Let us design an inviting outdoor living space for you that makes the most of the many beautiful Mediterranean and California native plants that thrive in our temperate climate.
Our Garden Design Philosophy
Whether you are tending the tiniest patio or the grandest estate, gardening is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
No matter what your space, daily dose of sunlight or soil type, scores of beautiful plants can fill your garden with months of long-lasting blooms. Many also offer attractive foliage in shades of green, silver, red, bronze and blue, providing a captivating interplay of color, contrast and texture.
Our designs typically include Mediterranean and California natives trees, shrubs, perennials, succulents and ground covers that are proven performers and require little supplemental irrigation. They shrug off pests and diseases naturally, without heavy doses of chemicals. They are child and pet friendly. And they support wildlife — especially birds and butterflies. We work with nature at every step.
Keeping It Green
Our hardscape elements include all the essentials — patios, walkways, pergolas, fountains, low walls, raised beds and driveways. We use natural materials, such as flagstone and Santa Barbara sandstone, as much as possible. We work to retain rainwater by installing permeable surfaces to avoid runoff, and we create beautiful dry creek beds to capture, direct and sink the rain.
We also have a special interest in creating edible gardens, and encourage our clients to incorporate fruit trees and vegetable gardens in their new landscapes. We emphasize the importance of creating rich, fertile soil, nurturing beneficial insects, planting companion plants and composting, all of which contribute to harvests that are delicious, healthy and beautiful on the table.
You can learn more about Joan’s approach to sustainable design by clicking on her recent interview on Santa Barbara City TV’s Garden Wise television program.
Here’s How We Work
We first meet to assess your existing landscape and find out what you hope to achieve. We then measure the site, draw preliminary planting and hardscape plans, and collaborate with you to make the best design decisions. We want to make sure that your new garden suits your lifestyle and needs, and becomes a favorite place for you and your family to relax and enjoy.
After you approve the preliminary plans, we prepare detailed final plans. You may put those plans out to bid to a landscape contractor of your choice, or we can recommend one of our favorite licensed contractors.
Finally, we will monitor the progress of your installation. We are also available to return on a quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis to provide advice about maintenance.
How Much Will It Cost?
While it’s difficult to estimate the cost before seeing a property, front or back yard designs typically start at several thousand dollars, then go on up, depending on the scope and complexity of the project.
From there, installation costs vary widely, depending on the size of your space and the materials you choose. A general rule of thumb is that the cost of landscaping a front yard, a back yard, or any substantial area, is similar to that of installing a new kitchen. As such, a basic landscape may cost about 5% of the value of your home; a nicer landscape may cost about 10%; and a high-end landscape may cost 15% or more.