how my childhood formed my passion for the natural world

my childhood was filled with wild, sun-drenched days in the open fields and shaded woods of florida, a time that was incredibly formative in how i see and connect with the natural world. i’d spend countless hours roaming through thickets and towering trees, where the earthy smell of pine needles mingled with the faint sweetness of nearby wildflowers. discovering small spaces where deer had bedded down felt almost magical to me, like stumbling upon secret passages into nature’s inner world. i learned to move carefully, dodging the prickles of cacti and maneuvering around dense brush—an early lesson in respecting and understanding the landscape around me.

the clay lots, open and raw, were a playground that left us dusty and colored by the earth itself, marked by the day’s explorations. we would retreat to grassy clearings under the trees, seeking out these natural sanctuaries for picnics and play. those shaded patches became our refuge, and there was a calm in knowing we were surrounded by nature's quiet embrace. these moments, sheltered under the green canopy, left me with a deep sense of peace and belonging.

as an adult and a landscape designer, these memories fuel my desire to create outdoor spaces that inspire others to spend time outside, just as i did. i want to share the same sense of wonder and comfort that nature gave me, crafting spaces that feel like an extension of one’s self, a sanctuary that’s as soothing as it is beautiful. encouraging my clients to step outdoors, to experience the touch of a breeze, the warmth of sunlight, and the calm found under a tree’s shade, feels like the most natural thing in the world. it’s about creating a place for quiet reflection, where every carefully chosen plant and pathway invites them to connect with the land in a meaningful way, just as i learned to do all those years ago.

(pictured above from left to right: my brother Jack, cousin Linda, cousin Joe Henry, and me)