Scrub Jay Studios

SCRUB JAY STUDIOS

Since 1991 Scrub Jay Studios has been creating unique sustainable designs with California natives, including strategies for drought tolerance, erosion control, wildlife and edibles. Our approach is multi-disciplinary, ranging from the botanical to the sculptural. We work on different scales, from objects to environments. Our aim is to create thoughtful, beautiful, appropriate designs that harmonize the conditions on-site with the client’s needs, with special attention paid to already existing ecosystems and plant associations. The most effective materials, methods and strategies for all aspects of a project are always considered - from the use of recycled materials to water infiltration and storage, from PV panels to earth and stone walls. We offer an approach to landscape design that incorporates artistic expression and practicality with green construction strategies.

ANDREAS HESSING

Andreas has been designing purely native landscapes for more than 20 years. He teaches native design courses at the Theodore Payne Foundation and was a faculty member for the National Park Service program “Your Town.” He has presented workshops for The City of Ventura, The Pacific Horticulture Society, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, among others.

Andreas received an MA in Ceramics from California State University Fullerton and an MFA in Sculpture from the Claremont Graduate School. He was also mentored at RSABG and UCLA.

An NEA/NEFA grant recipient, Andreas’ permanent installations include: The New Mastodon Bookstore, Arroyo Pescadero Park in Whittier, Peppertree Park in Ventura, many private residences and Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont.

Andreas was born, raised, and educated in Southern California as a “naturalized exotic.”

WHY NATIVES?

There is a pressing need for an authentic regional identity for Southern California. Botanically speaking, most of our indigenous plant associations are under constant threat and much has already been erased.

The majority of plants we see everyday in private yards and public spaces are almost exclusively horticultural imports, exotics. Many of them, lawns in particular, require enormous amounts of imported chemicals, soils, water and energy to survive in our climate. This creates imbalances in knowledge, ecosystems and budgets.

Our indigenous plants are fully adapted to our topography, soils, climates and seasons. Evolving with our geology and climate, they are responsible for incredible fragrances in summer, eye-popping brillance in spring and hillside-holding tenacity in winter. Encouraging natives in our gardens helps us to understand and appreciate their role in the wild and provides a haven for the gene pool to aid in maintaining the biodiversity neccessary for all life. Encouraging natives in our gardens awakens our neighbors to the beauty and benefits of our native flora and fauna, and the consequences of their loss. Encouraging natives in our gardens introduces our children to the aromas, colors, abundance and wonder of the place the live in.