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Landscapes to live by

Designing ecological landscapes since 1999

I offer comprehensive landscape consultation, design, subcontracting and project management through installation, bringing with me 25 years of ecological landscaping experience and a masters degree in the subject. The objective is to blend your budget and dreams with pragmatism that benefits you and the environment we inhabit. I can help you see your property with new eyes, and extract more utility and enjoyment from it than you thought possible! If you are starting from bare ground, looking to renovate an existing landscape, or wanting to add features or usability, I am your (native, wild) huckleberry. 

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"ecology by design" is this: We create our environment.

“Ecology” is a Greek word combining ‘oikos’ (home) + ‘logy’ (the study of). Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly shaping our environment, and the net result is that we are consciously or unconsciously designing our lives within ever-present constraints and opportunities. There is no such thing as a blank slate, because the sun comes up somewhere, there may be a view that needs protection, or you might need to get to your car from your house. Constraints inform the design in a fun, iterative process that can expand your usable space significantly, turning a postage stamp patch into a thriving pollinator secret garden, or transforming a “problem” hillside tumbling down into your house into a color explosion that’s tilted toward you. In these examples, and most often, a perceived problem becomes an advantage that fuels the creative fire.


My job is to take in every piece of information that I can, including your dreams, goals, and budget, to co-create landscape solutions within these metrics.

Landscape design & build

I manage a seamless process from landscape design through installation, from concept to completion. I have my contractors, and they are excellent. I have transitioned to spending more time on site and less time at the drafting table. Processes include drawing on photos to communicate concepts, and flagging out ideas on site, all of which contribute to your having a better understanding of and participation in the proposed vision than if you were looking at a blueprint. However, I produce any necessary documents for your project.

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Native plants

I champion the use of mostly native plants, for the sake of our songbird population, the other plants, because they differentiate our region from Anywhere, US- and because they're beautiful! I grew up in the southern Appalachians and spent a chunk of my prime years in coastal California. I am but a steward of these regions, and I work to blend the human need for development with the local environment to reduce the strain we place upon it. This is a general guiding principle that does not rule out beloved special plants you want to include, and I will inform you about plants that are truly bad news bears.


NOTE: I select and purchase your plants in part based on availability, creating one more layer of ease in installing your landscape. Nothing is worse than receiving a document for plants the installer doesn't recognize, and that cannot be sourced.

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I was looking to create a more natural front yard with less grass and more native plants. Teresa was so skillful in helping me think through the design and what best fit what I was seeking. I was delighted with the outcome. Much more natural, while still fitting within the general vibe of the landscaping in my community. She also designed a winding forest path for my wooded backyard and a plant plan for adding texture, color and interest along the path. Teresa is very creative, easy to work with, and always with the client's goals in the forefront.

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Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive consultation. Discover how our commitment to excellence can elevate your space, ensuring it reflects your unique tastes and enhances your environment.