I was born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains - in Boone, North Carolina to be exact. That’s where I live and work today.

I created this line of garden products from natural materials native to my hometown, referencing designs from Classical Art & Architecture.

My team and I work with several different types of local wood: locust, poplar bark, rhododendron and sugar maple to name a few.

The locust has been used by generations of families in my area. Typically this hardwood is used for fences and railings: in fact, before codes became so strict, it was even used to buttress the foundations of homes.

The bark that skins the boxes is from the poplar tree. Once a year, the bark can be harvested in the spring when it sheds. It’s then cured in a dry-heat kiln for four days where the temperature is raised to over 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This eliminates any moisture or living organisms to prevent rot or mold. Typically the application for this bark is a shingle on the exterior of a home: however, I make planter boxes instead.

The products are created out of durable materials and are meant to be enjoyed and last: however, like any outdoor furniture, it’s best to use the boxes underneath a covered eave or shelter. I also recommend not planting the steel liners flush with dirt but rather using a fabric grow bag -  this allows for easy seasonal changes.

These materials are familiar to me and my family - many of them are harvested from the woods adjacent to my childhood home. These pieces are more than just products from my workshop; they are artistic expressions of my lifetime and a celebration of  the land I call home. 

Best,

Raleigh