Martin R. Ford
Martin R. Ford is a third-generation horticulturist with a deep-rooted passion for trees and their preservation. His journey began in Wales, where he grew up in a 100-acre market garden. This early exposure to horticulture laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to understanding and caring for trees.
Trained as an arborist in Britain, Martin’s expertise has taken him around the world. He has shared his knowledge in Canada, Britain, Greece, Brazil, and Costa Rica, amassing a wealth of experience in tree care and landscape management. His work includes serving as an instructor in Landscape Management and Arboriculture at the University of Guelph, where he inspired a new generation of tree advocates.
Martin’s innovative approach to landscape design is the heart of Pocket Woodlands® and Urban Cottage Landscapes. His designs honour how trees naturally thrive, creating environments that mimic their natural settings. This method is inspired by the beloved cottage landscapes of North America, allowing these designs to evolve organically over time.
A passionate advocate for trees and the planet, Martin’s mission is to motivate people to take action to preserve our green spaces. He currently resides in Guelph, Ontario, with his wife and business partner Judy, and they spend their winters at their home in Costa Rica, accompanied by their two rescue dogs, Stella and Kira, and their cat, Rosa.
Explore Martin’s work and discover how you can contribute to a healthier, greener world.
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