Owner's Biography

My early training as a gardener came in the late 1960's when I found part time work for large estate owners in the hills around Santa Barbara, California. After a brief introduction to the joys of gardening, I "forgot" to attend my Political Science classes at the University of California. I was fortunate to find more reality in the soil than in the politics of the times - and extremely fortunate to find a satisfying and ever challenging career.

The writings of J.I. Rodale and other organic gardeners impressed me greatly, and I found that their techniques were very effective as well as being healthy for the planet...I learned from trial and error the great truth that healthy soil grows healthy plants with resistance to insect, disease and environmental stress.

This early learning has guided me through several "green" trades - freelance gardener, orchard worker, golf course superintendent, commercial landscaper, landscape designer and garden products shop owner.

All of my work is based on the premise that natural organic gardening and landscaping methods are superior to chemical methods. Growing evidence of the harmful effects of synthetic products should urge us all to help improve our environment for the sake of our children and future generations.

My work now is equally divided between landscape design and product sales. My design mission is to help homeowners grow a successful landscape with little negative effect on our environment.

Products offered at The Landscape Market have been chosen with strict adherence to environmental responsibility.

Dan Eskelson