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The foundation of my experience with plants comes from growing up on garden beds layered with sheep manure, lined with old twine from hay bales for planting in straight rows. I planted seeds and pruned roses from a young age.  I learned about companion plants.  I stuffed my belly full of apricots in the summer. 

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I studied social work, completed my masters in education and spent a short amount of my life teaching art. Meanwhile my own garden grew. I planted plums, apricots, apples, pomegranates, nectarines, a fig tree, grape vines, a climbing yellow rose, cacti of all shapes - I was following the path as the plants led. 

 

 As an adult, I learned about California native plants. It started slowly. A Ceanothus (California lilac) planted in the front yard, our driveway lined with Romneya coulteri (the famous Matilija poppy), Eriogonum (buckwheat) planted along the curb. These plants thrived. They were meant for this soil, for this weather, for this habitat. I started collecting books, attended workshops, gathering information and slowly meeting more and more California native plants. 

 

I was curious about pivoting professions and jumping into the world of landscaping, so I completed the Quail Springs Permaculture Design Course where I could weave my skills and knowledge as a gardener to create efficient and beautiful landscape designs. I began with small projects and trimming plants, and now am able to offer whole property transformations.  I focus on designing with California native plants and plants that provide food. I've landscaped and maintained yards from Ojai to Thousand Oaks.  

 

Books like Tending the Wild by Kat Anderson and The Natural Way of Farming by Masanobu Fukuoka offer a key structure to my wholistic approach.  My designs are for people who want to bring life and beauty into their yard. 

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Hope to work together soon.

Leann