Design Philosophy

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Balance

In a balanced ecological system, everything works together to create a sustainable, healthy environment. I strive for harmony and balance in my designs using appropriate plants and locally sourced sustainable materials to create and maintain a connection between people, their buildings, the land, and the environment in a budget-responsive manner.

When planning the design, I listen to the client to capture their intent and ideas, then I observe and analyze the site, and finally create a sustainable design that will keep its beauty season after season, year after year, with the proper maintenance.

I proactively collaborate with the client throughout the project to ensure that the design meets its goals and the client’s needs. Each of my designs takes into consideration the effects of water, local wildlife, sounds, winds, scents, and light through the seasons.

Though I don’t mind using non-native plants for some of my installations, my design focus is to use native plants as much as possible. The storm water management designs I work on use native plants exclusively. All of my pollinator garden designs also use only native plants. I will not install or suggest any invasive plants on the PA, NJ, DE, or MD invasive plant lists. We have plenty of native alternatives that will work better for your garden!

“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”

William Shakespeare