Our 100 Year Concept
Reflections of Nature’s landscape artists create the 100 Year Impression in their gardens; A concept where the placement of every stone, plant, water feature and structure of the garden looks like it has been there for 100 years. We take an open area and create an Enchanted Forest with streams, waterfalls, stepping stone paths through ponds, ancient stone planters, furniture carved from an old oak tree, weaved branched fencing sculptures, fire pits and weaved wooden tunnels that lead from the open lawn to your secret garden. With the addition of moss covered boulders and logs, the space looks like an ancient magical forest.
We create a space where you can reflect, be quiet and get centered. In our daily lives, we have so much to think about and to do. Between work, children, and errands, we hardly have a moment for ourselves. This is why you must have a special place to renew your connection with your inner self and spirit. Nature reduces stress and anxiety. Nature provides a retreat from the constant effort to screen out hustle and bustle. Plant fragrances and beauty help relax us and reduce mental fatigue thus refreshing the mind.
Michael Gulbrandsen, President
Michael’s fascination with nature started at an early age. He grew up in upstate New York with acres of woods and streams across the street. He spent the summers exploring and absorbing nature in the glorious high peaks of the Adirondacks. He decided to choose a field in which he could implement his creativity and passion, transforming parking lots into parks. As a result, he followed his dream and obtained his degree in Landscape Architecture.
Michael received his Dual Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture & Landscape Construction in 1995. In the mid 1990’s, he designed the Institute for Introspective Studies; An integration of Feng Shui, Taoism, Aikido and Sustainable Design. Over the next decade, he worked for the leaders in the industry of landscaping, civil engineering, property management, storm water construction & wetland restoration. During this time, he founded Reflections of Nature Landscaping.
Reflections of Nature has been creating sustainable landscapes that connect you to nature in Carmel, NY and surrounding areas of the Hudson Valley for over ten years. We service areas of Dutchess County, southern Columbia County, Westchester County, Ulster County, and Putnam County in New York; and eastern Fairfield County in Connecticut.
“The pure love of nature and the outdoors is our inspiration to provide you with gardens that reflect nature and create serenity. We believe that further education and the detailed studies of nature provide us with more insight into the design and maintenance of your gardens,” – Michael Gulbrandsen
Advanced Studies & Certifications:
- Sediment & Erosion Control
- Hydraulics & Soils
- Rain Garden Design
- Rain Water Harvesting
- Wetland Regulation
- 38 Hour Army Corps of Engineers – Wetland Delineation & Management Training Program
- Sacred Heart of Herbalism Level I, 2017 – Karine M. Gordineer, Master Herbalist
- USUI Reiki Ryoho First & Second Degrees, 2017 – Faith D. Supple, Reiki Master Teacher
- Plant Communication, 2017 – Karine M. Gordineer, Master Herbalist Shamanic Reiki Healing Level I & II, 2018 – Terri Lundquist, Shamanic Reiki Worldwide
- Nature Studies, Feather Healing, Walking the Medicine Wheel & Native American Culture, 2016 thru 2019 – Grandfather Bern “Gentle Otter” Richards
- Nature Awareness & Movement, 2017 & 2018, Donna Brickwood, Nature Awareness Mentor
Memberships & Professional Affiliations:
- The National Wildlife Federation
- Association of State Wetland Managers
- Ecological Landscaping Association
- New York/New Jersey Trail Conference
- Jolly Rovers Trail Crew
- American Hiking Guides Association
- Zen Environmental Studies Institute
- The Nature Conservancy
TESTIMONIALS
If you are looking for creative, unique design, this it the place! No cookie cutter landscape! Mike is a true artist, working within your budget to achieve a customized canvas that will bring you more that expected. He is prompt, courteous, and works side by side with his staff, teaching and guiding them along the way. He created a showplace for me and never tried to up sell. I have referred him to several friends, all have been equally impressed, and no two are alike!
Maggie Manglass. Beacon, NY
Hello Mike, We are just blown away; you have exceeded all our expectations. The stream, waterfalls & plantings are incredible. Thank you for meeting our tight deadline. Thanks again.
Jesse Itzler, Candlewood Lake, CT
Dear Michael, You created simple elegance in our gardens to transform it into a Garden Estate.
Dr. Alon Ben-Meir, Ancram. NY
Dear Mike, Although we’ve just begun, we wanted you to know how much we appreciate you! Other landscapers we spoke with had cookie-cutter designs that they hoped to impose on our property. You however, have a natural ability to look at a property and see it as it could be; to incorporate the best of what exists and to make it better. The way you played with visual lines, light, color, texture, shapes and patterns to create a totally unique vision that melds with our own is brilliant. Just thinking about your plan for our overgrown landscape brings harmony into our lives!
The Davridge’s, Property Owners; Dutchess County, NY