Beauty.
I am constantly embroiled in the search for and creation of beauty.

When creating art, this is the only consideration, but in garden design, there is so much more. You must work with the site, the soil, the client.
I never want to impose my style on my clients, but instead bring a particular sensibility to the design. The ultimate goal in any design is, when I am finished, for the garden to look as if it has always been there - as if this is the shape that was waiting under the soil the entire time, and I've simply brought it out.

I had a wonderful compliment a short time ago from a client in Poulsbo. When I had finished with the design, she had an odd look on her face - almost disappointed.
Sweat broke out until she said that it seemed so simple - so right, that she didn't know why she didn't think of it.
She was immediately embarrassed and wanted to make sure that she didn't offend me, but it was indeed the best compliment ever, because that is the way that I approach design. I listen to the client - they let me in on their dreams, I work with their practical needs, and hopefully it all comes off looking easy and natural - effortless - like watching an Olympic ice skater complete a jump and thinking,
"I could do that."