"The exciting idea behind landscape design and what sets it apart from any other field of design, is that you're working with organic material which, when put into the ground, can be totally unpredictable. A garden is in constant flux from inception through its different stages of maturity, as well as the seasonal changes. That makes it more challenging because sometimes it means you have to do a little experimenting.
As Southern California residents, we are becoming "smarter", adapting our gardens to the changing drier climate.
"Smart" design incorporates more than just being water-wise. Other important factors are addressing how a space is going to be used. This is usually the first thing I ask the client. So a person's lifestyle plays a big part of garden design. Lastly, a garden is the collaboration between the designer and the person(s) cultivating it. Maintenance of the garden is one of the largest components influencing design and plant selection that many forget to take under consideration.
Perhaps the most gratifying part of my role as a garden designer is to see the potential of a space and then be involved in its transformation into something real and tangible. Once the garden is initially planted, then its all about watching it grow and of course, maintaining it. That's the fun part."
