Paradise Gardens + Ayurveda
One can see a spiritual value to paradise gardens, which when considered, aligns closely with the principles of Ayurveda. These gardens, religiously and historically represented as places of creation, reflection, growth, and bliss, are imbued with a romantic and almost mystical aura that enhances their allure and resonates within oneself. Reflecting the Ayurvedic pursuit of balance and holistic well-being, paradise gardens serve as a living embodiment of this philosophy are often designed with an abundance of medicinal and aromatic plants, chosen for their healing properties and their ability to balance the doshas (vata, pitta, kapha). The tranquil and aesthetically pleasing environment of paradise gardens, coupled with their mythical qualities, encourages meditation and mindfulness, reinforcing the Ayurvedic belief in the therapeutic power of nature. Mazra’a Gardens thrives to emulate this profoundly interconnected relationship between paradise gardens and Ayurveda, that celebrates both the sanctity of natural beauty and the pursuit of health and spiritual balance.
Garden Scene. Baburnama, ca 1510 CE
Garden Plan. Tomb painting from a high official in the Court of Amenhotep. Ca 13th c BCE
Construction of chaharbagh in the Bagh-i Vafa from the Baburnama (Victoria and Albert Museum. London)
Principal
Lauren Cook
As a certified Ayurvedic nutritionist and garden designer with a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science from the University of Minnesota, specializing in Organic Fruit and Vegetable Production, I bring a unique blend of expertise and passion to my work. My deep love for plants and continuous learning drives my commitment to nurturing the intricate relationships within nature.
I am a firm believer in the profound healing benefits of Ayurveda and am dedicated to helping others achieve balance and wellness. Recognizing that plants are fundamental to our well-being, I aim to integrate my Ayurvedic knowledge and horticultural expertise to foster meaningful connections for my clients. Through thoughtful garden design and personalized consultation, I aspire to create outdoor spaces that harmonize with their mind, body, and spirit.
With a strong focus on sustainability and resilience, I am a Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) and certified in Wildfire Defense for Landscape Professionals with the USGBC - California. These credentials allow me to design landscapes that are not only beautiful and nourishing but also water-efficient and fire-resilient, ensuring long-term environmental stewardship.
Beyond my work with Mazra’a Gardens, I actively contribute to the landscape design and gardening community. I serve as a Communications Board member for the California Chapter of the Association of Professional Landscape Design, volunteer as a garden helper in the children's garden at CMS in Portola Valley, and provide gardening services at Our Lady Of Wayside Church in Portola Valley. These roles allow me to share my knowledge, support local green spaces, and inspire the next generation of gardeners.