Out of the office and into the garden! In 2004, Sue and Adam’s deep interests in ecological design, development, and resource management made starting Ground Work a priority. We spent many months researching small business operations, and current sustainable garden design, construction, and maintenance practices.
Sue spent her life gardening beside her environmentally minded mother and grandmothers. She has over fifteen years of farming and landscaping experience. Her focus in college was resource management and environmental studies. Since attaining her BS in 2000 and moving to Seattle, Sue has kept up on environmental issues. Since the birth of their daughter in 2008 Sue has remained the primary designer and runs the office side of the business. Adam and his crew of two to three people carry out the field work and Sue’s design visions.
Adam was born and raised on Vashon Island. He landscaped his way through high school. After attending the University of Washington (majoring in Philosophy), he held technical jobs in the city until he decided he would rather join his wife in their growing business. He brings to Ground Work his strong work ethic, love of the outdoors, mechanical expertise, and knowledge of local plants. He has become adept at dealing with the many invasive species in our region as well as in correct pruning practices and ornamental plant identification.
Ground Work has a large variety of equipment for every size project. We have a two to three man crew with a number of extra laborers on the side who are ready to help with larger projects. Adam is one of a just a handful of landscapers left that owns and can tune a sicklebar mower.
Both Sue and Adam have been instructors during a Plant Amnesty pruning workshop. Ground Work is approved of by Plant Amnesty and is on their referral list. (www.plantamnesty.org)