Photo courtesy of Andrea Doonan.

 

Designing today’s gardens
for tomorrow’s California.

 

FROM THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT
Martin G. Carrion van Rijn

Greetings APLD CA colleagues,

This year I have the honor and privilege of continuing to serve as President of our APLD CA Chapter.

I feel that last year, with the help of our incredible and highly dedicated group of volunteers throughout the state, we accomplished many great things.

I want to acknowledge and thank all of those colleagues for all their great insights and work. I feel very grateful to be a part of this organization and to be able to collaborate with our colleagues in such a way, supporting and promoting the practice of excellence in landscape design.

This year, the Chapter Advocacy Committee has come up with a very ambitious plan to develop an educational program that will help build the APLD brand and help support all what we advocate for in the industry. Please see the Advocacy article in this Newsletter to find out more about what we are doing and—if you find yourself inspired and interested—to find a way to support the development of this program. We do need and appreciate your help, at any level.

Furthermore, I encourage you to make the most of your membership by staying connected and engaging wherever and whenever you are able to do so.

I believe I have said this before, though I wish to reiterate it once again as I feel it is very important to keep in mind in our practice of landscape design: as landscape designers, we are in a position to serve our clients and communities in varied and exciting ways. In order to accomplish that, we need to understand the requirements and laws that govern both the natural world, as well as the requirements, needs, and tastes of our clients, or the human communities.

The word that then comes to mind is ‘balance’. How can we achieve this balance?

As far as I can understand, this balance can only be achieved by considering equally all aspects that encompass our profession; the natural and human world, communities, and their interaction.

The Educational programs that we are developing this year will include much of that. The first program focusses on supporting and regenerating the environmental structures and the richness of the natural biodiversity of a site, and our following educational program explores fire resilient landscapes.  

May you find this issue as inspiring and useful as I have.

Wishing you a prosperous year, full of nourishing and diverse experiences and opportunities in your practice.

Sincerely,
Martin G. Carrion van Rijn

CONTENTS

Simply scroll down to read the articles.
You may also click on the section titles below. 

President’s Message

Member Highlights

Chapter Service Award Recipients
Welcome New Members
Getting to Know You

Advocacy Corner

Many Hands = Many Advocates
Meet Your APLD Volunteers

 

Photo courtesy of Andrea Doonan.

 

Congratulations to two CA Chapter members
for receiving Chapter Service Awards

By Francesca Corra, CPLD

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!!!

 

Welcome New Members

Please give a warm welcome to these new members of the APLD California Chapter.

 

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. 

 

Bo Firestone
Professional Member, Bay Area District
Bo Firestone Trees & Gardens
Milpitas, CA

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.   

 

Photo courtesy of Andrea Doonan.

 
 

APLD CA Chapter’s Advocacy Initiatives

Through the Chapter’s Advocacy Committee (previously Advocacy & Sustainability Task Force), APLD members advocate for many important causes that impact our members, profession, environment, and issues with respect to equity and justice. The Committee has been actively working on two identified priorities relative to environment: Fire-resilient Landscape Design and Biodiversity (Native Habitat Garden Design).

The Committee recognizes that increasing wildfire danger throughout the state has made it urgent that California’s design professionals receive comprehensive, standardized, science-based education so that solutions for meeting a resident’s needs and expectations can be melded with strategies that will reduce the very real threat that the landscapes around a home can pose. This education will enable landscape designers to play an important role in helping design fire-resilient landscapes that promote and protect biodiversity.

MANY HANDS = MANY ADVOCATES!

by Cheryl Buckwalter
Advocacy Chair, California Chapter & Sacramento District

Advocacy. To wrangle this enormous topic, in 2021 impassioned Committee members attacked the five fundamental categories as previously reported: Legislation (includes right to practice), Environment, Education, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion (DEI), and Outreach. Based on priorities and fueled by personal interests, the Committee divided into topical working groups. This approach worked well and enabled us to divide and conquer our goals and use our time wisely. We are practicing landscape designers who want to do our part to support and elevate our profession. This doesn’t happen on its own. Please join me in thanking our 2021/2022 Advocacy Committee members:

Bay Area District - Deborah Christman, Lori Cox, Karen Hunt, Tina Roushall, Shireen Zia

Greater Los Angeles District - Francesca Corra

Sacramento District - Martin Carrion, Marcia Scott, Soleil Tranquilli, Kit Veerkamp

San Diego District - Lisa Bellora, Jodie Cook, Steve Harbour

We had many successes in 2021, and our priorities continue in this New Year, so we need more members to get involved. You know the saying: Many hands make light work, so please join us:

Next Advocacy Committee Meeting for APLD CA Members via Zoom
Friday, February 18th, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Contact Cheryl Buckwalter at advocacy@apldca.org for Zoom link

Read on to learn more about plans for 2022 and to consider which topics pique your interest.

LEGISLATION

One priority this year is to hire a consultant to provide services to the Chapter for the development of a strategic plan focused on our Right to Practice; guide and represent the Chapter; identify which committee(s) in the California legislature have jurisdiction over title and practice act legislation; which state agencies regulate in this area; research licensure efforts by other organizations, professions, states, etc.; provide recommendations for previously unidentified windows of opportunity and collaborations. Have you worked with or know someone who may know of candidates that could be a good fit?

Opportunities for involvement: Monitor introduced legislation and regulations that may impact our profession. Represent our Chapter at meetings such as the Landscape Architects Technical Committee (LATC) and the Department of Water Resources Landscape Stakeholders Advisory Group (LSAG) relative to the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).

ENVIRONMENT

The APLD Healthy Pots Healthy Planet (HPHP) Initiative wants individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to share our passion in reducing plastic use in the horticultural industry. The California Chapter Advocacy Committee’s HPHP Working Group is actively involved with this APLD nation-wide effort. Please sign your name to support this Initiative.

Other roles to fill at HPHP are (1) a Webmaster for the site and (2) a Social Media Coordinator. The Webmaster should be someone who is skilled at website management and willing to devote the time and expertise, pro bono. A tall order! However, we're putting out the word to see if someone has that capability or has a promising connection. The Social Media Coordinator would manage social media for HPHP and guide implementation of social media strategy.  For more information, please contact Toni Bailey, the HPHP Committee chair, at toni@gracefullygreen.com.

EDUCATION

The Fire-resilient Landscape Design Symposium in November was a huge success and a valuable, timely free member benefit thanks to the Chapter’s support and ongoing support by our Sponsors.

APLD Regenerative Landscape Design Education

The demand for ecology-based landscapes that address issues of biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and fire-resiliency is dramatically increasing. Our Chapter is developing the first core course for this APLD-branded, science-based curriculum.

Based on the watershed-wise approach, designers will learn how to help reverse the impacts of habitat loss due to development and create regenerative landscapes that enhance biodiversity. Coursework also will provide guidance for designing gardens that emulate natural landscapes that contain connection to the patterns and processes of our indigenous landscapes as well as more traditional gardens, ranging from naturalistic to modern or themed gardens.

Building upon the core course, the next one planned is Fire-resilient Landscape Design. We look forward to collaborating with other APLD chapters, CalFire, state and federal agencies, and other organizations.

DEI

The Bay Area District’s DEI Committee, with the Chapter’s support, organized a special free member-only presentation: Cultural Humility for Anti-Racism by Dr. Mary J. Wardell-Ghirarduzzi. The Committee curated articles, books, videos, resources and more for the new DEI webpage at apldca.org that will be launched soon.

OUTREACH

For the Advocacy website pages, we are proud to reveal the icons that you see in this article that were developed by our graphic designer in collaboration with this working group. Much of the content for the new webpages has been developed and is in the hands of our creative Webmaster. We are ecstatic to announce that it will go live soon!

We plan to highlight our districts and write What’s New blog posts on the website and continue to include articles in the Advocacy Corner of California Landscape Design.

An Advocacy Committee priority is to forge new relationships with other organizations, such as, The Xerces Society, California Native Plant Society (CNPS), ReScape California, California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA), and Pacific Horticulture, and we’re exploring ways to develop mutually beneficial alliances. We are having conversations with Pacific Horticulture to see how we can continue to support each other and we look forward to sharing other alliances in the coming months.

Pacific Horticulture is a non-profit serving the Pacific region that provides science-based, climate-resilient gardening solutions through new media education and community engagement. Pacific Horticulture’s topics will be familiar to APLD members, including wildlife and habitat planting, drought resilience, fire preparedness, urban and watershed ecology, climate-adapted plant selections, and the role of nature in supporting human health.

 

Each of us became landscape designers for specific, often personal, reasons. What do YOU advocate for? The Advocacy Committee and its working groups give you a chance to make meaningful contributions, to reach dozens and possibly hundreds of people, and to give some of your ideas wings!  Please contact me to attend our next Advocacy Zoom meeting on February 18th at 9:00 a.m. and rub virtual elbows with inspirational and motivated people who are committed to making a difference.

- Cheryl Buckwalter
Advocacy Chair
California Chapter & Sacramento District
advocacy@apldca.org
(916) 207-8787

MEET YOUR APLD VOLUNTEERS

San Diego District

Andrea Doonan
Communications Chair, Immediate
Past President, + Member-At-Large

Angela Benson
Secretary

Lisa Bellora
Treasurer

Steve Harbour, CPLD
Advocacy Chair (Temporary)

Debra O’Leary
Membership Chair

Kimberly Alexander
Sponsorship Chair

Jackie Seidman
Program Co-Chair

Amelia Lima, FAPLD
Program Co-Chair

John Beaudry
Member-At-Large

Heather Reid-Johnson
Member-At-Large

 
 

Greater Los Angeles District

Kristan Browne
President

Debbie Gliksman, CPLD
Vice President, Program Chair, + Immediate Past President

Joan Bolton
Treasurer

Toni Pogue
Communications
Co-Chair

Leesa Martling
Communications
Co-Chair

Amber Tippett
Membership Chair

Julie Molinare
Sponsorship Chair

Lisa Smith
Member-At-Large

Cathleen Lynch
Member-At-Large

Arleen Ferrara
Member-At-Large

 
 

Sacramento District

Soleil Tranquilli
President + Membership Chair

Marcia Scott
Secretary

Cheryl Buckwalter
Advocacy Chair

Gary Kernick
Program Chair

Kit Veerkamp
Member-At-Large

 
 

Bay Area District

Gun Unsal
President

John Black, CPLD
Treasurer + Immediate Past President

Silvia Gramuglia
Communications Chair

Mary Lou Hadley
Membership Co-Chair

Laurie Schofield
Membership Co-Chair

Janet Cohen
Program Chair

Sophia Cunningham
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair

Shireen Zia
Technology/Social Media Co-Chair

Laura Kukulski
Technology/Social Media Co-Chair

Julie Davis
Member-At-Large

 
 

California Chapter

Francesca Corra, CPLD
Immediate Past President

Vice President
VACANT

Laura Kukulski
Communications Chair + Secretary
(Temporary)

Tina Roushall
Treasurer

Cheryl Buckwalter
Advocacy Chair

Debbie Seracini
Membership Chair

Julie Molinare
Sponsorship Chair

 

Photo courtesy of Andrea Doonan.

 
 

APLD CALIFORNIA CHAPTER SPONSORS

Through sponsorship of APLD California Chapter, these industry leaders declare their support for best practices, educational programs and events, and the highest standards in landscape design. From veteran materials suppliers to producers of cutting-edge landscape products, these companies have committed to connecting with professional landscape designers and our clients. 

 
 

 OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS:

 
 
 

Bay Scenery specializes in delivering high-quality landscape construction services in and around Silicon Valley. Through the acquisition of well-known companies such as Harris Landscaping Company, we have cultivated a reputation for excellence in landscape construction for over 30 years.

 

This company was founded to re-purpose the woody materials that our parent company, Hamilton Tree Service Inc., was generating and sending to the landfill. We have designed a product that is environmentally preferable and ecologically friendly; all of our materials are derived from local tree and landscape companies and are processed right here in the San Francisco bay area (Martinez).

 

Part of the Mendocino Family of Companies, Humboldt Redwood is a proud PLATINUM SPONSOR of the APLD California Chapter. To learn more about Humboldt Redwood, please visit https://www.GetRedwood.com/.

 

 

OUR GOLD SPONSORS:

Simply click on a logo below to visit the website of one of our sponsors.

OUR SILVER SPONSORS:

 
 

OUR BRONZE SPONSORS:

 

Want to join this list of fantastic sponsors?

 

The Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) is an international organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards for the landscape design profession. Membership is open to professional landscape designers and architects, landscape contractors, gardeners, and other professionals in the field of landscape design. The California Chapter is the largest in the nation and represents almost 30% of the APLD’s total membership. Our four local districts meet regularly throughout the year.

By sponsoring the California Chapter of the APLD at any level, your organization will reach hundreds of landscape designers who make specification decisions and recommend services to local clients—every day. Increase regional name recognition with California designers, design students, allied professionals, and potential clients when you join us for our 2022 program year. 

 
 

Would you like to learn more, or nominate a new sponsor for the 2022 Sponsorship Drive?
Contact our APLD California Chapter Sponsorship Chair, Julie Molinare, at sponsorship@apldca.org.

 

Photo courtesy of Andrea Doonan.

 

Learning Opportunities and Events

APLD or APLD Sponsor events in BOLD.

 

APLD CA Sponsor Spotlight: Obedient Eucalyptus

An online plant talk with Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery.

February 15, 2022

APLD San Diego District Nursery Visit to Grubb and Nadler

February 16, 2022

Designing for Garden Allies: Supporting Pollinators and Beneficial Insects

with APLD Sacramento District

February 17, 2022

APLD Virtual Chapter presents Adventures in Eden: Garden Making in Europe Today


February 24, 2022

An Inclusive Play Primer with Melissa Erikson

an APLD Bay Area Speaker Series

March 2, 2022

APLD Virtual Chapter Mentoring Session: Resale certification/resale ethics and legalities

March 3, 2022

Irrigating Slopes with Bill Millward

a webinar by APLD San Diego District.

March 16, 2022

Water Features: Inspiration in the Garden Setting

a webinar for APLD Greater LA District.

March 29, 2022

Green the Landscape with Greywater

an APLD Bay Area District Speaker Series.

April 6, 2022

APLD Virtual Chapter Mentoring Session: Portfolios and Resumes

April 7, 2022

APLD Virtual Chapter Mentoring Session: Other Streams of Income

an APLD Bay Area District Speaker Series.

May 5, 2022

2022 APLD International Landscape Design Conference

in Chicago, IL.

July 21-25, 2022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

JUNE + BEYOND…

Essential Cacti in Dry Gardens, a webinar with Ruth Bancroft Garden.
June 1.

2022 APLD International Landscape Design Conference in Chicago, IL.
July 21-25.

The Splendor of Portuguese Gardens, a travel tour with Pacific Horticulture.
October 1-9.

 

Contributors to Winter 2022 Edition:

Cheryl Buckwalter

Martin G. Carrion van Rijn

Francesca Corra, CPLD

Bo Firestone

Amanda Schaper

Content Coordinator: Mary Fisher, FAPLD
Design and Content Editor: Maggie J Elias

Call for Submissions

We invite your participation in the California Landscape Design magazine Spring 2022 edition, with a theme of
“The Next Generation” focusing on new and upcoming designers, mentorship, and the future of our profession.

Please send your story ideas to newsletter@apldca.org before March 15, 2022.