Amy’s Story:

I have had a passion for beautiful landscapes since I was a child. Growing up in Santa Barbara, CA, you could often find me doing two things: wandering the streets admiring neighbors’ gardens, and observing the birds in my backyard. These passions for landscapes and the animals that live in them led me to study Wildlife and Conservation Biology at UC Davis. I graduated with a B.S. degree and have spent 10 years managing and monitoring public land in the San Francisco Bay Area and the plants and animals that call it home. I am now returning to my childhood joy of gardens to intertwine my love for beautiful landscapes with an ecological lens. 

My designs for residential clients are inspired by the beauty and awe of natural landscapes. I strive to create a welcoming space where my clients can relax and enjoy, leaving the city behind for the serenity and wonder of nature. To achieve this, I approach the property with an emphasis on restoring a healthy ecosystem in a holistic and sustainable way. I take into consideration the historic ecology of the site, contours of the land, and relevant abiotic elements (wind, light, sound). I often use native plants to create habitat for native wildlife, with an emphasis on birds and pollinators. All of my plant palettes have low irrigation needs and I recommend drip irrigation to conserve water. I incorporate permeable hardscape to allow rainwater to permeate the earth and replenish the water table. I also encourage working with the native soil, choosing plants that will naturally thrive with limited need for soil amendments like compost or fertilizer. I often include edible gardens and am happy to share advice on growing produce at home. Finally, I support the use of sustainable materials, such as FSC certified wood, and reusing materials already present on the property.

Maintaining national park landscapes has equipped me well for handling a wide variety of challenges that can be found in the garden. I look to nature to inspire solutions to landscape challenges, such as rain gardens and layering plants vertically. I have found solutions for steep slopes, windswept cliffs, shaded spaces, rocky soil, and more. I look forward to working with you on designing your dream space!