What got you into Landscape Design / Architecture?
After earning my AS degree in Ornamental Horticulture in 1998, I began working with a small landscape maintenance company to create designs for their client's planting areas. In 2007, I founded Shady Grove Landscape Company. For almost 20 years with the same base crew, we installed thousands of my designs focusing on residential outdoor living spaces including patios, storm water management, walls, water features, decks, screen porches and of course, plants. My ultimate job description was to fully understand my clients needs/desires in order to guide them with my knowledge/experience to live their best outdoor life for the budget they desired.
This year I have pivoted my focus and opened a landscape consulting firm where we empower clients with thoughtful, detailed plans and expert support to achieve their landscape vision.
What is your favorite Garden around the world and why?
My favorite garden is mine of course! Developing land, investing in soil, battling invasives and choosing natural materials and the perfect plant species to enhance the beauty of a home is one of my greatest joys.
Where do you get your inspiration? Is there a particular
artist that you like that inspires your designs?
Inspiration overwhelms me at every turn. Driving through the neighborhoods of our gorgeous city offers constant opportunity to glean new ideas for designs. Studying scale, perspective, color balance and tone through creating my own visual art hones my landscape design skills. However, my greatest inspiration is found when observing the perfection of Mother Nature.
What style of garden design do you like and why? Do you like
mixing styles in a garden design, traditional with whimsical?
As a design professional, I work diligently to uncover and interpret the style of my clients and help them achieve the perfect plan for their property and lifestyle.
What are your favorite plants?
Edgeworthia chrysantha (paperbush) is my hands down favorite plant. It has four season interest, lovely form, sun/shade tolerance and the tenacity to make itself at home on almost every property.
