My professional story

I first discovered the healing power of nature while working in horticulture & outdoor therapy programs.

"A relationship with plants & nature improves our lives, and has untold positive impacts on our emotional & mental health."

The research is clear & the evidence is compelling: a relationship with plants & nature improves our lives, and has untold positive impacts on our emotional & mental health. Why not bring more of nature into our neighborhoods, work & home environments? Everyone deserves a closer connection with the natural world.

But what if our ecosystem is going through unprecedented change and transformation? How can we create climate resilient designs for the future? How might our involvement benefit us along the way?

I set out on a journey to begin to understand these interconnected challenges.

My background in horticulture therapy prompted the question: ‘What would happen if we connected people & families to nature before behavioral problems start?’

"When we contribute to the healing of the natural world, we heal ourselves."

This led me to the residential landscape construction world, where I designed & project managed over $8M of installations and outdoor living spaces that included hardscapes, carpentry, lawns, plants & irrigation. But something was missing. Conventional landscape design doesn’t always prioritize ecology, pollinators & soil health.

I began studying & practicing naturalistic design - and am influenced by the works of Piet Oudolf, Larry Wearner, Noel Kingsbury and others in the New Perennial Movement

Naturalistic design mimics nature both in style - by showcasing the beauty of nature - and in function. Plant designs shouldn’t just look good (this isn’t a form of exterior decorating) they must be healthy and work well as they mature over time.

Understanding this dynamic process and how it impacts us as people is what I am devoted to. When we contribute to the healing of the natural world, we heal ourselves.

My mission is to connect people to plants and nature through ecologically literate plant design.