My passion for the outdoors was kindled at an early age in the beautiful prairie landscapes of Saskatchewan. Regular visits to aunts and uncles’ farm gardens, the cottage at the lake, and our own backyard veggie patch piqued my interest in the natural world. I have enjoyed the South Okanagan as home for the past twenty years.

In 2010, a permaculture course at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Centre opened my heart to the potential of permaculture. I started Red Bird later that year and have been learning ever since. In this time of unprecedented climate change, I believe we need local, regenerative solutions for growing food and living in harmony with the natural world. Permaculture offers a way forward that is good for humans and good for the earth.

Exploring the mountains has led me to understand that nature has been working for a very long time. While living in Patagonia, I observed the incredible ways organisms have adapted to thrive in challenging settings. Those solutions bring harmony and beauty all around. I strongly believe we as humans are part of this wonderful Nature. As an architect, I am passionate to find solutions to our needs, and to produce designs that not only meet our needs, but enhance peoples’ lives and connect them with the natural environment. In 2016, a Permaculture Design Certificate with Verge Permaculture inspired me to create Landscape Designs that provide beautiful and healthy ecosystems while connecting people with Nature. I have completed the Society Of Urban Land Care Organic Practitioner accreditation. The SOUL Accredited Organic Land Care qualification corresponds to the accreditations available through the Northeastern Organic Farmer’s Association (NOFA).

Since 2017 when I began working with Red Bird I’ve learned a lot about plants and the seasonal needs of gardens and garden care, and grown my skills in pruning – I even enjoy pruning roses! Beginning a new landscaping project and seeing it through from start to finish is very satisfying.

Working with and maintaining Red Bird’s garden and lawn care equipment and vehicles is a natural fit for me. And I enjoy working outdoors with a great staff team.

Born into a world where much of the time was spent outside, as a child I experienced the natural beauty of the forest and the close relationship my family had with production of their own food. This rooted me in the beauty of the world and natural rhythm of life.

Today food security is important to me on a personal level as well as global. One of the reasons I like working with Red Bird is witnessing people choose to have control of their own food production. I also appreciate seeing people use permaculture philosophy to design their personal spaces.

I’ve been gardening and working with land since 2013 when I came across the concept of permaculture. The solutions-oriented positivism of this design system is inspiring and invigorating for me. In 2014 my family and I moved from Calgary to a small property in the Penticton area. Developing the land we currently steward has been a joyful journey of learning.

I began selling fruit and vegetables at the Penticton Farmers Market in 2016, met Diane early 2017 and joined Red Bird that summer. Working with a team of people who share a focus on care of the earth is wonderful. I’ve learned a lot and hope to continue learning for years to come!

My relationship with gardens started with my first steps at my grandparents’ farm in central Chile, followed by times with my grandma contemplating the birds and flowers in her garden.

After studying Ecotourism Administration and working as a Forest Ranger in the Patagonia rainforest, I returned to Santiago. But my experience in the remote areas of Patagonia was impossible to leave behind. The simple living of the old settlers and Pewenche people, as well as nature thriving, were too compelling to let go.

After several years of work outdoors, I’m back hands-on in gardens, observing and admiring the Earth and all that it contains. I’m happy to share this with amazingly kind, skillful and knowledgeable crew and friends.