I started Cardinal Glen Ecological Landscaping because I believe our home gardens can support local ecosystems without sacrificing beauty. In my own yard, I witnessed the return of native bees, frogs, dragonflies, rare birds, and more as I transformed my dry, struggling lawn into vibrant native plant gardens. These changes have brought me a deeper peace, a stronger connection to the natural world, and a real sense of joy as I watch the beauty of my garden grow. I hope to bring that same experience to others. 

I particularly love designing for shady urban and suburban gardens - environments that conventional landscapers overlook or consider difficult. I’m equally passionate about creating salt-tolerant gardens with native plants that thrive in the hot, dry, and compacted conditions of boulevards.

I specialize in invasive plant removal. Through my former work with Garden ReLeaf and ongoing volunteer efforts, I developed an expertise in removing periwinkle, lily of the valley, goutweed, buckthorn, and dog-strangling vine. 

I’m proud to volunteer with the Manor Park Community Association’s Environmental Sustainability Committee and the Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library. Across Manor Park and Cardinal Glen, I support over 50 native plant gardens as part of the David Suzuki Foundation’s Butterflyway programme, Canada’s version of Doug Tallamy’s Homegrown National Park movement.

I previously worked as a geography and science teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand and as a holistic nutritionist. I’ve also been active in local and organic food movements, working nationally with Canadian Organic Growers and volunteering with Just Food in Ottawa. My academic background includes a degree in international development and environmental studies, a teaching degree, and further studies in food security and sustainable rural planning. 

I write a regular wildlife gardening column for the Manor Park Chronicle and contribute to the Glebe Report. I work with schools and children's groups to create native plant gardens, winter sow seeds, and lead invasive species removal projects. I’ve also developed an intensive workshop, Managing Invasive Species for Biodiversity, which I offer to community groups. This spring, I’ll begin teaching Ecological Horticulture at the North Star Microschool. 

Finally, I’m lucky to be the daughter of an incredible wildlife photographer, Dave Keys. His stunning plant and insect photographs featured on this website capture my garden design goals: supporting the vitality of the natural world while finding deep joy in its beauty.