Why do I do what I do?

After all, its hard, physical work

Long days

Work in all kinds of weather conditions from the heat of summer to the cold and damp mornings of Spring and Fall

On this Easter weekend, I wonder—what do we long for as we walk this earth?

Several years ago, Unitas Project began with the tagline:  

Be You. Be Unitas.

Landscape design is about creating outdoor spaces that protect and regenerate the planet while enhancing the quality of life for the people who inhabit them.

You and I are inextricably connected to the environment in which we live and breathe. Our physical surroundings shape and determine the quality of our lives in profound ways. That's why it’s essential for Landscape Design to consider the relationship between humans, plants, animals and their physical environment. 

While walking with Akela one winter morning, we came across two towering Hemlock trees. As I stood there, I couldn’t help but feel as though the trees were trying to tell me something. Drawn in by their silent presence, I stepped closer to look, and to listen.

According to the Gospel writers, Jesus of Nazareth walked around the Middle Eastern countryside proclaiming one simple message “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” This simple theme of calling people into the present to discover the pearl of great price within themselves, and among their neighbours, was at the heart of Jesus’ message.

Depending on the location of your home, you have two options regarding the perspective for your landscape design: the outward-looking and the inward-looking garden. Essentially, the two different perspectives are just as they sound. The outward-looking garden is one with an outward looking view, while the inward-looking garden is inward focused. The key for the outward looking design is to draw your eye past the property boundary line out to a specific view like a lake, a meadow, a mountain or a landscape that extends for miles. 

Ken Robinson in his best selling book, The Element, tells an inspiring story that resonates with the heart of Unitas Project and, perhaps, with yours as well.

“Aidan, let it ring!”

These were the precise words my son’s teacher spoke to him as his finger searched for the A note on his E string. Laurie’s statement was an invitation for Aidan to listen to, and allow the natural beauty and lush overtones of the violin to ring forth and resonate within his body and soul. 

Last Monday I attended the Landscape Designer and Landscape Architect conference hosted by Landscape Ontario and the OALA. Besides connecting with a number of great people in my profession, the speakers for the event had valuable information to communicate with us. One of the presenters in particular caught my attention and I want to share his key idea with you today.

In what space or environment do you feel most alive?

My son played AAA hockey for a number of years and this provided us with many opportunities to experience new towns, cities, restaurants and cafés.

Have you ever said, or heard someone say, “I need to carve out more time for…my kids, my partner, getting in shape, cooking homemade meals, spending time outdoors, or starting that side hustle.”

At the age of 19 I decided to leave college life in Grand Rapids, Michigan and join the ranks of Youth With A Mission (YWAM). Attendance at one of their Discipleship Training Schools (DTS) was required and I chose the school in Northern British Columbia called, “The Frontier Discipleship Training School.”