Larinda Peterson, Landscape Architect
As a native of Portland,Oregon, I have always had a great appreciation for beautiful plants, lush vegetation and native wildlife. It instilled in me a great respect for the natural environment. An expanse of trees and wildlife fill your every view. As a result, I have been gardening since I was very young, always trying to recreate my own perfect landscape.
As I grew up, I became deeply interested in the arts, including painting, design, writing and photography. It is exhilarating to share my creativity with others, as well as show them how to express their own artistic qualities.
Through the years I have traveled through Western Europe and Asia, and witness the wealth of history and beauty of the ancient cities. That experience strengthened my commitment to detailed, excellent design and my love for growing things.
In 2010 I opened my own Landscape Architecture Firm, Line Twenty Five Landscape Architecture. I spend my time between designing and teaching Home Gardening and Emergency Gardening at Portland Community College. You can also frequently find me presenting throughout the Portland metropolitan area on Home Gardening and Emergency Gardening.
Larinda's Garden 
Larinda,
You did a great job presenting about seed saving on Saturday. The whole fair was done very well, and maybe next time the presenters can do two different times so that people can attend the ones they want.
I did the rice drying yesterday and wondered if I can just keep the rice that way, whether I put seeds in it or not.
By the way, I am learning a lot about essential oils, so if you know anyone that is tired of going to doctors and not getting better, or they just want to feel better, oils can be a wonderful thing to add to our lifestyles. As I like to say, ‘faster, safer, cheaper’ than conventional medicine!
Sincerely,
Tiffany Takao
Kalama, WA
Thank you so much! I agree, it would have been nice to have more sessions and maybe to have been inside. I presented earlier this year at a large expo in Boring, OR and the classes there were overflowing!
You can do the rice in the same way you dry the seeds, the only problem is that it really only preserves a small amount of rice. If you want to store it that way just to have a regular jar of rice ready for seed saving, then it is perfect. If you want to start saving lots of rice for food storage I can send you even better ways to handle bulk amounts.
I am just learning more about essential oils too! I use lavender with my baby all the time and it works wonders. I will have to hit you up for more info sometime.
Hi Larinda. Thanks for writing back, and the info about rice storage. I did some canning at the LDS cannery so that is some rice for 30 years, at least! If you can send me those ways to store large amounts, that would be great. I have 100 lbs in bags at the moment.
I started using Young Living oils after going to an energy healer in Vancouver. Now I am introducing it as a valid business opportunity as well as lifestyle enhancer. I use them every morning for chakra opening and setting my intention for the day. Last week, a friend had a dog that got snatched by an animal (they think) and had a lot of grief. After using a very small amount, only about 12 drops in total, for herself, her husband, and her daughter, their emotions were noticeably calmer and clearer, she told me.
Modern medicine is blessed by God for emergencies. However, for everyday things we can turn to nature in many forms, as well as energy healing, prayer, etc. If you click on my website, there is introductory info for Young Living’s philosoply and product info. All I do is introduce the company and tell people their options.
How old is your baby? Boy or girl? We have four teenagers, one of whom is graduating on Friday. Time flies!!!
So your everyday business is the landscape architecture, right? It must be very fulfilling to help people create something beautiful in the environment!
Take care and let me know if anyone you know wants to learn about adding oils into their lifestyle or learning about it as a business.
Tiffany Takao
Larinda;
I wanted to say a special thanks for speaking with the Crown Point Ward ladies last night (Tuesday, May21st). I believe I can speak for the group that we gained a lot of knowledge on seed preservation and had fun with the hands-on activity of plant cuttings. We will probably be talking to each other about how our cuttings are doing for the next three weeks! You presented the information in such a relaxing and easy-to-understand manner.
We left the event feeling like we could beautify our yards/gardens and save money too. A Big Thank YOU for taking time away from your family to spend time with us.
DeDe
Thank you soooo much!!! It was fantastic being with you all. I love being able to share information like this with others! I really think gaining the inspiration and the empowerment to garden, and grow things on your own, is life-changing. I just don’t think I would ever want to stop inspiring others in this way.
Thanks for letting me be a part of your lives, even if just for a few hours. 🙂
Hi Larinda,
Unfortunately, I had to miss your presentation in Troutdale last Tuesday as I had an commitment. I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation in Gresham a couple summers ago. In fact I had our family cut a camping trip to the beach short so I could hurry back and hear you! I learned so much and am trying to implement all the wonderful things you taught.
I recently took a Naturescaping workshop through the East County Soil and Water group. I missed their early spring plant sale, and don’t want to wait until next February to plant some native plants. Their prices are so much better than I’ve been able to find, and it seems like most of the plant sales happened early. Do you recommend any nurseries or other resources closer to East County. I don’t want to spend a year digging weeds and waiting. 😉
Thank you!
really enjoyed your presentation in the Silverton Ward last night. I mentioned to you . another really interesting new item out called the HERC oven. Its at http://www.titanreadywater.com its created and built by a couple in Newberg and I learned about it through PrepareNow @ google group, a large group of mostly lds women who are in to healthy living and eating and do group purchases of foods and preparedness items. Its great to network with other like-minded folks.
That is really great, and I like that the fuel (little tea lights) is so cheap. Thanks!
Laurinda, Do you have a phone Number for your secret grower. They have some Tomato plants I’ve been looking for.
I thought I did, and have been looking all over for it, but have not found it. But, I do know that they have finally opened up their stand for the season, so go on over and take a look at what they have.
Hello,
I work for a television show and we are in need of about two dozen fully grown tomato plants approximately 36 inches tall. They do not have to have tomatoes on them. I need them ASAP. Is it possible to purchase these from you?
Please let me know immediately.
Thank you!
Regards,
Valerie Misarti
Key Greensperson
Orange is the New Black
If you are still in need of some tomato plants, here is the contact info for my tomato plant supplier. His wife and him are both heavily involved in the tomato industry here. He may have to pull them out of the ground, but if anyone has any it would be him. Hope this helps.
Jay Hinsey 503-262-9240