Consulting Focus
Site Analysis & Infrastructure
-
Perform zone and sector analysis to identify sun, water, wind, site use patterns, and other site-specific details.
-
Read the microclimates of your site to optimize planting locations.
-
Learn about drainage and water harvesting opportunities.
-
Analyze irrigation systems and design for efficient water use.
-
Discover the pros and cons of a range of landscaping materials.
-
Get a realistic view of the risks to your property from wildfire and extreme weather.
-
Inventory your tools and get recommendations on how to use your tools and other tools needed.
Ecological Gardening & Landscaping
-
Learn how to improve soil through compost and other soil amendments, fertilizer, and mulch options.
-
Interpret soil test results and recommendations as well as USDA soil maps.
-
Get drought tolerant plant recommendations.
-
Identify the plants on your property and how to care for them.
-
Improve the habitat of your site with Pacific Northwest native plants and other herbs and flowers that attract pollinators and wildlife.
-
Choose the right plant(s) for the right (locations).
-
Choose pest and disease resistant plant varieties.
-
Learn the proper care (sun, soil, water, and pruning) for all types of plants including: trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables, and herbs.
-
Get practical advice about lawn care and ecolowans.
-
Assess the health of your trees and get recommendations for care and referrals for trustworthy arborists/tree care professionals.
-
Set yourself up for success growing your own fruits, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers.
-
Get sound advice about the viability and practicality of your farming, landscaping, nursery, or other enterprise.
Integrated Pest Management & Pesticide Safety
-
Identify weeds and invasive plants and learn effective non-chemical and chemical management options.
-
Identify plant problems (non-living such as drought stress, insects, and diseases) and learn effective non-chemical and chemical management options.
- Learn the pros and cons of pest and weed management options.
- Create an integrated pest management (IPM) plan for your property.
- Understand timing and safety considerations for the judicious use of pesticides.
- Get referrals for reliable pest management companies to meet your management goals.
Permaculture, Organics, and Pesticides
I've seen it all when it comes to garden, landscape, and plant challenges/opportunities through 15 years as Community and Urban Horticulturist for OSU Extension Service and 10 years working for ecological landscaping companies in California and New Mexico.
​
I can help you effectively choose the right methods to meet your garden, landscape, and property goals.
​
Permaculture
For me, permaculture is a great way to align values such as care for earth and care for people into a wholistic design methodology. Permaculture is where I started my own journey into horticulture, property management, and natural resources.
I am fluent in permaculture terms and can help you understand the pros and cons of related land management methods.
​
Organic
I can help you understand the pros and cons and how to apply "Organic" fertilizer and pesticide products as defined by the US Department of Agriculture.
​
Pesticides
As a licensed pesticide consultant through the Oregon Department of Agriculture, I can help you interpret pesticide labels including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides.
​
Here is a great set of information for which I am co-author and publisher on non-chemical land management approaches and pesticide safety (from OSU's Solve Pest Problems).
Communication Style
I will meet you where you are at and provide kind, empathetic, and compassionate communication.