If there is anything that East Enders care about as much as their homes it’s their landscape.
It’s a captivating name for a landscape firm: Unlimited Earth Care. There is a lot going on within those words. We spoke with Unlimited Earth Care’s Frederico Azevedo, who discussed what it means to landscape in the Hamptons, how to do it with a tip of the hat towards native flora, and where he thinks our landscapes blossom in terms of trends and plantings. His eloquence in describing his work and his love of the region is inspiring indeed.
Frederico, as a great Brazilian landscape designer, how did you find yourself living and working in the Hamptons?
I fell in love with the Hamptons in the early ’90s and went on to raise my family here. I founded my firm, Unlimited Earth Care, in Bridgehampton in 1993. For a landscape and garden designer, there are so many different environments with their own qualities and native flora, like the ocean, bay, woodlands, fields, and farms — and I only work site-specifically, so each design is a response. The Hamptons is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
I’m very grateful to my team and clients. I work every day — winter or summer I’m there in the office designing beginning at around 6 or 7 AM. The environment is a changeable thing, and natural design must not be complacent.
You certainly respond to the region so beautifully! We read that you are classically trained in landscape design.
I studied landscape design in Brazil and England. My mentor, the late Robin Williams, was an acclaimed British garden and landscape designer and a founding member of the Garden Design Society.
You’ve really differentiated yourself as a well-known landscape designer that specializes in the classic cottage garden. It is what we all love about the Hamptons landscapes — featuring hydrangeas, boxwoods, Russian sage, ornamental grasses, black-eyed Susans, and other native plantings. Do you think this describes your style correctly? Can you elaborate on how you would describe your work?
Well, I’ll always be inspired by the classic Hamptons garden but I consider my work to be my own modern, sustainable take on the aesthetic. My signature is color — in all of my designs I create atmospheres through carefully planned color palettes. Sometimes I’ll design only in shades of green and this creates a magical, lush feeling as you move through the garden. Other times I plan romantic moods with soft-hued hydrangeas, fairy roses, nepeta, and ornamental grasses. And of course, I’m known for going bold: orange, red, yellow. Sometimes you just want to go for dopamine, and colorful natural spaces can really inspire happiness.
My own touch is to create an impression that perhaps this is spontaneous natural beauty — of course this effect actually requires very careful planning, but when the hand of the designer is blurred just a little, it can really feel a little magical.
We love that description, because you can actually see it in your mind. When you are hired, how closely do you work with a home’s architect – is it a joint venture or do you work off of their plans?
I am always aware of and responding to the style of the house, keeping in mind for my design whether it’s modern or traditional, and of course where outdoor entertaining could take place. I usually work independently from the architect, but I work to make the natural design feel in harmony with the home.
Is there a favorite project that you can share with us?
I love all of my projects. Each one is different and is an example of a new approach I had to plan and create for that specific property. My own home, which we call Casa Meu, is of course a favorite garden of mine. There is a bluestone patio with a wooden pergola overflowing with rose of Sharon that becomes the living room in warmer months. Naturally deer-resistant flowers, like Pom Pom alliums, keep the garden from being eaten and attract pollinators, which is very important. There are butterfly favorites by the pool to bring aromas and visitors to swimmers. In the fall, the Dogwoods are a sea of orange and reds. It’s a special place.
It sounds divine. Do you usually build or work in accessory structures that feature in your gardens or does that come out of the builder’s side?
Yes, I do. Features like pergolas, terracing, stone steps, pathways, anything that is a part of the landscape experience really — is from Unlimited Earth Care. I also work with clients to source furniture and accessories, such as fountains, antique benches, or bespoke modern chaises.
Do you feature designs that are organic and don’t use pesticides? The name Unlimited Earth Care alludes to organic, no?
I use native and well-adapted plants wherever possible because a healthy garden that makes sense in its environment is usually a beautiful garden. I’ve been designing meadows that require less irrigation and maintenance, they’re better for the environment than a flat green lawn and very beautiful. There are always natural solutions and materials, and new ones every year, which I am always paying attention to. If something works, I will make an effort to use it, the environments in the Hamptons are fragile, and I know them well after nearly three decades here.
How have you seen landscape design change over the years on the East End? What has faded and what should we expect ahead such as trends?
I always go a little against the grain when it comes to trends. When everyone was designing all-white gardens in the ’90s I went full color. It was a risk, but people responded to it! The most positive shift I’ve seen is how interested people have become in their gardens. Everyone is looking for a way to learn and feel a part of it, which I love. I’ve been designing many custom vegetable plots for people, it’s a wonderful thing to have if you have children or like to cook. It makes the natural world an experience. Tending to herbs and vegetables is a healthy, meditative activity, so I’m glad many people have been requesting them.
What do you love most about the East End’s landscape?
As I said earlier, I think it would have to be how many different environments you can experience even in a short distance. On the way to a spectacular ocean beach you’ll pass expansive fields, horse farms, lush woods — it’s really unique.
We just love your Garden Concept Store! The products are so modern and perfect for any Hamptons home. Can you explain some of your product categories and what are some trends you are seeing that you provide in the showroom?
Thank you! Yes, I’m very proud of the Garden Concept Store and I’d also like to announce that we’ve opened the Garden Market just next door, which carries a selection of my favorite native and well-adapted plants, flowers, herbs, and veggies. It’s a new way for people to interact with Unlimited Earth Care and create something.
The Garden Concept Store (at the Unlimited Earth Care headquarters at 2249 Scuttle Hole Road in Bridgehampton) carries a curated selection of planters, sculptures, accessories, and furniture that help people bring their lives out into the garden. It’s modern and traditional, and I try to source things that are unexpected and that you won’t find elsewhere in the Hamptons. This summer we will be featuring a new collection of handcrafted Brazilian furniture from Sossego. I often travel internationally to source things for the store. Some trends I’ve been seeing are solar-powered lights. These are lanterns or globes that charge themselves in the day and keep the garden glowing through the night.
Do you believe in the famous Hamptons “light?” If so, what do you think attributes to it?
Yes, of course. There’s no doubting that inexplicable quality it can have at the right time of day. That’s just nature, it can have a beauty that seems to surpass itself in a way that can feel nearly otherworldly, but really, it’s the most worldly something can be.
What do you do for fun when you’re not designing stunningly beautiful landscapes?
I love to go out to dinner with my friends and family. Sunset Beach on Sundays is sort of a tradition of ours, there’s nothing like it in the summer. We have a French bulldog puppy named Louis who is so much fun and such a gentleman.
Anything to add? Thank you, Frederico!
My book, “The Luminous Gardens of Frederico Azevedo” published by Pointed Leaf Press is for sale in my store, from the publisher, or on Amazon. The Garden Market and the Garden Concept Store are located at 2249 Scuttle Hole Road, Bridgehampton. Visit our website or email info@unlimitedearthcare.com to join our “Garden Newsletter” mailing list.
On June 25, from 5 to 7:30 PM, guests are invited to experience the Unlimited Earth Care Garden Market and Sossego outdoor furniture, designed by Aristeu Pires and hand-finished with sustainably harvested Cumaru Brazilian wood while enjoying cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and music.
To learn more about Unlimited Earth Care, visit www.unlimitedearthcare.com.
