James McCain My education as a gardener began first-hand in childhood, having been born into a family of avid gardeners in the Upper Midwest. I studied architecture at the University of Illinois in Chicago and at the New York Institute of Technology in New York, with an emphasis on design and art history.

My diverse work experience includes computer-aided drafting at engineering and architectural firms in Illinois, managing an architecture & design book shop in New York, freelance gardening in Tennessee, trail-building in California's Redwood National Park, organic farming in Oregon, and network & database administration in Texas.

After moving to Portland Maine in 2000, I worked in the tree & shrub nursery for Skillin's Greenhouses and in the perennial greenhouses at Plainview Farm, while also taking botany and horticulture courses at SMCC. I then worked as a landscape gardener for Ellen Klain while beginning my own professional practice of creating landscapes and gardens, full time since 2002.

Having lived, explored and gardened in every region of the country, I've grown to appreciate the unique character and beauty of the natural landscapes and vernacular architecture of each place. There is an incredible pool of creativity in the greater Portland area, and I am fortunate to be a part of it, doing much of my conceptual work in a studio within the heart of the Arts District.

Whether in my studio or a garden, at a stone yard or a nursery, I thoroughly enjoy this work and its interdisciplinary nature. Over the years this has resulted in many projects I am proud to have been a part of, and fostered many lasting relationships.
Pamela Chalfant Growing up in Cape Elizabeth, I learned to love gardening and plants and anything having to do with the natural environment, as my grandmother and mother were both avid gardeners. I was educated at Boston University and Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont, where I received my BA in 1984.

Later deciding to pursue a career in gardening, I completed the Master Gardener program in 2002, then interned with a landscaper in Cape Elizabeth before graduating from the SMCC Horticulture program in 2004.

I gained further experience through freelance landscape gardening in the Portland area, before beginning to work for James in 2004.
Steve Monks Landscaping is a true passion of mine. I've been working in the green industry for the past twelve years, and have enjoyed working with the varied colors & textures of our materials to create living art that is ever changing and unpredictable.

I graduated from the University of Maine in Orono in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in Landscape Horticulture, and a minor in Plant Science. My experience in the field has been quite varied, from installing inner city landscapes and roof top gardens in Boston, to working as part of a crew and managing crews on residential and commercial jobs in both Maine and the North Shore of Massachusetts.

More recently, I was part of a wholesale plant nursery start-up where I worked for four years before beginning to work for James in the spring of 2008.
Callie Viney Having always had an interest and connection with plants, I began working at a flower shop in Portland while still in high school. I learned the aspects of designing cut flower arrangements and the care of house plants, eventually becoming manager of a large florist in Maine, where I was arranging for weddings and special events.

Later I worked for the City of South Portland, where I gained experience in arbor care and working w/heavy equipment, as well as growing and planting trees , perennials and annuals.

I took the opportunity to work for James throughout the 2006 season, and again in 2008. Here I've been able to develop my horticultural skills, and feel blessed and good about what we've accomplished.
Eben Goucher I discovered my niche in the landscaping modus vivendi hands-on 12 years ago, during my first season as a starting laborer. Working for the same small company with a single crew for five years, I acclimated to the full palette of the landscape installation process, with a considerable focus on 'hardscape'-intensive projects.

I have subsequently worked in local nurseries and for landscape maintenance crews, and spent a year and a half tending the grounds at a Greek Orthodox Monastery in Ohio.

I first came to work for James in 2005, working for two seasons- and, subsequently, doing occasional 'side-work' for him since then, always enjoying participating in James' vision. I eagerly look forward to our continuing collaboration in the 2009 season and in years to come.