Edge of the Wild, LLC
Patty O’Neill
Owner/ Ecological Landscaper, Designer, Tender
Hello! My name is Patty O’Neill, and Edge of the Wild is the name of my company and passion project I started in 2021 to fill a niche offering ecologically sensitive land care and design--In other words, the kind of land care that notices the unique qualities and communities in a given landscape, and guides its development to allow a more harmonic balance that meets clients' needs while supporting a thriving local ecosystem. Maintenance is design!
Ecological Design & Land Care Beginnings
I grew up savoring the nature left around the edges of my home region of northern Virginia's extensive suburban sprawl, and was inspired by it to seek out the meaning of sustainable development and ecological design. I began this journey by gaining eye-opening ecological literacy as a native plant nursery volunteer, Arlington (Viriginia) Regional Master Naturalist, and experimental gardener for wildlife. Before and after graduating from the Conway School of Ecological Design in western Massachusetts, I rounded out my native and ecological gardening experience as a volunteer Citizen Forester in DC, HOA management assistant, major plant retail associate and assistant designer, land survey tech for a local design firm, hilltown gardener, tree and stone work assistant, and lead weeder for a large commercial landscaping company. Each of these experiences have been invaluable in shaping my approach to the land care services I offer.
At the Heart of Land Care
The kind of landscaping I’m interested in is one that embodies a different relationship to life and work than the one imposed on us--as much as possible. Each site and its challenges and opportunities are unique, and I strive to stay responsive to these qualities and adapt to new information as it comes across regular land care visits and design cultivations. My priorities are to create as much space for life in a beautiful way that meets the needs of my clients, in the most practical way while minimizing harm to the extent possible. I really do enjoy existing in liminal spaces and trying to work to bridge different paradigms, so I hope you will be game to do that with me!