How do you define a word that is without an English synonym? The best definitions for terroir are still vague at best, yet, to those who understand the winemaker's craft, there is an immediately profound understanding. But before we connect the concept of terroir to Home & Habitat's brand of landscape design, we must first understand its background.

A fairly accurate working definition from the book, Terroir states, "The French word, terroir, is used to describe all the ecological factors that make a particular type of wine special to the region of its origin."

Winemakers and grape growers have long known about the concept of terroir. In Europe, they have known this concept for centuries. Grape growers, specifically in France, have respected the idea that the soil, climate, air quality, and even surrounding plant life can have differing fundamental qualities on the exact same grape grown in different areas. Additionally, if the same grape varietal is harvested from the same vineyard area year-after-year, a different grower, or even winemaker will inherit some of those very same ecologically induced qualities. Sometimes the distinctions are evident just a few feet away. This explains why two bottles of 1996 Domaine de la Romanee Conti red burgundy wine made from two different neighboring vineyards growing the exact same pinot noir grape will have very unique characteristics (and a very unique price tags).

We feel it is unfair to limit such an eloquent word only to the wine industry (actually, coffee and chocolate connoisseurs have recently begun using the term in a similar manner). In fact, we feel it very accurately applies to our focused approach to landscape design.

Initially for our clients, the concept of terroir succinctly describes our understanding and extensive knowledge of Houston-hardy, Texas-native plant life. But, more specifically, it describes which species of plants their specific habitat will best support based on soil type, soil history, orientation to the sun, sometimes even location within the neighborhood. In short, we choose the right plants for the right place.

From there, Home & Habitat's terroir approach gets more personal. The best creative solution means a thorough understanding our client's personal goals for their habitat. Favorite colors, special keepsakes, desired yard activities, pet behaviors, children play patterns and dreams for the future all factor into the most unique setting possible for a true sense of place.

Like a great winemaker who knows how important it is to let the distinctness of the immediate terroir create the best results - Home & Habitat knows that our client's terroir will do the same.