MEET THE DESIGNER

What is your design philosophy? To provide my clients with landscapes that they can dream in (not my dreams, their dreams), constrained only by the parameters of sound horticultural and compositional practices. Sound practices? I often end up maintaining my landscape design projects, and I have resolved not to use any man-made chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides). Most of my clients have small children who are particularly susceptible to the devastating effects of pesticides and herbicides. I couldn't sleep at night knowing that these angels may have played all day on grass that will make them sick. The Peconic Land Trust just published True East, a book of your photographs depicting four East End farms. How did that come about? Have you seen these handsome farmers? [Laughs.] It all started when I stopped by the Foster farm to ask a question about weed control. I had driven by a million times, but it was then that I noticed it was majestic and beautiful and realized what a complex, thriving industry they had. So I decided to support it. What do you love about the Hamptons? The perfect combination of the innate natural beauty of the East End and the historic beauty of family farms. Have you designed landscapes outside of Long Island? No. I began my business, Evergreen Inc., here on the East End in 2000. Where did you receive training? I studied botany in college and don't remember a thing. The real education came from asking the people I respect in this field about a million questions. What are your favorite plants? Native plants, including many so-called "weeds." I cringe when I see: Red cedar mulch, yucca plants east of the Mason-Dixon line and planters that look like Phyllis Diller. I strongly believe: That if we could all grasp the fundamental fact that we are neither superior to nor separate from the natural world, we would be a much healthier culture both physically and psychologically. Your greatest extravagance? Four days at Wheatleigh. What about bargain? Velvet slippers from Chinatown. Describe your clients: Open-minded, self-confident, creative, happy and fully immersed in their own lives. Who's your dream client? Albert Einstein. He would think weeds in his lawn were all...relative.