ABOUT
GIRASOLE SONOMA
ROBERT HEWITT
GARDEN PHILOSOPHY
GIRASOLE SONOMA
GIRASOLE SONOMA is a Landscape and Exterior Design firm that promotes integrated outdoor living. Girasole, Italian for “sunflower”, means to turn to the sun. Girasole Sonoma is dedicated to creating balanced, outdoor environments that celebrate the interaction of plant, human, and design elements.
KEY TENANTS ARE:
- Working in harmony with the environment
- Utilizing native and Mediterranean plant material best suited for the local climate
- Developing productive gardens that integrate herb, edible and ornamental plant material, as well as habitat for beneficial insects and fauna
- Creating outdoor environments (rooms) that encourage outdoor living
- Integrating reclaimed and re-purposed materials in the design
BAY FRIENDLY LANDSCAPE PRINCIPLES
A member of the Bay Friendly Landscape Coalition, Girasole Sonoma is guided by the following key principles.
- Landscape Locally
- Landscape for Less to the Landfill
- Nurture the Soil
- Conserve Water
- Conserve Energy
- Protect Water and Air Quality
- Create Wildlife Habitat
For more information visit the Bay Friendly website – www.bayfriendlycoalition.org
ROBERT HEWITT
Harvested Kabocha planted among the tomatoes and sunflowers.
Great for roasting and soup!
Robert’s life and work experience have influenced his understanding of the landscaped environment and design philosophy. Growing up in Carmel, Robert developed his love of nature and passion for gardening. Throughout the year, Robert would work for elderly neighbors who had a deep appreciation for gardening, but not the physical capacity to do the work. Robert’s education and work experience continued while attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
After graduating from Cal Poly, a desire to see the world led him to Japan where he lived for four years. While there, he spent much of his free time studying Japanese culture including design and flower arrangement. When it became time to leave Japan, Robert departed by ferry, continuing his westward journey to Europe by taking the trans-Mongolian railroad.
Upon returning to the US, Robert entered the nascent tech industry in the Bay Area. Working in management roles for companies such as Sony and THX, Robert was able to use his international experience while continuing to travel and study foreign cultures.
Robert has lived in Sonoma, CA since 1996. During this time he has further developed his horticultural and design sense through countless hours working in his two-acre garden and advancing his education at College of Marin, Sonoma State University and the Santa Rosa Junior College.
GARDEN PHILOSOPHY
