LIVING STRUCTURES

our designers

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Magi Treece

I made my first garden in 1964, and I still remember the faces on those pansies. Now, 54 years later, the dirt under my fingernails is relatively permanent.

Born in Maryland but raised in North, Central and South America, I think of myself as “Pan-American.” Living in so many different cultures instills in one a deep respect for individuals, for our separate needs, hopes and desires. It helped me learn in a very concrete way that, as Big Bird once said, “We are all different. We are all the same.”

After returning to the States at 17 to attend Reed College, I received my BA in Literature. Knowing that I wanted to go into either education or gardening, of course I spent the next 17 years at a local retail garden center doing both. I truly enjoyed the work: helping customers with their gardens and garden problems, my crew with their own learning trajectories, and buying the trees and shrubs for the nursery.  

Finally, in 2000, I was ready for the next step and launched Living Structures Garden Design. From the single consultation to help a client refocus their vision, solve a particular problem, or learn about the plants in their new garden, to a complete tear-out and new installation, I love it all. Helping others define, create, refine and maintain their own gardens is a passion – a passion happily wedded to an obsessive love of plants.

I live in SE Portland with my husband Brian, daughter Rowan, and dog Avery, where I’ve lived since 1977.