Elena and Jeff – Homeowners, Shannon Lake
We approached Elana to develop a landscape design for a home we purchased last summer. It has a .45 acre lot and, though the existing landscaping was attractive, the plants required large amounts of water and time. I heard of Elana through the Okanagan Food Policy Council and her work on the Food Forest. Elana was purported to design using both xeriscape principles and beauty in mind. There were two things I wanted to accomplish: less water and pretty plants!
I appreciate that Elana took the time to clarify our objectives, checking back in as she drew up the plan to confirm our taste in various plants and landscape features. She took the design to a level we had not conceived of. She carefully selected specific varieties so we’ll have something blooming throughout the growing season. The final blueprint was easy to follow and included many photos of the plants so we could truly envision the end product.
Elana was a delight to meet with, always patient with our rather eclectic (and often poorly defined) tastes, excellent at describing concepts and in finding ways to deal with sometimes challenging land features. We recommend Elana without reservation.
Eve-Lyn and Linda – Regional District of the Central Okanagan
Thank you for all of your help at the Composter Sale. Having a passionate, knowledgable compost/gardening guru available to answer residents’ questions was an invaluable service. We are so grateful you were able to join us at the event. Undoubtedly residents benefited greatly from having the opportunity to talk to you.From all of us at the Waste Reduction Office, a sincere thank you!
Michelle (attended our Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop)
Instead of a quick email I take the old-fashioned snail-mail (looks nicer) and write a few lines. It’s a long time since I enjoyed something so much and learned so many wonderful things. In so many years living in the Okanagan I never come across something like this and was struggling year after year with my trees.Thank you very very much for organizing the wonderful Tree Fruit Pruning Workshop and Thanks to the McCoubrey Farms/ Claremont Ranch Organics Owners also! If you will do it again please let me know. I’ll love a repeat!
Clients
City of Kelowna
I previously offered cooking and gardening classes for the general public through the City of Kelowna’s recreation program. The gardening classes were based on organic gardening and Permaculture principles.
Regional District of the Central Okanagan:
I have provided workshops for the Regional District’s Parks department and have worked with the Regional District’s Waste Reduction department since 2009 to provide recycling and composting education for the public.
Central Okanagan Food Policy Council:
I was a member of the Central Okanagan Food Policy Council from 2009 to 2016 and was a board member for several of those years. Through the COFPC, I worked with the RDCO Parks department to help design and coordinate Kelowna’s first Food Forest.