My blogs

About me

Introduction	I am a nature lover at heart, and that passion spills over into my love for landscape design. For me, it's not just about creating a beautiful outdoor space, but about crafting something that coexists with the natural world. I'm particularly interested in using native plants and thoughtful design to attract wildlife and pollinators, making my yard a little haven for them to thrive.
Interests	Native Plant Enthusiast: You might be a total nerd (in the best way!) about native plants. Researching their benefits for pollinators and the local ecosystem sounds right up your alley. Check out local gardening groups to swap knowledge and seeds! Wildlife Photographer in the Making: Perhaps you love capturing the beauty of nature through a lens. A wild garden would be your perfect outdoor studio, filled with birds, butterflies, and other fascinating creatures. Citizen Scientist: Maybe the ecological side of things fascinates you. Your wild garden could be a haven for citizen science projects! There are programs for tracking bird populations, monitoring butterfly migration, and more. Relaxation in the Rough: Or, maybe you just love finding a quiet corner in your own wild oasis. The sound of buzzing bees, the rustle of leaves, and the colors of the plants would create your own personal sanctuary.
Favorite movies	Documentaries: Nature documentaries can be breathtaking and educational, taking you on journeys to incredible landscapes and revealing the fascinating lives of animals. Environmental films: These films explore the relationship between humans and the environment, sometimes with a call to action for conservation. Coming-of-age stories set in nature: These films often explore themes of self-discovery and connection with the natural world. Animated films with stunning visuals: Some animated films create fantastical worlds inspired by nature, offering a visually captivating experience.
Favorite music	Folk music: Often inspired by nature and the environment, folk music often features acoustic instruments and storytelling lyrics. Artists like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Bob Dylan are all considered legends of the folk genre. Ambient music: Often used to create a relaxing or meditative atmosphere, ambient music often features natural sounds and gentle melodies. Artists like Brian Eno, Harold Budd, and Boards of Canada are all well-known ambient composers. World music: Encompassing a wide variety of musical styles from around the globe, world music can introduce you to new sounds and rhythms inspired by different cultures and landscapes. Artists like Ali Farka Touré, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Buena Vista Social Club are all considered pioneers of world music. Classical music: While not all classical music is directly inspired by nature, many composers have found inspiration in the natural world. Pieces like Vivaldi's "Four Seasons," Beethoven's "Pastoral Symphony," and Debussy's "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune" are all great examples of music that evokes images of nature.
Favorite books	A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold: A classic text on conservation and ecology, exploring our ethical relationship with the natural world. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer: Blending scientific knowledge with Indigenous wisdom, this book explores the interconnectedness of plants and humans. The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate by Peter Wohlleben: This fascinating book delves into the surprising social lives and communication networks of trees. Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures by Merlin Sheldrake: Explores the hidden world of fungi and their crucial role in ecosystems. 52 Ways to Walk: The Walking Book for Fifty-Two Weeks of the Year by Annabel Abbs: A year-long journey of walks, inspiring you to explore nature in all its forms. Fiction: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: Set in the marshlands of North Carolina, this novel tells the story of a young woman raised in the wild. The Overstory by Richard Powers: A sweeping saga that explores the interconnectedness of trees and humans across generations. Circe by Madeline Miller: A retelling of the Greek myth of Circe, set on a secluded island teeming with nature. The Bear by Andrew Krivak: A stark and beautiful story about a man living a solitary life in the wilderness. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard: A lyrical exploration of nature through a series of meditations.