Aloe Designs

a letter to my mom,

a week ago today you passed away. it was all too much, too soon, not soon enough. we were privileged to sit alongside you, laying between dreams and slow breaths, inching closer to take the leap into this next life.

the last memories with you: stroking your sunken face, with the luxurious face cream you so religiously applied until, the very end. holding your frail, bruised hand with a tenderness i didn’t know how to offer when you were alive and vibrant. advocating (because this i know how to do!) to honour your dignity and humility until the very end.

your energy, your spirit, leaving before our eyes. in reality, it left some time ago — this disease that steals your very soul, slowly over time. like 1000 little pinprick deaths, each one a reminder to cling to the good.

there is no playbook for grief. you will be forever missed, forever loved, and always present in the garden. 🤍sweet mama

early morning light
palm leaves
a soft seat for tea and a read
kittens who are no longer kittens but are still being referred to as kittens 🐈‍⬛
📷 by

happy easter 🐣

a love letter to fiji…

now that we are home this all feels like a dream that is as far away from the reality of life as we know it. the white sand beaches and crystal clear water, the people who wear their hearts on their sleeve and greet you with a kindness that is palpable.

when i was a kid my parents took me to hawaii each winter, where we visited family and took time to, just be. we had the good fortune of staying where our cousin worked- a special place called kona village (now taken over by the rosewood collection and oh so fancy). this is where the concept “aloe designs” was born out of. a memory of my first mosquito bite and the healing nature of aloe vera. the power of plants and the lush landscape that defined our daily rhythm.

our trip to fiji took me back to these origins, the feeling of kona village, the cultural rituals, when hawaii felt more achievable and authentic. for the last few weeks i got to relive my childhood memory; experiencing it alongside my own kiddos. fijians are the definition of what community means. they are rich in life and full of joy- traits we undoubtedly want for our next generation.

when we return from vacation we all feel a sense of longing for what it was, the escape from our busy lives where days blend together. we miss the sensory experience. the white sand beaches, the crystal clear water, the morning tropical fruit bowl, the midday sun naps, the warmth on our skin, the early evening pool dips, the music, the 30 degree rain storms, the strangers we met, the slow down, the reset and the people who nurtured us and told us we are now family.

farewell paradise. you took care of us for a whopping 2.5 weeks. we are forever greatful for this privileged experience

the perfect pause spot to reflect, read or indulge in a midday nap. spent hours in these orbits over the last week, recharging and connecting to the surrounding landscape. thinking of incorporating more of these orbits into our larger design projects. some good books were enjoyed while cocooning:

view from above. 🚁

dripping with pineapple juice
the smell of sun-kissed skin
waterlogged ears
thunderstorms
and salt crusted faces
rinse and repeat

mornings… 🤿 🐠 🌴

daily intentions:
morning mindfulness mediations
dive into the water
devour books
engage in activities like the kids
eat all the fresh seafood
stay curious
stay curious

Aloe Designs - hiring an experienced landscape installer

Aloe is a Vancouver-based landscape design & installation studio specializing in great outdoor spaces — be it a home, a business, or little places in-between. For more details, check out our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aloedesigns/ and our website: http://www.aloedesigns.com/

We are based in Vancouver and also service areas of Richmond, Steveston, Tsawwassen and Ladner.

We have an immediate need for an experienced Installer to join our team. Working onsite with the foreman and crew, you will:
-execute design plans to make beautiful gardens come to life!
-complete installations and seasonal maintenance, which includes: excavation, retaining structures, paving, woodwork and more.
-install plants and trees.

The Candidate:
-hard-working,
-enjoy learning,
-pride yourself on high-quality work,
-physically fit and strong - can lift 80lbs,
-enjoy working outside all day and in any weather conditions,
-take direction well and are self-motivated
-interested in using power tools or willing to learn (i.e., table saw, plate compactors)
-experienced in digging and levelling
-strong English communication skills (both verbal & written)
-tech-savvy to communicate with the rest of the team using time tracking and project management apps,
-great at time management, working on your own and keeping the site tidy

The Requirements:
-class 5 drivers licence is required,
-clean criminal check

Ideally, the successful candidate will have:
-plant knowledge/ pruning skills,
-large machinery operation, i.e., mini excavator, skid steer,
-familiarity with the local environment and local vendors and products

The Benefits/Perks:
-extended health care (after probation period),
-flexible working hours based around a work/life family balance,
-supportive crew and design team
-interesting projects to flex your skills and craft
-opportunities for growth

If you feel this opportunity fits you and you are legally entitled to work in Canada we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and any pictures of your work.

We will connect with chosen candidates and thank all applicants for their time.

Hourly rate $22 - $32 / hour will be determined based on experience.