Evolving Landscapes

evolving…garden & grounds design: A lifetime in the making

 

PEDIGREE

• B.S. Landscape Design & Construction, Colorado State University, 1998
• Pre-Architecture, University of Maryland And Montgomery College, 1989-1993
•  Currently pursing Masters in Creative Writing, University College, University of Denver

My earnest studies of landscape began on the Front Range, where the golden sea of short grass prairie laps against the shore of red rock hogbacks.  In the early 1990s, the Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado Cooperative Extension and Colorado State University had opened the floodgates for exploration into a truer Sense of Place for the Rocky Mountains region. As students, we had the priceless opportunity of learning at this very exciting time.

DESIGN IN THE ROARING FORK VALLEY

In addition to having designed with Four Seasons, WindRiver Trees, Crystal Gardens and Planted Earth, I have learned to design for the mountains through my continued love of fishing, tramping after grouse and complete immersion while pursuing elk and deer. I do believe the compliment of my architectural studies coupled with my affinity for nature is what sets me apart as a designer.

As our child, Juniper, steps out into the world, I anticipate playing more with bringing design and the practicalities of simplicity, safety and ease together. 

 

ROOTS

North, south, east & west- I grew up everywhere; each together informs my work: The magnificence of the Pacific Ocean during the dreamy early ’70s. The joyful vault of blue sky arching over Lake Havasu. Skinny dipping as a child in warm water lakes, floating along rivers as they slip through humid Midwestern forests. The intensity of D.C.’s Smithsonian playground of museums, formal parks and gardens. Ultimately, finally, wild & wonderful Colorado.

The West speaks loudest. It practically shouted at me: Stay. I probably learned more from the back country than I may have in school. The view hangin’ off a rock pretty much lays it out: Nature has her way, hasn’t she?

 

DREAM PROJECT 

That’s easy- the kind I do best, Master Plans for acreages.…Integrating architecture and families into the the land, nestling them into the mountains, crafting it more sweetly the closer you get to your home. Different aspects in the environment and of the home lend themselves to unique experiences- which lead to lasting memories, marked by the time of day or even the season. Each one of these aspects calls for patios, terraces and decks- places to gather family and friends. 

I take inspiration from existing natural amenities to create memorable spaces throughout- for example, at our place, where we’re always experimenting, we’re told by many they love our home because there are so many inviting places to be. We like passing lunch on the upper west deck- aspen leaves flutter and the dappled shade is quite lovely. When the sun goes golden, shining sideways over Sunlight Peak, cocktails are nicest on the flagstone dining patio over looking the lawn. We can watch the kiddos play against the backdrop of our river valley and all of Thompson spread before us. We can see the hatches over the Crystal River, a quarter mile away, as sunset flares in their million gossamer wings. Waking up over coffee is dreamy on the east patio;  soft morning light comes through the tree leaves, a gentle ‘Welcome’ into the day. Our waterfall spills from under the Buddha; music, it’s such music… a designer worth their salt brings these experiences to the table.

Collaboration amongst architects, interior/exterior professionals, garden designers and landscape architects, from the initial stages of a project will generate the most opportunity to create these moments. 

WHAT I WILL NOT DO

Give you Connecticut. Or California. We’re in the Rockies.

TODAY

The field of garden design is evolving; it’s not just gardens anymore. I love plants but our lives are busy. Who has time? 

As a designer, I’m moving more towards creating spaces to live in and use, and thank gosh we happen have beautiful plants to bring them to life.

SO WHAT ABOUT THE PLANTS?

I am a plantsman. I love this part of it- it’s the icing on the cake, the magic in the hat. I don’t ever stop absorbing Greenis planticus (family joke) especially the really cool, burly stuff that I see when I run my dogs or go riding with my sweetheart… sage smells incredible when it rains. Manzanita and Creeping Sandcherry look awesome crawling around the boulders, just huggin’ the heat & moisture that come off ‘em. Rabbitbrush is the first thing to green up in the spring, one of the last of the summer flowers to seed. And junipers? They’re such a complexity of contrasts- lacey and delicate, gnarly and ancient…we are so enamored of this Rocky Mountain tree that we named our daughter ‘Juniper.’ 

Using plants more for accent makes it that much more important to select plants wisely. They have to look fantastic, highlighting seasonal change; they must be resilient and perform well in our high arid semi-desert climate; they must create drama and yes, magic.

FAVORITE DESIGN MOVEMENT?

I’m not into that concept. Every project comes from what my client and I bring to the table. Architecture & environment, lifestyle & dreams drive that…

PARTING WORDS?

Inspiration’s everywhere- walk out the door, go down a path, turn a different, new corner. And then let’s get started.