About Rachel Dumont
Growing up in the countryside outside of Montreal where the forest was my backyard, my immersion in nature spurred my lifelong love for the natural world.
As a young adult, I pursued environmental studies at McGill University, graduating with a degree in soil microbiology. My education continued at Johns Hopkins University, where I earned a doctorate in hearing research. After 25 years in this area of neuroscience, the pandemic interrupted my work and allowed me to reevaluate my passion for plants and wildlife, and follow my dream of designing gardens.
I have a certificate in permaculture design from Oregon State University, and many decades of digging in the dirt and pulling weeds. My property in Portland is a certified platinum-level Backyard Habitat, obtained through the Bird Alliance of Portland, and is home to many native plants, birds, and insects.
About Restorative Garden Design
My designs incorporate beautiful native plants to restore biodiversity in our local ecosystem, providing food, nesting places, and habitats for our native pollinators, insects, and birds. This more naturalistic approach to garden design also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, and water.
Restorative Garden Design specializes in:
Creating a relaxing space for a person to relax and recharge.
Using native plants to support beneficial wildlife and increase local biodiversity.
Decreasing the need for irrigation and pesticides.
Incorporating medicinal plants, herbs, and flowers for bouquets.
Identifying microclimates on a property and selecting plants that will thrive in them.
Every project is guided by my belief in the power of naturescaping to boost our mental and physical health. We can combat negative emotions by creating healing, restful spaces that benefit ourselves and our environment.