There are many paths to take. The Garden Path may offer the best results for those who roll up their sleeves and dig in. Are you ready?
Soil. Water. Plants. Food. Beauty. Ecology. Gratitude. Health. Fulfillment. Joy.
~Live to Garden ~ Garden to Live~
Hey there,
I've been in the landscape industry since the mid 1980's. I have degrees in Landscape Architecture and Horticulture, Licenses in Landscape Architecture and Contracting, been Certified as a Landscape Technician, a Bay-Friendly Commercial Sites Rater, an Arborist, a Water Efficient Landscaper, a Master Gardener, an irrigation auditor, a ReScape Qualified Landscaper and Regenerative Firescaper... you might say I have a gardening problem.
I've been in the forefront of organic gardening and regenerative landscaping practices for decades with my own landscape company, working with a large corporate landscape company, and teaching landscape topics for various agencies, associations, and non-profits.
I LOVE to enlighten others with what I've learned along the way and what I'm currently learning. Nothing is more satisfying to me than leading folks down the Garden Path and seeing them reap the benefits of a garden lifestyle.
My landscape architectural and consulting business, Garden Enlightenment, specializes in WELO compliance and providing beautiful, functional, and ecologically responsible spaces people love to experience.
In my spare time, (surprise!) I enjoy spending time gardening!
Courses and Coaching
Let me know how I can serve you. I offer Coaching and I'm creating new course content all the time.
As a teen I got immersed in a magic concoction of indigenous beliefs, zen buddhism, and organic gardening.
This led to my first job at a nursery. I then got my schooling in horticulture and landscape architecture, followed by a fulfilling career of landscape contracting, architecture, consulting, and education.
Today I'm so grateful to help others find their own path in the Garden.
Nanaste,
~ Dave
"Fun and Exciting"
"Dave is one of those people who seems to be able to work with anyone, from academics to immigrant construction workers to environmental activists. He inspires our volunteers, making practical and environmentally sensitive landscaping into something fun and exciting"
~Steven Swain, Environmental Horticultural Advisor, Marin and Sonoma Counties
"He has that rare combination of technical expertise, strong interpersonal skills, and communication/teaching abilities"
"Dave is a gifted teacher and speaker. Because he has such extensive experience in sustainable landscaping techniques, he has been able to present programs on a variety of topics. Dave has the ability to gauge the needs of his audience and tailer his information and materials to fit those needs."
~Debra Tidd, Bay-Friendly Landscape Coalition Trainer
"Responsive, Knowledgeable, and Supportive"
"He is a true professional, has many years of experience in landscape maintenance, project oversight, and employee management. Dave has been responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive in all interactions with the CCUH."
~Dave Fujino, Executive Director, Center for Urban Horticulture, UC Davis
"He has a very easy going and professional quality in his presentations that carries over to his work ethic and educational skills"
"He has a very easy going and professional quality in his presentations that carries over to his work ethic and educational skills. I know Dave as a caring involved individual with high moral standards and strength of character. He cares deeply about this community and the landscape."
~Dave Hattem, Chief of Landscape Services, Marin County Parks
"Extremely knowledgeable and Excellent teacher. He knew the material fully and was able to make each topic interesting."
"Great Speaker, Clearly Knowledgeable and passionate "
"Dave was extremely knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. He knew the material fully and was able to make each topic interesting with the way he was able to speak from memory and answer questions within each topic knowledgeably."
"Great Speaker! Clearly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter."
"I love Dave as an instructor. He's very good. I always enjoy his talks."
~Anonymous ReScape Students, 2020.
"Excellent public speaking skills, passion for sustainability, and educating others."
"Very strong design, horticulture, IPM, soils, and sustainability knowledge; a Go To Resource."
"Easy to work with, caring, sincere, and humble."
"Highly regarded and respected by peers, customers, and industry professionals."
"Technical knowledge of horticulture is top notch."
"Excellent sense of landscape design, plant selection, combinations, and layout."
"Design work is really cool, projects turn out very well, and clients are alway happy."
~Misc. quotes from associates.