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Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Cari Tiller of Fort Worth

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Cari Tiller. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Cari , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I find so much peace and comfort in walking outside in nature. Lately, I get so much joy from watching hummingbirds and Monarch butterflies visit my landscape all day long. They are just so amazing to watch and I get lost in those moments while other thoughts and “to do lists” fade away.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I am Cari Tiller. I am a horticulturist, landscape designer and native plant lover. My company is called Catatiller Native & Sustainable Gardens. I find joy in providing my clients with thoughtful and beautiful landscape designs that work specifically for a family’s lifestyle and goals. I listen carefully to understand how a client wants to use their space so the final design solves problems in difficult areas and provides a natural space that is functional, inviting and thrives in our challenging Texas climate. Healthy soil is the foundation of all plant material. I always start with soil testing following by a comprehensive site analysis to review the unique characteristics of a client’s landscape – soil, plant conditions, sun/shade, slope/grade, erosion, drainage, irrigation, power lines, etc. Soil science and site conditions are the key to success with creating a lasting landscape.

I look at a landscape as a puzzle. I want to know all of the available pieces and missing pieces. It is my job to determine everything needed to complete the puzzle, and place all of the pieces of the puzzle together in a way that solves problems and looks thoughtful, intentional and artistic!

I provide my clients with CAD Drawings to scale but more importantly, I provide 2D renderings that allow customers to visualize the final design with plants in place and fully grown. This really “connects the dots” and clients can see where we are going!

Each step in the design process is thoughtful, with attention to important details and consideration for how the space will be enjoyed every day by family and guests.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My parents shaped how I view myself. I was always taught that I could do anything and be anyone I wanted to be. I just needed to work hard and be honest. And, I believed it.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but they were teaching me a valuable lesson in the power of a positive mindset too!

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be confident.
Try new things.
Don’t be afraid of change.
I have learned that the more you do things that make you uncomfortable, the more you grow.
Even if you fail, you have learned valuable lessons in the process.

In life, it is not about waiting until you feel confident or ready, but instead moving forward despite fear and uncertainty, trusting that courage and growth will come through the process.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my close friends would say that kindness, joy and positivity matter most to me. And being silly. And finding fun and doses of cheer in our crazy world.

I write down five things I am grateful for every morning. This exercise allows me to create a heart of gratitude for the blessings in my life. Then, gratitude creates joy in my heart. It is a way for me to stay focused on what matters most.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
After 16 years of wandering for purpose in my advertising and marketing career, I realized I could express my creativity by marrying my passion for art, gardening and spending time outdoors in nature as a landscape designer.

I feel God led me on this path away from the corporate world and away from sitting behind a desk all day. As I design outdoor gardens for my clients and their families, I am blessed to use my skills and gifts each day to make the world better for people, plants and wildlife.

I am excited to start each day doing what I love, knowing that it makes a true difference. And I get to spend most of my time outdoors in nature.
I am doing what I was born to do now, but I know that can change and evolve with time.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photos of Cari Tiller courtesy of Gracie Ortiz Photography.

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