Meet James.

Raised on a rural farm in North Carolina, James developed an early connection to the land, nature, animals, and hands-on cultivation. Early memories of helping his mother gather reclaimed bricks and river stones for garden pathways inspired his love for gardening and still influences the way he approaches outdoor rooms & spaces.

Professionally, James built a career in film and television as a prop master. His work is saturated in imagination, collaboration, and the ability to develop ideas into physical environments. That same creative instinct is realized throughout The Kirkwood Botanical. Every path, Every planting, and Every gathering place reflects James's obvious passion & comfort for storytelling and design.

When James purchased 51 Doyle St in the middle of the Great Recession, the backyard was largely vacant except for a mature pecan tree. Over the past fifteen years, he transformed this magical place into a layered cottage garden filled with winding paths, shaded seating areas, flowering plants, fruiting bushes, mature trees, & habitats for nature to nurture. Birds, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife all thrive in the heart of one of Atlanta's most vibrant Intown neighborhoods. Rather than imposing a rigid plan, he learned from the land—watching how sunlight, water, soil, and the changing seasons shaped what could thrive.

James sees The Kirkwood Botanical as something to steward rather than simply own. To him, a garden is art you can live in & interact with. A canvas that continues to change with the people who care for it. A place that utilizes all the senses to define HOME.