A native of Florence, I moved to the USA where I achieved a B.A. at New York University.  I completed a Doctorate in History of Art at Oxford University, followed by degrees in Horticulture and Garden Design. In between and during my university studies I travelled extensively in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Far East.  I have several publications in Italian and English, principally on history of art, garden design and landscape.

 

For many years I was a college lecturer of History of Art, History of Landscape and Garden Design. My teaching is based on a passion for art, design and history, a knowledge of ecology, and backed by practical experience in the making and maintenance of gardens.

 

This diverse background informs my garden design philosophy. Each garden is site-specific, rooted in the local history and landscape, and fits into the local ecosystem. A great garden should look like the only obvious solution, not an artificial intrusion. I seek plants suitable for the location, fostering a self-supporting, sustainable environment with minimal chemical use. I love naturalistic, drought-tolerant mixed borders, which promote biodiversity, and frame them with strong design. My job is to interpret the clients’ needs so together we create a living work of art.