I am on a mission to help others understand nature and how they can bring more life into their own gardens and landscapes. I have worked in the landscape industry since 2011. I received my degree in horticulture and landscape design from Kishwaukee College in north central Illinois and attended The Illinois Institute of Art for Design.  I grew up mostly in the Midwest but have lived and worked in Colorado for most of my career.

 

My horticulture expertise has concentrated on areas such as waterwise (xeriscape) design, ecological landscaping, and permaculture based methods.  I love incorporating native plant communities and naturalistic planting, as well as sourcing local materials to use in client projects. I have had broad experience focused on residential and community projects. I've had the opportunity to gain practical field experience working as a horticulturist for The Morton Arboretum outside Chicago and assisting with native prairie restorations. I've also had practical experience leading landscape installation and maintenance crews in Denver. I am currently a member of the Ecological Landscape Alliance, Front Range Wild Ones and Colorado Native Plant Society.
 
My love of nature, plants and gardening began with my grandmother at a very young age. She introduced me to my favorite childhood book at the age of eight, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I have fond memories of spending much time in my grandmother’s garden eating fresh strawberries while playing under the large White Oak trees that were prevalent on my grandparent's Wisconsin property. I also have a love of architecture and design which was mainly the influence of my father who was a carpenter and builder. He began bringing me to work with him at a very young age. I learned valuable construction methods and was taught a strong work ethic while helping on projects.