Photo courtesy of Ramie Allard. Photography by Mimi Giboin.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: MEMBERS WHO EDUCATE
by Mary Fisher, FAPLD
It is important to step back once in a while and take notice of all the fantastic things our colleagues are doing in our local communities. Specifically, I would like to honor all APLD members who have taken time away from their design practice to educate others.
In the Bay Area alone, I can think of five current and past members who have taught classes at Merritt College Landscape Horticulture Department, an institution that has had a huge impact on the practice of landscape design in the Bay Area. I know from personal experience (because I am one of those five) that most of us are not doing it for financial gain, but rather for the joy of sharing knowledge and passion of horticulture with others in the hopes of making a positive impact on our community and environment.
So please take a moment to read below and see how a few of your APLD colleagues are educating and making a difference all over California.
Arleen Ferrara
Satori Garden Design, Santa Monica, CA
APLD Greater Los Angeles District Member
Arleen Ferrara is a registered horticultural therapist and has been teaching at a school for disabilities called Vista Del Mar. Most of the students have intellectual or developmental disabilities, with a large portion of them on the Autism Spectrum. There’s a huge variety of issues and abilities in the student population. These students have begun working with Arleen doing a little CSA (community supported agriculture) whereby they take orders around campus and fulfill them. She also meets up with many classes during the week to cook, learn, work, harvest, plant, everything!
Click HERE to watch Arleen work with students.
Pamela Berslter
CEO of G3, Green Gardens Group (APLD CA Gold Sponsor)
Executive Director of Pacific Horticulture
Pamela Berslter has spent the last decade spreading the word about a holistic Watershed Approach to landscaping, starting with her founding and directing G3, the Green Garden Group, and now as Executive Director of Pacific Horticulture Society. In 2008, when the seven “Founding Mothers” of G3 won their first contract with West Basin Municipal Water District for conducting “Attainable Sustainable” landscaping classes, the G3 of today was just a dream. But now, years later, G3 is an innovative, adaptable, flat organization, spreading, like the mycorrhizal fungi in soil, throughout California and beyond.
Other APLD members working with G3:
Marilee Kuhlman
Founding Mother & Qualified Trainer
Kimberly Alexander
G3 Qualified Trainer
Francesca Corra, APLD
G3 Qualified Trainer
Laura Bauer
G3 Qualified Trainer
Cheryl Buckwalter
Landscape Liaisons, Cool, CA
APLD Sacramento District Member
Cheryl Buckwalter is dedicated to helping usher California into a new age of sustainable, regenerative landscapes and landscape practices. During her 15-year career, Cheryl has been a consultant, educator, residential landscape designer, and Principal of Landscape Liaisons. Credentials include a degree in Environmental Horticulture, Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA), Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL), and Qualified River-Friendly Landscaping (RFL) Green Gardener, as well as an instructor and curriculum developer for the Program. To help bring about a balance between urban landscapes and the environment, Cheryl has been a principal developer and project manager for numerous public sector programs, and for resources and tools for landscape professionals and residents.
DESIGNER PROFILE: Bernadette Balics
Interviewed by Tina Henricksen, APLD Sacramento District President
Bernadette Balics
Ecological Landscape Design, Davis, CA
APLD Sacramento District Treasurer
Bernadette Balics is the founder of Ecological Landscape Design, a Davis-based garden design company that focuses on enhancing the lives of clients by creating beautiful, functional landscapes free from reliance on fertilizer, pesticides, or wastewater. She designs using sustainably produced materials, soil building, and rainwater harvesting techniques.
What is your background, and what led you to a career in Landscape Design?
I was raised by two gardeners, and have a B.S. in plant genetics and a M.S. in Ecological Agriculture. After working in agriculture for 10 years, I wanted to be self-employed, with a focus of working with plants and people. Since I didn't have the guts or capital to become an organic farmer, I chose to start a landscape design and gardening business. Fortunately, I've been able to use many skills from previous jobs, even from my work as a Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon, Central Africa.