Established as a collaborative of designers and garden consultants, Hortus Life offers our clients highly-creative and personalized solutions. We bring a broad range of expertise acquired through our work designing inviting front yards, welcoming backyards, rooftop gardens and brownstone patios, and suburban gardens and parks.
We have a wealth of resources at your disposal and a curated database of plants that can thrive in various environments and landscapes. Our horticultural knowledge is expansive covering native specimens, annuals, perennials, tropicals, edibles, and many other plants.
Maryam
Maryam’s passion for gardening and design is rooted in her Persian origin and her experiences living in New York, London, Singapore, Geneva, and Dubai.
Prior to embarking on a design and horticultural career in the New York Metro area, Maryam managed a radiology practice in NYC, worked in public relations and marketing projects throughout the Middle East, and designed multiple residential gardens in Dubai and Singapore.
She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Fordham University, has completed extensive coursework in Horticulture and Landscape Design at the New York Botanical Garden, and received a Floristry certificate from the Flower School in New York.
Maryam is a valued member of the horticulture team at Untermyer Gardens Conservancy in Yonkers, where she teaches various courses and is responsible for plant propagation, installation and upkeep of seasonal displays, tropical planters and aquatic specimens.
“Nurture nature to nurture your nature! Very early in life, I was inspired by both of my grandfathers who tended their gardens and orchards with utmost attention to details and much TLC. I learned patience is the name of the game and that every living thing needs its own time to flourish.”
Ximena
Ximena is an avid gardener with a passion for the outdoors. Growing up in Bolivia, amidst snow-capped mountains and tropical forests, she drew her inspiration from the beauty found in native landscapes and the resilience of plants thriving in urban settings.
Prior to starting Hortus Life, she had a long career in non-profit management, fund development, and international relations.
She also worked as an urban horticulturist and was the account manager for some of the finest rooftop gardens in NYC.
Ximena holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Queens College and NYU, and has completed extensive horticulture and design studies at the New York Botanical Garden and Rutgers Landscape Management Continuing Education Program.
Ximena enjoys working closely with clients to devise design solutions to address challenging landscapes, making gardens more accessible, and transforming yards into bird and pollinator havens.
“I feel energized every time I get the chance to help someone figure out how to add a little bit nature to their lives. The right combination of plants can bring joy to any living or working environment.”