Karleen Shafer has been in the Green Industry for more than 30 years. She owns and operates Landscape Design & Associates LLC, a design / build company working throughout southeast Michigan. She is a Certified Green Industry Professional, Certified Arborist with ISA, Certified Natural Shoreline Professional listed with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and her company is also certified for green roof installation. Her credentials include: Master Gardener; Garden Critic; Michigan chapter of Association of Professional Landscape Designers Board Member, and Michigan Invasive Plant Council Director at Large. She has worked with Michigan State University as Coordinator to the Municipalities of Southeast Michigan on the emerald ash borer removal project. LD&A also serves the community with many volunteer projects. Her gardens have been featured in numerous garden tours, received several awards, both regional and national, and have been used by national plant growers in their own advertising. Karleen has been a contributing garden writer for a monthly publication and has co-authored The Perennial Reference Guide, a quick reference guide used by designers and gardeners alike. She is currently working on a new book to help homeowners develop an ecological, environmentally balanced landscape. Her LD&A responsibilities include creative design, plant specification, overseeing plant care services, crew direction, account management, consulting, marketing, and sales. She began her career in commercial art and graphic design. Combining her passion for art and in-depth knowledge of horticulture enable her to bring a unique perspective to landscape design. Customer service is of primary importance to Karleen. Meeting the client’s needs and establishing relationships are the most important part of the business.