CASTILLEJA LANDSCAPE & DESIGN, LLC

ABOUT THE OWNER

Originally from New Mexico, Lainie moved to Flagstaff to attend Northern Arizona University in 1990, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Geography.
In 1993 and 1994, Lainie traveled abroad for a work/study program, where her assignment was to assist in the maintenance of community gardens, orchards, and common areas. This was the beginning of her career in landscaping.
Upon completion of her work/study abroad, she returned to Flagstaff to complete her degree and went to work at the only garden center in Flagstaff for several years. As her passion for plants and horticulture grew, she was accepted to the horticulture internship program at The Arboretum at Flagstaff. Although she was asked to extend her internship through the fall, she was offered a management position at the garden center and accepted.
After receiving her degree, she moved to Portland, Oregon where she continued to build upon her industry experience working for The Berry Botanic Garden as the propagator/horticulturist. The northwest offered the opportunity to learn a completely new plant palette, soil conditions, climate, and gardening challenges.
After a couple years in the rain, she yearned for the high desert climate she loved, and moved to Denver, Colorado. There she went to work as an estimator for a commercial landscape installation and land reclamation (re-vegetation and erosion control) company where she became proficient at estimating, scheduling, and co-managing large scale projects. This work experience was incredibly important to her professional development. After a few years at this company, she went to work for the City and County of Denver as a horticulturist for Denver Parks. There, she designed gardens and implemented a propagation program to grow drought tolerant and native perennials and shrubs to be planted in both demonstration gardens in Denver Parks and for Denver’s Open Spaces. She also collaborated with many agencies, including The Denver Botanic Garden and The Rocky Mountain Arsenal, using organic methods, help maintain healthy stands of native plants while suppressing exotic species populations.
In 2004, Lainie returned to Flagstaff and managed a small landscape and nursery company where she managed landscape crews, nursery staff, designed landscapes, and maintained all aspects of the retail nursery. She and the company realized great success as she expanded her knowledge of the region’s native plants while building relationships with clientele and the community.
In late 2007, Lainie was encouraged to get her contractor’s license and create a company of her own. In 2008, Castilleja Landscape & Design, LLC was off and running.
The seed was planted, passion was cultivated, and here we are…..