Planting Philosophy: Artistry Meets Ecology
A successful planting plan is a balance of sculptural form, seasonal narrative, and environmental stewardship. Drawing on my planting design diploma from the London College of Garden Design and my certification as a California Native Plant Landscaper, I curate plant palettes that do more than just fill a space.
I design with a 'living layers' approach, ensuring that every garden provides:
- Year-Round Structure: Using evergreen skeletons and seed heads for architectural interest in every season.
- Climate Resilience: Selecting drought-tolerant and firewise species to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Biodiverse Habitats: Prioritizing pollinator-rich families like Lamiaceae to create vibrant, 'symphonic' landscapes.
Whether for an English heritage site or a Napa Valley estate my goal is to weave together global design standards with the wild beauty of the local landscape.
Rain Garden
A Living Masterpiece of Water and Resilience
I believe a Rain Garden should be a stunning, high-performance feature of the landscape—not just a functional drainage solution. By selecting species that are both waterlog and drought tolerant, I create vibrant, year-round displays that transform stormwater management into a celebrated design element.
Dynamic Beauty: Designed to look lush and intentional in every season, whether the soil is dry or catching a seasonal downpour.
Ecological Utility: Purposefully planted to filter runoff while providing a rich habitat for local pollinators.
Strategic Design: This Palo Alto project features a diverse palette that provides structural interest and pops of color throughout the year
Naturalistic Design
A Dynamic Tapestry of Seasonal Narrative
My approach to naturalistic design focuses on creating a climate-adaptive perennial palette that moves through the seasons with grace. By layering drought-tolerant species with contrasting textures and forms, I build gardens that feel both wild and intentional—providing a vibrant habitat that evolves throughout the year.
Seasonal Evolution: Carefully curated to ensure a continuous cycle of bloom, seed-head structure, and foliage interest.
Textural Contrast: A sophisticated mix of grasses and perennials that catch the light and add a sense of movement to the space.
Resilient Beauty: Low-water plants chosen for their ability to thrive in the local California landscape without sacrificing aesthetic impact.
Moon Garden
A Scented Sanctuary for Evening Reflection
Designed specifically for the twilight hours, this "Moon Garden" utilizes a palette of luminous white blooms and silver foliage that catch and reflect the natural moonlight. Beyond its visual glow, the garden is a sensory retreat, featuring a curated selection of nocturnal pollinators and flowers that release their most intoxicating fragrances only after the sun sets.
Luminous Palette: White-flowering species chosen for their high visibility in low-light conditions.
Evening Fragrance: Strategic placement of night-scented blooms to enhance outdoor entertaining and relaxation.
Pollinator Habitat: Dedicated support for night-time pollinators, providing essential nectar sources for moths and other nocturnal visitors.
Atmospheric Design: A tranquil space that bridges the gap between the structured day and the natural movement of the night.
