Michelle Derviss is one of those people that I look up to in this industry.  She has simply been there and done that, longer and better than most.  So I am excited to share her and her site Garden Porn and have her participate in this series. Michelle:

I’m embarrassed to let  anyone in my pick up truck.  It smells like a cross between wet beach dog and an old bag of organic compost. That’s because there is usually a slightly damp dog and a odd bag of compost in the cab.  I’m immune to it, I don’t even smell it anymore much to my boyfriends disgust.

Exhibition garden at the S.F. Garden Show 2008 – Best in Show , APLD award, Gold medal.

What do you do to find inspiration?

Best Garden or Design Advice Ever (Given or Received)?

From Roberto Burle Marx : “Make gardens works of Art”.

From Gary Koller, professor at The Arnold Arboretum and the GSD : “Garden maintenance can be your bread and butter within the horticulture industry”.

Visiting resort gardens in Bali with The Hortisexuals

From Unknown : “ If you are interested , you’ll do what is convenient, If you are committed you’ll do what ever it takes”.

My mantra : “ You cannot make a great garden without great clients”.