Our Philosophy
Our approach is a radical departure from traditional gardening. Inspired by leading ecologists and horticulturists, we focus on creating gardens that are not just beautiful, but also self-sustaining, resilient, and rich in biodiversity. We don’t see a garden as a static design; we see it as a dynamic, living ecosystem that evolves over time.
Our core principles are:
Layered Plant Communities
Mimicking Nature’s Complexity
We move beyond the traditional practice of planting individual species in isolation. Our designs prioritize the creation of dense, layered plant communities that intricately mimic the structure and function of natural ecosystems.
This method encourages a symbiotic relationship among plants, where they support one another through nutrient cycling, microclimate creation, and competition against invasive weeds.
This dense planting also provides a diverse, multi-dimensional habitat, offering shelter, food, and breeding grounds for a wide array of wildlife, from beneficial insects to birds and small mammals.
The result is a more stable and productive plant community that thrives with minimal intervention.
Recycled Mineral-Based Aggregates
The Foundation for Drought Resilience
A cornerstone of our planting strategy is the strategic utilization of mineral-based aggregates, such as crushed stone or grit, within our planting beds. This choice is critical for several reasons.
Firstly, these aggregates provide an exceptionally free-draining medium, which is ideal for a broad spectrum of drought-tolerant plants.
This significantly reduces the need for supplemental watering, making our gardens remarkably water-efficient and environmentally responsible.
Secondly, the stable, inorganic nature of these materials creates a long-term growing environment that resists compaction and provides excellent aeration for root systems, ensuring the health and vigor of the plants for years to come.
This approach minimizes soil degradation and creates a robust foundation for enduring plant health.
On-Site Reuse
A Commitment to Low-Waste and Authenticity
Our commitment to sustainability extends to our material sourcing and waste reduction. We embrace a low-waste philosophy by maximizing the reuse of materials already present on the garden site.
This includes both organic plant material, which can be composted and reintegrated into the garden, and existing hardscaping elements, which can be repurposed with creative design.
This practice not only dramatically reduces our environmental footprint by minimizing the transport of new materials and the disposal of old ones but also imbues each garden with a unique, authentic character.
The history and essence of the site are woven into the new design, creating a sense of place that is deeply connected to its surroundings.
By rigorously applying this integrated philosophy, we consistently create gardens that demand minimal external inputs—requiring substantially less water, reduced reliance on artificial fertilizers, and significantly less intensive labor for maintenance.
In return, these gardens provide a long-lasting, vibrant, and dynamic display that not only flourishes aesthetically but also actively contributes to and supports local biodiversity year after year, fostering a truly sustainable and harmonious relationship with the natural world.