I came to landscape design the way many people discovered their yards during the pandemic - out of necessity and wonder. In 2021, when the world felt disconnected, my yard became a haven. A place to feel calm, grounded, and alive. That experience sparked something in me.

As a lifelong learner, I dove deep into exploring the science of horticulture and the art of garden design. What started as curiosity led me to enroll at Portland Community College's Landscape Technology program, where I graduated in 2023. I built the essential skills - plant identification, hardscape construction, soil science, CAD drafting/3D renderings, and a deep understanding of design principles - but more importantly, I discovered my calling.

From Bread to Gardens

Before landscape design, I spent 15 years as the owner of Little T American Baker, an award-winning neighborhood bakery in Southeast Portland. I opened Little T in 2008 and built it into a thriving business. As I transitioned into landscape design, I sold it to my head baker in 2023. It's still going strong.

Running a small business taught me what matters: quality, consistency, and genuine relationships with clients. I bring that same philosophy to Hugged By Plants - personal attention, dependable quality, and real relationships with every client.

My Approach

Since launching Hugged By Plants in 2023, I've worked on residential and commercial projects throughout Portland and have collaborated with local designers like Habitat Design and Design Natives Northwest. I'm licensed as a planting contractor, so I'm able to integrate my plant knowledge into each thoughtful design. My contracting experience also allows for an easy transition when we move to the estimation and installation phases of the project.

My design style is contemporary and functional, always aligned with your home's architecture and your personal taste. The overall goal is designing a garden that will improve your quality of life. Whether you're looking for a vibrant entertaining space, a quiet refuge, or a welcoming front yard, I want to help you discover what I found in my own garden during the pandemic - the feeling that your life is genuinely better because the garden is there.