The desert is a place of uncommon beauty, but it can also be quite challenging to landscape. As a native Arizonan, Shelly has a long-time understanding of the various microclimates in which plants have the potential to thrive and look remarkable in this hot arid climate. She has made her signature mark in the landscape design field by using an extensive and varied plant palette. She has been able to instill her ethic of water conservation and appropriateness of place for Arizona while creating exciting outdoor areas with colorful landscapes that contain year-round interest that help to support local wildlife. Shelly launched Landscape Design West, LLC, in order to design wonderful outdoor living areas for her clients.

 

 

“I find that my clients take great pleasure in desert gardens that are breathtakingly colorful and interesting and that contain components that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Daytime temperatures in the desert quickly plummet after the sun goes down, especially in the summer. This is the special time when homeowners want to get outdoors and enjoy their landscape, and I love designing night lighting that allows homeowners to enjoy the excitement of their gardens at night. I have a deep appreciation for landscapes that function as outdoor living spaces with outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and water features. These areas become great places to gather around and welcome friends and family to spend time”.

 

 

Shelly conducts residential landscape design workshops at The University of Arizona as Adjunct Lecturer in the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, CALA. She lectures at Tucson Botanical Gardens and Tohono Chul Park. Presentations include cultural and historical landscapes throughout the world as they relate to Tucson, and designing gardens that attract native desert pollinators. As an author and designer, Shelly’s work can be seen in local, state, and national publications. Shelly serves the outreach community and actively fund-raises for the Tucson Botanical Gardens, where she currently sits as Vice President of the board.