As an educator, speaker, activist, and coach, I bring over 25 years of gardening experience to the table.
I love to share my knowledge of organic gardening techniques to show people what’s possible – a healthy garden without the use of pesticides.
When you get to the root of the problem versus opting for a band-aid solution to deal with pests or critters, you can enjoy a thriving ecosystem far beyond your garden’s walls.
Ways we can grow together
Education
environmental education programs
I work with your club, organization, agency, or private company to provide educational presentations on being water-wise, pollution prevention, weeds management, soil health, IPM, and more. Past clients include the California Native Plant Society, Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency, and Our Water Our World. Hopefully, your club or organization is next!
*Available in-person and virtually
“Your webinar today was fantastic! Your delivery was natural but so articulate and you knew the right level of detail to provide. I had submitted several questions ahead of time and you addressed them all. I learned a lot and will follow up with the links you provided and sign up for your newsletter.”
Consultation
garden coaching
Is your intention to grow healthy organic foods, a lush flower garden, or produce a bounty of fresh-picked fruit from trees? I meet with you in your garden to carefully evaluate the environment and then open up an honest discussion about your goals. Then, using techniques I’ve learned over the years, I teach you how to start or maintain your organic garden.
*Available to North Bay area locals only
Fine Gardening
If the beauty of your garden is important to you, you may think landscape design is all you need help with. But it’s what’s below the surface that adds to the luster! With an intentional approach and a keen eye for your desired aesthetic, I come into your garden to guide proper plant selection based on your region and soil conditions so you achieve the high-end look of your dreams.
*Available to North Bay area locals only
“Suzanne is a wonderful educator, reminding us not to forget our little pollinators who are critical to garden health. It is valuable that she is connected to various garden entities in the Bay Area and shares information from different resources.”
Implementation
Arbor Aid
Fine pruning, tree risk assessment, or disease diagnosis on your to-do list? Take the pressure off with residential and commercial work done for you by my husband, Lorenzo. A certified ISA arborist with a focus on the health and aesthetics of your trees, he’s ready to consult and complete on-site work. Rest easy knowing your saplings and shrubs are safe for years to come.
*Available to Sonoma and Marin County locals only
Gopher Champ
Eco-friendly pest management doesn’t just apply to earwigs or whiteflies destroying your plants. Critters like raccoons and gophers can wreak havoc on your garden too. Let me and my border terrier Champ scout out active tunnels and set/remove traps for you! Over the course of 3 days, we will get your gopher population under control so your garden can get back to growing.
*Available to Sonoma and Marin County locals only
“I first met Suzanne at a class at Lyngso where she talked about building healthy soil, pest management, good and bad bugs, and all kinds of great information about watering. I loved her scientific, yet easy-to-understand style. She then came to my home and was able to help me identify areas of improvement and areas that were working well. As a fairly new gardener and a hands-on learner, it was incredibly helpful to walk around with Suzanne and get answers to my questions.”
My environmental education background and organic gardening approach
I adore hosting in-person and virtual educational presentations for garden clubs, organizations, agencies, or private companies. My approach focuses on managing garden pests the natural way, like when I presented a talk in partnership with the California Native Plant Society.
Other topics I present on:
Gardening From the Ground Up
Grow More Food With Less Pests
Bring In the Beneficials!
Grow Food the Waterwise Way
IPM For Growing Healthy Roses
How to Manage Weeds Safely and Effectively
Managing A Garden In Our Changing Climate
Want to uncover more about holistic, organic gardening techniques and why I integrate them into my environmental education programs?
“The instructor was very well-versed and knowledgeable. I thought it was great that she had experience and gave us extra advice on pest management. Excellent meeting.”