Hi, I’m Kim Cotter. I’m passionate about creating beautiful, sustainable spaces that nurture both clients and the planet.

I grew up in a farming community in Alaska, where I spent much of my childhood outside, surrounded by farm animals and exploring the Matanuska Valley. As a teenager, I worked summers harvesting zucchini on a local farm. These early experiences shaped my appreciation for wild places, working landscapes, and the small details of nature.

I later entered the restaurant industry and, after moving to Oregon in 2000, spent 13 years as a baker, creating tiny gardens on wedding cakes. Working in upscale restaurants, I developed a deep appreciation for fresh ingredients and the connection between food, farms, and the land.

After becoming a parent, I began exploring a new path in landscape design and sustainable land stewardship. I studied Landscape Design at Portland Community College and Permaculture at Oregon State University, where I learned about food production, water management, and soil science. I also spent a summer farming in upstate New York, where I learned about regenerative agriculture and saw my first monarch butterflies. In 2025, I took a Garden Masterclass with Noel Kingsbury and the late, great Nigel Dunnett, studying naturalistic planting design.

Since 2023, I have volunteered with the Backyard Habitat Program. I also worked at Sauvie Island Native Nursery, where I deepened my knowledge of native plants and propagation. Along the way, I’ve found an incredible community of naturalists who have shared their knowledge and mentored me.

Today, I’m passionate about creating beautiful, sustainable spaces that work in balance with nature. I believe even small urban spaces can provide important habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. My designs focus on native and pollinator-friendly plants, water conservation, biodiversity, and gardening with purpose; helping create healthier landscapes and a more sustainable future for generations to come.