"We need particular and unique places. Places worthy of our loyalty and commitment, places where we feel at home, places that inspire and uplift, and stimulate us, and that provide social and environmental sustenance." - Timothy Beatley

I am a landscape designer and author living in Austin, Texas. My educational background includes a bachelor of arts degree in the Plan II Honors program at the University of Texas, and a master's of science degree in horticulture from Texas A&M University in 1977. My studies in graduate school focused primarily on the propagation and uses of native plants; an area of horticulture that until that time had been largely overlooked. My first book, How to Grow Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest, published in a revised edition by the University of Texas Press in 2001, records the knowledge of several generations of plant experts and growers. Some consider it a classic reference text that has been influential in increasing awareness of the value of native plants in both vernacular and built landscapes.

My special interest and experience is in the planning of naturalistic landscape designs that incorporate local materials and plants to re-create authentic settings with regional flavor.  I am focusing more of my time on ecological restoration projects throughout Texas.  I provide management plans and consulting services to owners of rural property who desire to become better stewards of their land and to improve the overall ecological health of their property.  In recent years, I have been collaborating with Will Pickens ASLA, and other experts including ornithologists, geologists, agronomists, contractors and range specialists to address the particular needs of each project.