Services
Gardens as Fine Art
Garden design has always reflected our understanding of our place in the natural world. We create and cultivate spaces to embody our hopes and aspirations, an external reflection of our inner visions.
My approach centers on the narrative experience of the garden. Each element—plant, stone, water—has a part to play, a life to live in the garden's story.
A garden is a dynamic experiential space; I ensure that creating a garden is also a dynamic experience.
A great garden begins with a statement and is shaped by its conditions. Materials and conditions are integrated into a whole more significant than the sum of its parts. The outcome we create is something absolutely unique, something that has never been before and can never be again.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is the root of the story the garden tells.
From Design to Build: What to Expect
Design Consultations
The first meeting typically generates lists, sketches, and a conceptual starting point. Many design decisions will be responsive to conditions and materials. The complete garden will reflect the complex unfolding of these responses,
Inspiration will always lead the conversation.
Design Development
Don't expect a typical two-dimensional "garden plan."
Gardens are immersive, three-dimensional experiences. You’ll receive a series of sketches guiding installation, including grade and elevations, hardscape, planting, irrigation, lighting, and other elements.
Garden building & Renovation
Materials and conditions will continue to provide inspiration and move the project toward completion. The original concept plan will be the framework for growing the garden.
Additional Offerings
Specialized Garden Maintenance
With Seattle Pruning Services
Our team brings out the very best of specimen trees and shrubs. We combine contemporary scientific research, ongoing training in centuries-old traditions, and decades of experience to ensure your garden is as beautiful as it can be.
Pruning is the most fundamental maintenance work in any garden. It is the ongoing management of some of the most dynamic elements in a garden. We provide the highest-quality pruning, balancing plant health care needs, overall garden quality, and artistry. Rates start at $125/hr.
Professional Development
I offer hands-on training for pruning, planting, and other maintenance practices or meet with management teams to improve efficiency and talent retention. I also customize professional learning content for teams; with a background that includes everything from mid-size commercial maintenance and installation, estate gardening, award-winning luxury residential gardens, municipal specialty garden management, project management, wholesale nursery work, garden construction, and arboriculture, I have experience and insight that will help businesses of all sizes grow and thrive. Rates start at $250/hr. Contract coaching services are also available.
Speaking
I give presentations on Japanese garden history, horticulture, and culture for flower and garden shows and professional organizations.
Garden Feature Commissions
I accept a select number of commissions for unique garden features, tsukubai basin arrangements, stone features, garden art in stone, wood or concrete.