Stuart Prado has been working in the landscape industry since 1974 and as a serious organic gardener since 1976. He recieved a B.A. in Fine Art from the University of Arkansas in 1981. Eight years as a professional chef crystalized his passion for fresh vegetables and herbs. Since his arrival in Seattle in 1986 he has worked with Seattle Tilth in their demonstration garden, created installations at the Seattle Flower and Garden Show and the" signature garden "at the University of Washington Arboretum with Kristan Johnson, gardened and supervised at Seattle's original P-Patch, Picardo. Stuart and Julia Wharton operate their own landscape design and installation business, the Garden Elves.
Julia Wharton celebrates her personal liberty everyday through tending beautiful natural spaces. Gardening directly informs her life. She finds creative inspiration in everything from the colour of her carrots to the wild fractal-like shapes in a head of " Veronica " broccoli. Julia left the office world for the outdoors 10 years ago and she's never looked back. She co-tends both a seasonal and a year 'round plot with Stuart at Picardo Farms P-Patch. Julia is a WSU Master Gardener Intern. Through right action Julia commits daily to living simply.