About
The Valley Gardener is a garden design studio of horticulturists, designers, craftsmen, and others, who approach the art and science of gardening with a shared philosophy that informs the practice.
Tricia Paffendorf and Shay David met over a decade ago while working on a school garden project in the Hudson Valley. They soon after became the garden team they are today, and continue to create gardens that complement the client’s aesthetic with the natural order of native landscapes.
Their vision for each project is thoughtfully designed, carefully installed, and managed for sustainability. Tricia brings a formal education in sustainable design, plant and soil science, and thirty years of horticultural experience. She shares a love for the natural world with Shay who became a professional gardener after a career in the fashion industry. Shay makes a study out of horticulture and its practices, and brings an educated, ecological focus to each project. Together they collaborate with Rochelle Redfield, an accomplished artist, to produce hand drawn and painted renderings of garden plans that illustrate the vision.
Alana Shaw joined our team in 2022 with an interest in developing her skills as a horticulturist and her eye for design. She is dedicated to the art and science of gardening and aspires to a career in landscape design.
The Valley Gardener works with artists and other experts in the fields of architecture, arboriculture, stone masonry carpentry, fencing, and irrigation. This allows the studio to create gardens from concept to installation, using organic horticultural practices and artistry to establish gardens that are as graceful and alluring as the valley they call home.
SERVICES
We offer services in the following areas:
Design
Curating the Garden and Property
Renovations
Master Property and Garden Plans
Stewardship and Garden Care
Seasonal Pots and Planters