What made you decide to become a landscape designer, and how long have you been designing for RLN?
I have always enjoyed nature and being outside. I love to draw and design, and growing up I was convinced I was going to turn out to be a civil engineer. When I learned about the field of Landscape Architecture, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. It is a very exciting notion that I can design the places and spaces where people’s lives take place, while being creative and artistic and using plants in design. I have been at Rutgers since March 2013.
How would you describe your design style? What is your specialty?
My favorite style is a unique mix of traditional and formal. I am very attracted to old stone farmhouses/walls and creating landscape features that can compliment the historic craftsmanship. That’s why I love working in this area, there’s a lot to appreciate.
What’s your favorite botanical garden to visit?
I am a little biased here, but my favorite is the South Carolina Botanical Garden on the campus of Clemson University. This is where I was introduced to many of the plants I encounter (yes, even in NJ) on a daily basis. The Camelia garden there is breathtaking.
What are the top three colors in your design color palette?
I like green the most! The colors I use in my designs are almost always determined by the style/color of the existing property and personality of the homeowner. I enjoy the challenge of designing with textures just as much as I enjoy designing with color. Seasonal color is also an aspect I consider in most all design.
What’s your favorite foundation plant and why?
Boxwoods! Timeless, slow growing, practically deer-proof, many shapes/sizes/forms/textures available.
What’s your favorite specimen tree and why?
Acer griseum, Paperbark Maple – peeling cinnamon-colored bark, interesting leaf and fall color, overall growth habit is slow and small for a tree. In warmer climates and certain micro-climates here: Natchez Crape Myrtle, multi-stemmed, smooth reddish bark, white flowers. So much going on! And even though we don’t see them here, a big, old Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) is hard to beat.
Best piece of gardening advice you’ve ever been given that you’d like to pass on?
“Gardens are never finished.”
It’s bulb planting time! Before you plant, heed a bit of advice when it comes to protecting your bulbs from rodent damage. Bulbs make an easy, tasty snack for furry foragers, but by taking a few simple steps, you can help protect lush Spring flowers!