OUR IDEALS
Stroudwater Design Group’s dedication to environmental responsibility is a fundamental part of our personal and professional philosophy. Constructing and maintaining a designed landscape can not only be resource intensive but can also have a significant impact on the finite resources and existing natural systems of the site. Our design process, while motivated by our intent to design artful gardens – is also framed by our hands on knowledge of ecologically sound design and construction solutions. Thus, our designed landscapes often represent a successful blend between art and science, providing a garden eco-system that is sustainable, resource efficient, minimizes maintenance, and provides a healthy landscape environment for the use and enjoyment of our clients.
TEST GARDEN
The SDG Test Garden is part of our system where we accumulate hands on knowledge by implementing and monitoring many of the forward thinking Best Practice Measures currently discussed for sustainable landscapes. Over time the Stroudwater Test Gardens have evolved into an eclectic mix of native and ornamental plants found around the world. Part of that effort has been to develop a “Wings of Life Garden” that contains nectar and essential oil producing blooms for our apiary and native pollinators. From rare butterflies to native quail to seasonal honey flows, the results have been successful on many levels.
COMMUNITY
We support the following organizations:
Camp Funderblast at Homestead Valley – www.funderblast.com
Part of the proceeds from the sale of the honey from our Test Garden apiary assists families with the opportunity for their children to attend summer camp at Camp Funderblast at Homestead Valley.
Ernest Clayton Collection – San Francisco Public Library
With permission, the beautiful botanical watercolor of a California Poppy by Ernest Clayton is found on our Homestead Valley Honey from out Test Garden Apiary. Most of the artwork of Ernest Clayton now resides at the San Francisco Public Library. For more about Ernest Clayton, as well as a gallery of his available prints, go to www.ernestclaytonwildflowers.com.
Northern California Society of Botanical Artists – www.ncalsba.org
The Northern California Society of Botanical Artists is an association dedicated to supporting botanical artists. They also wish to increase public awareness of this art form and an appreciation for historical and contemporary botanical art in the communities of Northern California.
American Society of Landscape Architects – www.asla.org
Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects. Members of the Society are committed to the highest ethical standards of the profession.
The Garden Conservancy – gardenconservancy.org
The Garden Conservancy saves and shares outstanding American gardens for the education and inspiration of the public.
Filoli – www.filoli.org
Filoli represents the Golden Age of American Gardens and is dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and stewardship of the cultural traditions and natural history of this country estate for public education and enjoyment.
California Native Plant Society – www.cnps.org
The mission of CNPS is to conserve California native plants and their natural habitats, and increase understanding, appreciation, and horticultural use of native plants.
Honey and Pollinator Center – UC Davis – honey.ucdavis.edu
The Honey and Pollination Center showcases the importance of honey and pollination to the wellbeing of consumers through education and research. The Center works with all aspects of the beekeeping industry, including agriculture, grocers and chefs, beekeepers and future beekeepers, urban homesteaders and students.