I began my professional career as a portrait photographer and for 30 years I had the pleasure to photograph children and families in the Seattle area. In my training at the Chicago Art Institute, I learned the same skills that I use today as a landscape designer: How to create balance, harmony, symmetry, texture and of course beauty. During that time I was also an avid gardener who made all the mistakes a gardener can make. So in 2010, I decided to formalize my garden knowledge at the South Seattle Community Horticulture program. One thing that those years of making mistakes taught me is the importance of working with what you have and to build on that, rather than to struggle to create something that will be difficult to maintain. Even though every garden requires at least some attention over time, I strive to create a garden space that thrives with plants that are drought and disease resistant, is low maintenance and will provide year round beauty. I also look for opportunities to add a touch of magic in a garden space, such as a simple water feature, piece of art, and accent lighting. Gardens become sanctuaries when they create privacy and delight the senses.