Dr. Nicole Hetes is a forward-thinking Doctor of Veterinary Medicine whose practice blends advanced veterinary care with organic, holistic approaches to healing. Her work includes innovative treatments such as a pet-fitted hyperbaric chamber designed to support faster recovery for her patients. For her new veterinary hospital, Dr. Hetes required that the entire landscape be biodynamic, organic, regenerative, and completely pet-safe, with absolutely no synthetic chemicals used anywhere on the grounds. She welcomed the idea of no-mow turf and the conversion of conventional lawn areas into low-growing native pollinator meadows, reducing maintenance while creating habitat and seasonal beauty.
The outdoor patient gathering space was planted with indigenous, colorful, and fragrant perennials, interwoven with Dr. Hetes’ love of conifers, and even features a Biodynamic Banana Tree from ROI Urban Farms as a unique focal point. The soil system was constructed following strict biodynamic principles, excavated to native clay and layered with river sand, then finished with our Biodynamic Compost, Biodynamic Preparations, and annual biodynamic manuring to support a thriving soil biology. The flagstone patios are 100% permeable, engineered to manage stormwater events up to a 12-inch, 1,000-year rainfall, allowing water to naturally infiltrate and recharge the soil. A northwest corner waterfall returns the movement of water back toward the garden and patio, where benches provide a peaceful place for patients and their families to sit, reflect, and share quiet moments together in nature.
