SUSTAINABLE BACKYARDS & GARDENS

Danna Cain rarely waters her garden. That seems unthinkable given Georgia's heat and frequent dry weather. But Danna knows the benefits of organic soil amendments and preparing a bed that will encourage very deep roots.

For more than 17 years, Danna has been a garden designer and landscape architect in metro Atlanta as the owner of Home & Garden Design, Inc. Her specialty is integrating the principles of organics into her projects. When prospective clients see her flourishing gardens, they are amazed to learn that they were installed as recently as three years ago. Many of her clients chose Danna for her non-toxic approach. Others are content with an attractive landscape.

Danna grew up on the edge of the bayou in south Louisiana. She developed a keen awareness of nature and conservation, particularly as she witnessed declines in wildlife populations. DDT and malathion were used indiscriminately to control mosquitoes.

As a professional landscaper, Danna was required to have a commercial pesticide applicators license and was appalled at the various safety precautions required with application. "I didn't want to touch that stuff."

Now, Danna designs her gardens with an eye for sustainability, healthy soil, plant choice, location, biodiversity and beneficial insects. Her award winning work has been featured in local and national magazines Better Homes and Gardens, Country Gardens, Atlanta Homes & Gardens and Lifestyles

As water becomes a critical issue, the public and industry are looking for solutions. "Red clay amended with pine bark mulch will never be the cure," she says.

The secret is vibrant soil.