About Norman Rabins, Owner / Operator of
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.

 PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
      Metropolitan Horticultural Group, New York, NY
      American Day Lily Society
      Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa
     

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

International Dirt
(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)

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.

Rainbow Warrior Landscaping, Cape Town, South Africa - Owner/Operator

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 Magen Michiel and Maabarot, Israel - Farmer

Soil preparation of new farm ground, planting, harvesting and packing of vegetable and fruits.