Michael ‘Pondhawk’ Gulbrandsen is the founder of Landscaping with Nature, a practice he began over 20 years ago in the Hudson Valley. Through his work with a wide range of clients—including homeowners, artists, and notable figures across the region—he discovered that what people truly long for isn’t just a beautiful yard, but a sacred space: a place that feels blessed, alive, and deeply connected to the land. This realization led to the creation of Sacred Spaces, a natural evolution of his mission to help people create outdoor environments that nourish the soul as much as they please the eye.

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Philosophy:

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Drawing on ancient wisdom and ecological design, Michael specializes in creating sensory landscapes, personal walking trails, fire circles, and areas of quiet reflection that encourage spiritual renewal. He teaches homeowners how to slow down, engage their senses, and connect with Grandmother Earth and all her inhabitants. “Plants want to connect with the people of the land around them,” he says. “To truly experience this, you must pause, walk the trail, and take in the magic—see the forest from the squirrel’s eyes and listen to nature’s whispers.”