(12/01/2009)
Judge's Award at 2009 ALCA Awards
For the second year running, Casa Serena Landscape Designs has won an Arizona Landscape Contractors' Association (ALCA) award. The project was for the courtyard at the Couch residence. The project took an old, malfunctioning water feature and a dreary plant palate and replaced it with a captivating earth crystal fountain and loads of desert flowering plants. Where once the only color was in pots by the door, now purples, oranges, whites, reds and yellows intermingle in a charming morning coffee spot. Pictures are posted in the photo gallery.
(10/01/2009)
APLD Certification Received!
I received my APLD Certification!!! APLD, the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, is the only national organization with a certification process for landscape designers. A rigorous application process, including lots of paperwork and photos, as well as information on my business and education, is the only way to achieve certification and then I will also need to reapply every 3 years. Why go to the trouble? Well, currently, anybody who throws a plant in the ground can claim the title "Landscape Designer." The goals of APLD are to advance landscape design as an independent profession and to promte the recognition of landscape designers and highly qualified, dedicated professionals. Check out their website! www.apld.com
(2/6/09)
Urban Wildlife Course:
I recently completed a Landscaping for Urban Wildlife course offered by the Tucson Audubon Society. It was a very fascinating and educational course. Among the topics discussed were plants to attract wildlife and how to create a backyard habitat that birds and other wildlife will seek out. Simple water harvesting techniques, beneficial insects, and native and exotic plant selection were also discussed. Let me help you make your yard an inviting oasis for urban wildlife.
(11/24/08)
Award of Excellence from ALCA!:
I received the Award of Excellence for my design for the Bergmann Residence. The Award of Excellence is the top award given and only one is given per category. A design must meet certain criteria and amass a certain number of points to get this award. I submitted the design with Sonoran Gardens, Inc who did the fantastic installation. Winning this award is a great honor. Look for pictures in an upcoming issue Tuscon Lifestyle.


Rachel Gioannini
APLD Certified Landscape Designer:

I am the sole owner of Casa Serena Landscape Designs, LLC. I received my certification from APLD in 2009. I received a certificate in Landscape Design from Fleur de Lis Institute of Landscape Design, here in Tucson, Arizona, in 2004. My education is specific to the Tucson area and the Sonoran Desert. I feel strongly that the education I received makes me a great designer for our beautiful and challenging environment.

Prior to becoming a landscape designer, I worked in professional theatre.  I hold an MFA in Stage Management from the University of of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music and a BFA in Design and Technical Direction from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. My background in technical theatre has developed my design aesthetic. My experience has taught me to listen well and use my technical know-how to achieve the vision for your yard.

I am a native of Minnesota and have been in Tucson since 2000. I truly love the climate and environment of the Sonoran Desert and the Southwest in general. I am an avid cyclist and a member of Summit Velo Women's Cycling Team.  I am also a proud member of the Tucson chapter of NAWBO, where I am Chair of the Member Breakfasts.

My Design Philosophy:
I feel great joy simply stepping out my back door and entering my yard.  I like to be outside and turn off the noise of daily living. My yard is simple so that when I go out, I can relax, and not feel guilty about all the maintenance chores that need to be done.

This is the kind of space I want to create for my clients. A place that is visually appealing, of course, but also a place that feels comfortable and peaceful and serene. Few people have free time to devote to landscape maintenance, so I aim to create a space that can aesthetically withstand a certain amount of neglect.

Given the desert environment we live in, it's very important to use plants that can withstand the sun and wind and drought. It IS possible to create a lush and green environment and still use plants that take moderate water.

It's also important to create a yard that is safe for your children and pets. Some frequently used plants are toxic and some cactus are just too unfriendly for use in high traffic areas. I will work with you to create a yard that is welcoming and comfortable for your entire family.