I am inspired by landscapes and wild places where Nature's own mechanisms primarily drive the changes and relationships of plants, soils, and creatures. I'm also guided by the wisdom of many horticulturists and practitioners who came before me. One of these was Jens Jensen, who, over 100 years ago, identified several aspects of human perception to guide his planning of public parks and open spaces. These include: mystery, legibility, coherence, complexity, and rhythm. These concepts can be useful to landowners as they seek to identify those special qualities of their property that could be enhanced, healed, and improved. For example, over-grazed or eroded prairies lack complexity or biodiversity. Formerly open savannah woodlands that have become crowded with brush are missing a sense of coherence and mystery as one walks among them. In my design practice, I employ language, documentation, and education to help clients "read" the condition and qualities of their property. By collaborating with informed landowners, I then carefully prepare designs that not only result in greater biodiversity and enduring landscapes, but also reveal more of the inherent beauty of the property.