Hi, I’m Jean Koch, founder of Verge Landscapes.
A verge is an edge or border, such as the meeting point between the natural and urban landscape. Think of the plants growing in a sidewalk strip, median, or roadside. These are often ignored. Let’s engage with the land by reclaiming the urban landscape to meet our modern ecological needs.
Since 1998, I have been working in restoration, gardening, nursery work, community building, and site planning. Let me help you dream and create a thriving, ecologically rich landscape. We have the collective ability to heal the land and I can’t wait to talk to you about your project!
My experience
Trained in restoration ecology, composting, community building, landscape design, and construction, I am uniquely positioned to work closely with homeowners and land managers. We can work together to envision and implement a layered, productive, and beautiful landscape.
Landscape design
Combining my love of good design, a keen eye, and an understanding of how plants and animals interact in the landscape, I can create beautiful spaces that reduce water use, attract pollinators, and increase your enjoyment of the outdoors.
conservation
Coming from a background in restoration and conservation ecology, I will enthusiastically approach your garden as ‘homegrown habitat’ and encourage you to consider the idea of ‘backyard national parks’. Want more inspiration? Watch Doug Tallamy’s recent talks, visit Tilden Botanic Garden, or join a California Native Plant Society hike or garden tour.
Food Production
If you would love to have fresh fruit or vegetables growing in your yard, I have the experience to help you! When I was the Community Garden Program Manager in the Presidio of San Francisco, I designed, built, and maintained 12 community gardens for the residents of this former military base turned national park site. The main garden included a greenhouse, tool shed, office shed, raised beds, cut flower beds, and gathering spaces. Some of the food grown there was served at Tracy des Jardin’s Presidio restaurants. I also advised over 600 community garden members in my 20 years managing community gardens. Get in touch!
sustainablity
Designing a sustainable garden isn’t just avoiding the use of toxic pesticides. It means looking at a whole system approach which includes reducing water usage (and your water bill!) by harvesting rainwater, building laundry-to-landscape graywater systems, increasing biodiversity, and incorporating drought-tolerant plants.
Sustainability also means supporting local businesses, paying living wages, reusing supplies, and generating the least waste possible.
credentials
Rutgers University, B.S. Natural Resource Management, Conservation and Applied Ecology
Merritt College, A.A. Landscape Architecture
Merritt College, A.S. Landscape Construction and Design
Bay Friendly Landscape Certification (now Rescape)
Master Composter Certification, University of Maine