About Garden & Art Landscapes
Artist and horticulturist
Norman Rabins grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. He studied horticulture at the Cape
Technikon
in Cape Town, SA and farming in Israel. He also studied metal work under the tutelage of his late father,
artist Monty Rabins,
known in South Africa for his copper masks and murals. The splendor, diversity and dramatic range of color
found in the Cape
Fynbos region of his native country and the vibrancy and imagination of African Folk have had great
influence on Norman’s
work.
Norman worked at the New York Botanical Garden in New York City for four years as Head Gardener for the day lily, peony and iris collections before moving his family to North Carolina. They currently reside in North Raleigh.
Education
Cape Technikon, Cape Town, S.A., National Diploma, Horticulture,1993
Certifications
South African Nurserymen’s Association Certificate of Competence
Institute of Parks and Recreation Administration
North Carolina Ornamental and Turf Pesticide License
Sustainable Landscape Certificate
Energy Saving Landscape Certificate
Rain Garden Certification
Energy Saving Landscape Seminar
Landscape Design level 3 Seminar
Career Highlights
Major Raleigh Area Landscaping Firm - Project manager
Supervised installations for residential properties in the Triangle area including irrigation systems, masonry, lighting and water features. Design consultant for new and existing clients.
Independent Consultant, Tri-State Area (NY/NJ/CT)
Independent Consultant, Tri-State Area (NY/NJ/CT) Landscaping, garden design, maintenance and consultant for New York City landscaping firms, private residences, commercial properties, and MTV Real World series set design.
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY - Head Gardener
Propagation greenhouse and trial bed areas, supervision of assistant gardeners, students and interns. Managed day lily, peony and iris collections.
Cape Technikon, Cape Town, South Africa - Lecturer
Taught third year architectural students on landscape design. Course emphasis on indigenous plant material.
Klein Drakenstein, Cape Town, South Africa, and Plantopia, Johannesburg, South Africa - Farm & Nursery Manager
Fruit and cutflower farm. Land management, erection of greenhouses, irrigation systems installation, packing of plants and fruits for market.
Giyani Vegetable Farm, Eastern Transvaal, South Africa - Farm Manager
From seedlings, to harvest, to market.
Kibbutzim Ma'agan Michael and Maabarot, Israel - Farmer
Soil preparation of new farm ground, planting, harvesting and packing of vegetable and fruits.
