For the past nine years, Associate Principal Nicole Horn has served on the Ventura Botanical Gardens (VBG) Board of Directors. The mission of the VBG, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is

“to create and maintain public gardens for the preservation, education, cultural contribution & enhancement of the entire community.”

Over the next few decades, the VBG staff and community of volunteers will transform 100 acres of underutilized public lands into a unique, and special botanical garden. The gardens will showcase the five Mediterranean climates of the world with plant species specifically adapted to thrive in our local environment.

Nicole has led the design and implementation of several installations and sponsorship sites over the years, including a gabion seat wall gathering space, a Baja-inspired collection display wall, new trails, and a new basket-inspired structure (still in the conceptual design phase).

Conceptual sketches, plans and sections for upcoming new projects:

Next time you’re in Ventura, head up the hill behind City Hall to see the Gardens and help support conservation and education. We love plants!