In this fifth episode of Changehampton Presents, host Francesca Rheannon welcomes renowned landscape designer Edwina von Gal, founder of the Perfect Earth Project, and ecologist Tim Wheeler, Perfect Earth’s Homeowner Educator. Together, they explore a transformative vision for land care—one rooted in nature-based practices, healthy habitats, and eliminating toxic chemicals. From closing the loop on your property to launching an Earth School for a new generation of “land carers,” Edwina and Tim challenge the cultural norms of traditional landscaping and offer exciting, practical alternatives to help listeners reconnect with the land and create thriving ecosystems in their own backyards.

👥 Guests:

• Edwina von Gal – Founder of Perfect Earth Project; internationally known landscape designer and ecological advocate.
• Tim Wheeler – Ecologist and educator with Perfect Earth’s Living Lands program, providing direct homeowner support.

🌱 Topics Covered:

• The origin story of Perfect Earth and its mission to promote chemical-free, nature-based land care.
• The Global Ground Rules: “Minimize Harm, Maximize Habitat.”
• What it means to “close the loop” in your yard.
• Challenges of transforming traditional landscaping culture—and why fear drives resistance.
• Why spraying for ticks is not the answer (and what to do instead).
• The rise of the Living Lands homeowner site visit program.
• The need for a new workforce: land carers, not landscapers.
• Launching Earth School and the Amber Waves “seed pod” kiosk.
• Water-wise gardening and why drip irrigation may not be ideal.
• DIY tips for eco-conscious yard design on a budget.
• Rewilding as a spiritual, cultural, and ecological act.

 Notable Quotes:

“Minimize harm. Maximize habitat. That’s the foundation of nature-based land care.” — Edwina von Gal“Your yard is not a machine—it’s a life partner. Treat it with respect.” — Edwina von Gal“Spraying for ticks may kill 50% of ticks, but it also kills all the pollinators. And it doesn’t make you safer.” — Tim Wheeler“Nothing in nature is waste. Only humans create waste. Close the loop and feed your soil.” — Edwina von Gal“If you want inspiration for your yard, go for a walk in the woods. Nature is the best designer.” — Tim Wheeler

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• 🌍 Perfect Earth Project
• 🌱 @perfectearthproject on Instagram
• 🌾 Living Lands Free Site Visit Program (for South Fork homeowners)
• 🛍️ Native Plant Sale with Glover Perennials
• 📚 Paul Hawken’s “carbon flow” concept
• 🌸 Amber Waves Seed Pod Info Kiosk (Fridays in Amagansett)

💡 Practical Takeaways:

• ❌ Stop buying mulch — use your own leaves and branches to feed your soil.
• 🪴 Choose native plants grown without neonics or pesticides.
• 🐛 Don’t spray for ticks — protect yourself, not your landscape.
• 💧 Water seldom, but deeply. Avoid automated sprinklers and reconsider drip systems.
• 🌿 Make a habitat pile with fallen branches — perfect for birds, rabbits, and soil health.
• ✂️ Mow less and let some areas grow wild. Keep wide paths to reduce tick exposure.
• 📲 Get an app-based irrigation system to manage watering manually and more wisely.

📌 Call to Action:

Ready to start reimagining your yard? Sign up for a free one-hour Living Lands site visit or stop by the Amber Waves kiosk in Amagansett every Friday afternoon to speak directly with a Perfect Earth educator.