“We foster gardens with deep roots and strong connections. These are resilient, thriving, contributing members of the community who will weather droughts and savor sunshine long after our time together is done”.
So reads a quote on the Morami Studios website.
We couldn’t have described the effects of working with nature more perfectly than that. Whether tending to houseplants or cultivating a vast outdoor expanse, the practice can be powerful.
As you'd expect, we were eager to discuss the team's approach to gardening, and life, in more detail.
Luckily for us, Morgan Ramirez, founder and lead landscaper, was more than happy to expand on the Morami philosophy.
Check out the full conversation below 👇
Hey Morgan, thank you for joining us to talk gardening today! First up, could you provide a mini bio on yourself and your background?
I am the principal of a landscape architecture practice named Morami. I grew up in Southern California and began appreciating and identifying our regional native plants when I was in High School. I have studied landscape architecture at UC Berkeley and Harvard Graduate School of Design, but learned all I know about plants from practice.
I can’t see a plant, or rock for that matter, without considering the who, what, when, where and why. I instinctively observe and note site conditions and companion plantings in order to know a place or plant better.
Hopefully not in an exhaustive way, since I am often out and about with people…but these subtle observations and memories have accumulated over the years, which is quite romantic. A love for this craft is the bio I suppose.
What do plants, nature and gardening mean to you?
There is nothing more romantic than watching a garden grow and evolve. The garden is place, memory, and time, always time.
What's your favorite thing to grow inside your home or in the garden?
I have a few ficus trees in my home, but I would love to find a California native alternative. A dear friend, Lizzy Chouinard, has mentioned growing Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) inside…which could potentially do well.
Do you have any unusual tips or tricks for keeping your plants healthy
Observation and practice. Feel welcome to experiment; a little more water here, less light or water there. It is a beautiful thing to learn how to care for a plant.
Also, have some grace and patience with yourself. I’ve come across many people who share that they don’t have a green thumb. Yes, maybe you’ve killed a few plants, but that doesn’t mean you’re a failed gardener…it happens to us all. Try again.
Are there any home or garden accessories/tools/products that you would recommend to our community, and why?
Marly of course! The next best garden accessory? An old wheelbarrow. The older the better.
You're based in Ojai, California. How do you think the climate and geography of that location influences you and your business?
Ojai is primarily oak woodland, quite possibly my favorite plant community. I know most of the plants I see growing in our valley, and since our gardens are almost all CA native, I’m able to translate an experience or a palette seen at the river or on a hike to the garden.
I feel very fortunate to learn and practice here.
What are you listening to or watching right now?
I recently saw a movie that I’ve been thinking a lot about - Perfect Days, directed by Wim Wenders. I won’t spoil it, just watch it.
My favorite song right now is Lou’s Tune by DARGZ. The live version is important.
Do you have a favorite plant store?
Our gardens would not exist without the lovely people growing at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Nursery and Theodore Payne Nursery.
Which bar, restaurant, park, or public space do you always recommend someone make a visit to? Domestic or international!
Locally, please visit the Los Padres National Forest, and the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden.
What's the best gift you've ever received?
A library of landscape and architecture books from a Berkeley professor, Mai Arbegast, and a pair of binoculars from Lizzy Chouinard.
What's something or someone that inspires you?
I am impossibly sentimental, so my grandmother, mother, sister and the extremely talented friends who endlessly inspire. Let’s go Oscars on this! In no particular order…
Samar Nassar, Jeff Kaplon, Leah Clancy, Joseph Thomas, Lizzy Chouinard, Meg Percy, Ramon Jimenez, Devlin Gandy, Sam Sklar, Cassie Gaskin, Evan Sharp, and Moffitt.
What are you working on this year?
So many gardens. I am honored and grateful that others have trusted us to make intimate spaces for them to slow down and appreciate.
Amazing, thank you Morgan. We look forward to seeing and experiencing what you and the team create next!
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Morgan Ramirez is the founder of Morami Studio, a landscape architecture firm based in Ojai, CA.
You can contact them to discuss landscaping projects via their website.
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