Landscape Design

n In the Garden Landscape design company, 1990 to present

Currently operating a design firm for design, consultation, and project management for residential gardens in Marin, San Francisco, Sonoma, and Napa counties. Specializing in gardens having an artistic edge with an emphasis on innovative and unusual plantings that have a "painterly approach." Design work includes both residential and commercial garden spaces including Insalata’s in San Anselmo.

Talks at local nurseries and garden clubs on gardening and related topics. A recent talk was on Herbs: Their History and Uses for the opening of the new Smith and Hawken store in Walnut Creek, Spring 2003.

n Marin Gardening School, 1995 to 1996

Founder and sole operator/owner of a unique school/training center dispersing practical gardening knowledge to a wide audience including landscape professionals and the local gardening community. Held and taught in various locations around Marin County. Classes ranged from practical hands-on to more theoretical, including such topics as Care of Perennials, Roses, Irrigation, and Ethnobotany.

n Friends of the Garden Landscape contracting company, 1980 to 1995

Owned and operated a landscape contracting company designing, building, and maintaining residential landscapes in Marin County and San Francisco. Managed and supervised up to 10 employees. Primarily focused on small to medium residential sites with budgets of up to $100,000 - from front yard to manor house. One project was published in a nationally distributed book on innovative landscape designs, "The New American Garden," edited by James Graison Trulone, 1998.

n Nursery work at Eggers and Son Nursery, Mill Valley, California, 1979 to 1980

Retail nursery work. Learned a wide variety about plants, planting techniques and supplies, and common garden-related problems and solutions, leading to consulting and landscape contracting work.

Media/Publications/Shows

n The Dirty Gardener show, Fall 2003

Garden columnist with a humorous side for a videozine currently being filmed on location in Marin County. Posing as an English gardener who dispenses good gardening advice but cannot keep his "britches clean" for the life of him. Other characters to be decided.

n Beyond the Garden Gate, Ross Garden Tour, May 2003

Featured landscape designer for the Ross Garden Tour for the Poore residence in Ross, CA. The theme for the garden was Gershwin's "Summertime." The project, plantings and theme are described fully in "California Home and Design," May, 2003.

n Curb Appeal TV show, Home and Garden TV channel, 2001

Guest landscape designer on "Curb Appeal" showing on the HGTV network viewed nationally. Shot on location in San Rafael, CA. Aired Nov 9, 2001. Re-landscaping of a modest 1920’s bungalow. Constructed an entry arbor and added new front door and entry with step paving, giving the house more Craftsman flavor and detailing. New, complimentary plantings were installed to give the house true curb appeal. Also designed a virtual remodel with second story. For more info, see www.hgtv.com/hgtv/at_home/article/ 0,1801,HGTV_3221_1391724,00.html

Volunteer and Community

Cultural Affairs Commissioner with the City of San Rafael, 1999 to 2000

On the Advisory Board that reviewed proposed changes to historical buildings in the city of San Rafael. Consulted and advised on public art, the Falkirk Cultural Center and the promotion of art and culture in the city.

Peace Corps, Senegal, West Africa, 1977 to 1979

Plant Pathologist for the Direction de la Protection des Vegetaux, and the West African regional Sahel Food Crop Protection Project under the auspices of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Headed crop disease and pest inspections throughout Senegal and West Africa (Guinee Bissau, Mauritania, Nigeria, Liberia, and the Gambia. Assisted in setting up a regional training center in Dakar, Senegal.

Construction of a passive solar house project in San Luis Obispo, 1979.

Education

California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, B.S. in Agronomy, 1977

Senior thesis: “A Comparison of Rhizobium, Azobacter and Blue-Green Algae Nitrogen Fixation in Soybeans (Glycine Max).” Languages: French, Spanish