Ecologically-minded, collaborative gardening means working with you and with nature as design partners.
Every person and every place is unique.
My goal, first and foremost, is to help you create a space that brings you delight, a garden that fits you. This means getting to know you, your goals, and what sort of relationship you’d like with your outdoor space. I also take time to understand your garden's history: the existing plants, soil, hydrology, and any challenges that should be addressed. Working with, rather than against, the natural processes at play, is a key to the sustainability and success of your garden long-term.
What major principle guides all of my work?
A commitment to gardening for all living beings. My aim is to bring benefits to your health and well-being, with the hope that it extends to your friends, family, and community. No less important is the wildlife you share your garden with, from what you can see (think birds and butterflies) to all the important microscopic life you can’t.
Some practices that support this commitment:
Supporting and partnering with local builders, growers, designers, and craftspeople
Working on projects of all budgets and scales (no project is too small)
Re-using on site resources
Minimizing disturbance by working with existing conditions as much as possible
Primarily using plants native to eastern North America, which do an excellent job supporting the complex web of life with which they have evolved
Designing layered, lush, and diverse plantings
Selecting plants and hardscape materials which are beautiful, functional, and site appropriate