About California Natural Gardens

A design firm specializing in California native flora and residential landscapes that are picturesque and earth-friendly, Natural Gardens is owned and operated by Leita Brown.  Here is an introduction to Leita, her background, and her qualifications.

Leita grew up as an outdoor enthusiast.  She was raised in Idaho and Wyoming by parents who loved the outdoors.  She has been backpacking for over 20 years and in 1991 completed a 3 week survival course with the Pacific Crest Outward Bound School.  She was involved in environmental education while her children were in school, even directing their yearly school science trips to the Pt. Reyes National Seashore.

Her passion for the environment began when she camped in remote wilderness areas with family at a young age.  Today she is committed to making sure that there are natural places for future generations to enjoy. She enjoys restoring habitat to its natural state, one garden at a time.

Educational Background

• BA Environmental Studies with focus on Habitat Restoration
  Sonoma State University (with honors)
• Landscape Design Certificate
  Merritt College, Oakland
• Sustainable Landscape Practices Certificate
  Sonoma State University
• Sustainable Landscape Expert
  Master Gardener (advanced training)

Awards

• Undergraduate grant to study and classify tree species on SSU campus
• Dr. and Mrs. Richard Mulholland Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement and Academic Excellence
• California Native Plant Society Scholarship
• Bronze medal, San Francisco Flower and Garden Show 
  (100% California native plant demonstration garden)

Professional Activities and Associations

• Member of Marin Master Gardeners
• Member of Association of Professional Landscape Designers
• Member of California Native Plant Society
• Member of the Sierra Club Bay Area
• Member of the Audubon Society
• Member of the Pacific Crest Trail Association