Meet Mo Parsons | Luxury Container Gardener

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mo Parsons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mo, how do you think about risk?
I’ve learned that risk isn’t always about being fearless. It’s about trusting yourself.

I believe that if I take a thoughtful step forward, I can figure things out as I go. That mindset gives me the confidence to move even when the path isn’t fully clear.

What’s helped me take risks throughout my career is knowing that very few decisions are truly irreversible. You can adjust, refine, or even start over if you need to. That perspective removes a lot of unnecessary pressure and allows for growth that’s intentional rather than reactive.

The risks that mattered most weren’t impulsive. They were grounded in self-trust, adaptability, and the belief that I could learn from whatever came next.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
This path wasn’t easy or linear. I built Parsons Gardens by responding to challenges in real time, refining my approach through experience, and trusting my instincts. Saying no became essential. Especially to work that didn’t align with my values or creative standards.

We’re not a traditional landscape company. Parsons Gardens is built on intention, not volume. Our work is rooted in design, composition, and seasonal rhythm, treating container gardens as living, evolving pieces rather than one-time installs. That perspective allows us to create spaces with flow, longevity, and a true stop-you-in-your-tracks style.

My story certainly isn’t about overnight success. It’s about listening to clients, refining over time, and trusting my gut – even when it would have been easier not to.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, we’d stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and start every morning the same way – coffee in hand, walking the grounds at 5 or 6 a.m. before anyone else was awake. It’s quiet, cool, and the light is beautiful. That early desert calm is one of my favorite parts of being here.

One night would absolutely be dinner at Bourbon Steak. We’d start with mezcal cocktails (they make an incredible one with avocado), order classic wedge salads, filet mignon (always) and finish with their brûléed cheesecake – It is INSANE.

Depending on the season, I’d work in a spring training game. An easy afternoon with sunshine, baseball, and a cold beer.

Another must is a day trip to Boyce Thompson Arboretum. It’s expansive, grounding, and endlessly inspiring – a place that really shows the depth and diversity of the desert beyond the clichés.

We’d also spend time in Tempe & Chandler – Casey Moore’s for a proper Guinness and French onion soup, then ending the night at The Ostrich – a speakeasy with some super cool history.

The rest of the week would be intentionally unstructured – slow mornings, desert light, good food, and long conversations.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a big shout-out to my husband, Tom, whose support gave me the opportunity to take risks and build this business,
I’m also deeply grateful to the clients and collaborators who saw my vision early on, believed in it, and backed me fully – that trust has been essential to everything I’ve built,

Website: https://parsonsgardensaz.com

Instagram: @parsonsgardensaz

Image Credits
Joanna Polling