Laura Morton, CPLD, FAPLD
Laura Morton Design
Los Angeles, CA 

Every year APLD presents awards to members whose volunteer service has gone above and beyond. These members lead and inspire.  This year two of our own CA Chapter members received recognition. Normally the awards are given out at our national Conference but, due to Covid, this year they were recognized during the latest Hangout. Obviously, it is much more fun and satisfying to receive an award in person when you can look out into the audience of your compadres, all smiling at and applauding for you.

But how and where an award is presented does not make it any less important. This year Laura Morton and Marilyn Guidroz received Chapter Service Awards. For those who don’t know the history of the CA Chapter, it first started with northern chapters and for many years there was no representation or programming in southern California.  It wasn’t until 2009 that the Greater Los Angeles district was formed, encompassing all of southern California.  A couple of years later the San Diego district broke off into its own district.  Both women were instrumental in forming these districts and growing them into what they are today. 

Thank you, Laura Morton, for your service to APLD, both on the district and the chapter level. You have been a passionate and compassionate leader.  

Thank you, Marilyn Guidroz, for your service to APLD. Your generosity and professionalism are well known, even beyond your district as you helped guide many members through certification, including myself.

From the privacy of our own homes, let’s give a big smile and a round of applause to Marilyn and Laura. Both awards are so well deserved and a long time coming…Congratulations!!!

Marilyn Guidroz, FAPLD
Marilyns Garden Design
Valley Center, CA

Qualified Professional Members

A landscape designer who engages in the practice of landscape design for monetary compensation and contains more than 3 years of professional landscape design experience. Documentation of education and experience is required.

Stephanie Reed
UPLA Studio
Marina del Rey, CA

Patricia Bockstahler 
Orangeport Landscape Design
Vista, CA

Alexis Davis Millar
Alexis Davis Millar Landscape Architecture
El Cerrito, CA

Professional Members

A landscape designer who engages in the practice of landscape design for monetary compensation and contains more than 3 years of professional landscape design experience. Documentation of education and experience is required.

Jennifer Lowe
Darsaya Studio
Northridge, CA

Emerging Professional Members

An individual who has been practicing landscape design for one to three years and is starting a career in landscape design. Membership requires affirmation of education and experience, but not documentation.

Martha Kirsten
Gothic Landscape
San Jose, CA

Dana Martin
Urban Ecology Studio
Mission Viejo, CA

Angela McGinnis 
A M Landscape
Davis, CA

Monica Ty 
Bespoke Landscape Designs
Menlo Park,CA

Susan Choi 
Flowerchild Gardens
Burlingame, CA

Afrouz Rahmati 
Bay Scenery Inc.
San Jose, CA

Student Members

An individual who is actively enrolled, on a full or part-time basis, in a landscape design, landscape architecture or horticulture program. Membership is limited to five years of membership at this level and proof of enrollment must be submitted.

Alissa Kaufmann, Bay Area District

Mari Jozaki, Bay Area District

Colleen Cochran, Greater Los Angeles District

Educator Member

A professional landscape design educator/teacher who is not practicing as a landscape designer.

Burt Park, Greater Los Angeles District

Allied Members

Those individuals practicing in related and associated fields: ornamental horticulture, public and private garden/estate management, garden writing/publishing/photography, architecture, interior design, lighting design, and green industry suppliers such as growers, nurseries, stoneyards, landscape contractors, etc.

John Feldman
Ecocentrix Landscape Architecture
Santa Monica, CA

Michael Hemes
Earthly Delights
San Francisco, CA

GETTING TO KNOW YOU: Amanda Schaper

How did you find out about APLD and what led you to join?

I first heard about APLD from Nicky Hughes, a wonderful instructor I had at Cabrillo College while pursuing my Professional Certificate in Landscape Design. I began taking classes towards this certificate in 2020 with the goal of becoming a professional landscape designer. I was eager to join APLD, but wanted to actually become a professional before joining. Once I completed the certificate program, launched my business, and began taking on clients, I felt I was ready to officially become a member of APLD.

What do you hope to gain through your membership with APLD?

I look forward to connecting with other APLD members and building a network that I can continue learning from and bouncing ideas off of. I am inspired by other designers who do amazing work, so I am eager to discover new designers through APLD and build relationships with people who will in turn make me a better designer. I am especially excited about the mentorship program and educational opportunities, such as webinars.

What environmentally sustainable concepts do you apply to your landscape design practice?

Being located in California where drought is such an issue, I am passionate about selecting low-water plants when designing my planting plans. I love working with a mix of succulents, California natives, and Australian and South African plants. With a smart plant collection, you can achieve so much lushness, color, and beauty—all without needing much water to thrive. To add to this, I look forward to learning more about designing to not only conserve water, but to also preserve water within the landscape through rainwater catchment systems, greywater use, etc. 

What is your favorite landscape design style and why?

I am most drawn to a modern landscape design style with some wild, organic twists. In modern design, I love the clean lines and geometric elements, and I enjoy using that to create smooth, connective flow within an outdoor space. Sometimes, a modern landscape can feel a bit cold and uninviting, so I like to bring in materials, plants, and colors that help soften the look while bringing warmth and energy. I believe that outdoor spaces should let you live your brightest life, so I design landscapes for entertaining, socializing, spending time with family, and truly living a great life outside. I love experiencing life out in the wild—nothing inspires me like riding my bike and taking in the views of Santa Cruz’s coastline and forests. I want to capture that same feeling at home and spend as much time outdoors as possible. My landscape designs allow you to live a bright life outside even when you just step out your front door.

Do you have a favorite landscape design book or website you would like to share?

When making my planting plans, I am constantly referring to "Landscape Plants for California Gardens" by Bob Perry. For design inspiration, I follow many great designers on Instagram, along with the #landscapedesign hashtag, and there is certainly no shortage of amazing photos to help get the creative juices flowing. 

GETTING TO KNOW YOU: Bo Firestone

How did you find out about APLD and what led you to join?

I found out about APLD through a promo for the virtual conference this year in a local nursery newsletter.  The lineup of tours and speakers was too good to resist!

What do you hope to gain through your membership with APLD?

Continued education and a community that shares the same passion.

What environmentally sustainable concepts do you apply to your landscape design practice?

I practice in the San Francisco Bay area where everyone is looking for ways to cut on water use.  So water-wise and climate-appropriate landscaping is a natural, integral part of my practice.  Also, I view plants first and foremost as members of an ecological community, not simply as "material."  I don't exclusively use California natives, but they feature in all my designs for sure.  

What is your favorite landscape design style and why?

“Cali Cottage Style”!!!  I'm not sure this style is a "thing" yet, but I'm hoping to make it one! 

Do you have a favorite landscape design book or website you would like to share?

The Essential Garden Design Workbook by Rosemary Alexander and Rachel Myers, and Herbaceous Perennial Plants by Allen Armitage.