I envision a future where we will be reconnected with nature through the redesign of the spaces around our homes.
”MY PASSION IS IN HELPING CREATE EXPERIENCES THAT CONNECT PEOPLE WITH NATURE.
We all need beauty and good health to live happy lives. Our connection to nature is being lost, and we’re all so busy running from one thing to the next. We go to visit natural areas like nature preserves and state and national parks to exercise, to enjoy beauty, and to feel refreshed from the peacefulness these landscapes bring. Unfortunately, these dynamic places are very uncommon close to where we live. Most landscapes in and around our cities are made up of exotic plants and turf grass lawns. The problem is, these landscapes do not provide the substance we need for beauty, for our good health, and for the health of the environment.
As we learn the importance of native plants and their benefit to us and the environment, it is my hope we will begin to make the small changes needed in our own yards for beauty and biodiversity to thrive. Our yards, our neighborhoods, and our city will become an oasis of wonder and beauty. We will be reconnected with the land, and peace will follow.
“Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal… As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.”– Robin Wall Kimmerer
80
Percentage of plants in built landscapes that are non-native.
550
Amount of wildlife species supported by native Oak Trees.
96
Percentage of land birds that raise their young on insects.
(indiananativeplants.org)
50
Amount of hours per week the average child spends on a device.
(Mind Organization via Taking Charge)
95
Percentage of people who said their mood improved after being outside.
“JUST AS OUR PHYSICAL BODY NEEDS NOURISHMENT, OUR SPIRIT NEEDS TO BEHOLD BEAUTY.” – Stephen Roach
My hope is to experience the beauty of nature and help others do the same. Here’s how:
Demonstration Gardens
I wouldn’t be a very good advocate if I didn’t practice what I preach! That’s why I have worked to restore my own yard using a variety of native plants. I use my own property to demonstrate that our yards should be places to rest and experience the wonders of nature. My goal is to show alternative ways of landscaping that attract butterflies and birds, offer peace and restoration to those who visit, and work to restore our relationship with the land.
Visiting Schools
I love partnering with schools to show the power of learning through hands-on, place-based experiences. I do this by leading engaging sessions outdoors or helping them design and create their own restorative landscape habitat on school grounds!
Personal Consulting
Most individuals don’t realize how the design and maintenance of their yards are actually harming the natural world. Upon learning how and why, most people want to make changes but don’t know where to start. Through my consulting services, it is my pleasure to provide practical ways to move towards this vision.
NATIVE PLANTS
In my own landscaping business, I have increased our use of plants that are from this region. Native plants are essential for providing habitat and food sources for wildlife like butterflies, birds, pollinators.
Interactive Landscaping
I want everyone to know the plants and animals living in their yards and come to realize all the amazing things each one has to offer, whether it’s providing recipes that utilize the plants in their new backyards or creating newfound ways to connect with nature every day.
Caring for Your Own Yard
I am working to implement education in every phase of our landscaping projects. From start to finish, I hope to provide resources for my clients to learn more about caring for their own yard. I think there is something rewarding when they understand how they can interact more with the plants they put in their yard.
MY CORE VALUES
Learn From Nature
I simply enjoy the process of learning. Learning is fascinating and energizing and I love it when I can bring others into the exhilarating feeling of learning something new about nature.
Connect With Nature
I believe connecting with the beauty that surrounds us does something powerful and therapeutic to the soul. There is something special to immersing all five senses in everything nature has to offer us.
Support Nature
I believe nature has a role to play in how we can grow as people. When we approach nature with practices that seek to provide for more than ourselves, we, in turn, create higher moral standards, grow in our ability to serve others, and improve our world.
EXPERIENCING BEAUTY AND GOOD HEALTH ARE CENTRAL TO US LIVING HAPPY LIVES.
Nature provides us with multi-sensory, rich-learning experiences, and we come away restored with peace, creativity, mental clarity, and physical well-being.
The process of connecting with nature is simple:
CONNECT WITH ME
Want to get coffee and chat about native plants? Want to have me as a special guest at your school? Reach out so we can connect!