As a gardener and landscape designer my focus has moved away from typical conceptions of the “garden” and toward the subtler beauty and balance that we find in “wild” nature. I aim to design spaces that reflect and highlight the wisdom of nature by observing closely each environment in which I work and it’s seasonal cycles, getting to know individual plants and their preferences, and combining plants in ways that will be both visually striking and harmonious.
My work designing and maintaining landscapes always begins with a consideration for the larger context, including the physical surroundings as well as the historical context and the ecological context. I am interested in the implications of terms such as “native” “invasive” “exotic” “sustainable” and how they operate in the horticultural field, as well as in the larger culture.
I advocate for our relationship to the land to be one of stewardship and deference rather than one of manipulation and extraction.
Above are some photographs of landscapes that serve as inspiration as I work. Some are gardens or other designed spaces that I have made special trips to visit while others are fields and forests that I drive by almost daily. Below are examples of gardens and landscapes that I have worked to design and maintain.
To inquire about landscape design/consultation or find out more about past projects please email:
nicole.campanale@gmail.com