clients’ homes.