|
|
|
| My background / history I started my landscape design business in 2005,after finishing my A.A.S. horticulture/landscape design degree in 2003. I took a slight detour for 15 years working full time as a engineer, but deep in my heart I yearned for something that utilized my creative & artistic talents. Although I formally finished my horticulture degree in 2003, I am continuing my education every year by taking classes, reading numerous books, and taking walks through nature to learn how I can making my landscapes kinder to the earth at the same time both beautiful and functional. I am currently a member of the Landscape Design Association, Midwest Ecological Landscape Association, on the board of the Wild Ones Greater Dupage Chapter, working on my Naturalist Certificate at the Morton Arboretum, and have been gardening with native plants for over 10 years. My new journey began when I took a landscape design course after I had just recently purchased my first house in 1993 and began gardening again, a passion I inherited from my grandparents. My grandfather took over the abandoned lot next to our house and converted it to a huge vegetable garden in the early 1970s. My grandmother still has a beautiful flower garden today (including native plants) even as she approaches her 90's. I first learned about the prairie while studying ornamental grasses in horticulture, and decided to learn more by becoming a prairie volunteer under the guidance of Russell Kirt, who drilled me over and over until I learned the names of the plants whose seeds we collected. Like the red buffalo, my curiosity was on fire. I began taking prairie botany and ecology courses taught by Pat Armstrong. Pat and Russell taught me about their beauty and benefits, and the book Noah's Garden by Sarah Stein, opened my eyes to a different way of landscaping / gardening. It was then I realized that true beauty in a landscape comes not only from the appearance of the landscape but also from the benefits the landscape provides to both the human and natural world. "All of us, layperson or professional alike, fail to ask how creatures other than ourselves share the goodness of the land. Yet if we don't not only they but we will suffer." - Sarah Stein, Noah's Garden Pat invited me to attend a Wild Ones meeting and it was there I met other folks using native plants. I also began volunteering at several prairie restorations, gardening with native plants in my own yard, joining the board of Wild Ones, and working part time at a nursery that specializes in native plants. I am active with the Wild Ones not-for -profit organization because they are a very hands-on, active educational & advocacy group that has been reaching out & supporting homeowners about a more environmental friendly of landscaping & taking care of the earth for over 30 years. I also realized the importance of sharing nature with our younger generation, and have co-coordinated an environmental club at my local grammar school for the past 6 years. All these experiences sparked my awareness of the intricate and complex connection of all things on this earth. You might be wondering why I have a buffalo/bison in my logo. I have an affinity for bison because they are so beautiful, large, and wild, but sadly can no longer roam our area freely, like many other wildlife. I'm thankful I have had the opportunity to see many bison during my travels including "Miracle" a white buffalo born in Wisconsin. I appreciate all the business and wonderful clients I have worked with over the years and especially the support of my family, friends, and all those who share their knowledge and love for the natural world. I am truly blessed and thankful!
|
|
|
Education & Affiliations: A.A.S. Degree in Ornamental Horticulture/Landscape Design in 2003, Board Member of Wild Ones Greater Dupage Chapter, Member of the Landscape Design Association, 10+ years experience with native plants Company Established in 2005. All rights reserved. Copyright© 2008 Revised: 09/12/2008 |
