Ruskin Gardens

Ruskin Gardens has been a trusted name in garden design and management for over three decades, cultivating award-winning landscapes throughout the Peninsula. We pride ourselves on our deep understanding of horticultural principles and a commitment to exceeding client expectations. Our team of experienced professionals works closely with both individual homeowners and esteemed landscape architects, ensuring the seamless execution and long-term health of each garden.

We go beyond the simple act of maintenance. We provide our clients with expert horticulturally-informed feedback, acting as discerning stewards who nurture and guide their gardens as they mature. Our goal isn't simply to keep things looking beautiful, it's to ensure each garden flourishes in a way that honors the original design vision.

Our Team

Ruskin Gardens is a family rooted in a passion for gardening.

Amy Palmer, our Chief Executive Officer, joined the company in 2000, first as a landscape design apprentice alongside her mother. Witnessing firsthand the challenges of maintaining meticulously designed gardens, Amy took the helm of the maintenance side of the business in 2001. Licensed as a landscape contractor and certified irrigation manager, Amy brings a unique blend of practical expertise and a technical edge honed by her background in business systems and software development. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from UCLA and excels as a yoga instructor. Her proficiency in Spanish further extends our ability to connect with a broader community.

Michele Chandler, our Director of Operations, brings a profound understanding of holistic garden practices to Ruskin Gardens. Prior to dedicating herself to cultivated landscapes, Michele spent summers working on an organic, biodynamic farm in Oregon. This immersive experience instilled in her a deep respect for the interconnectedness of nature and cultivated expertise in sustainable farming techniques.

Tragically, Debby Ruskin, the founder of Ruskin Gardens, passed away in 2019. Her legacy lives on through the company she built and the countless gardens she lovingly crafted. Debby, a vibrant and tireless gardener, began her journey in the 1970s, designing hundreds of gardens throughout Silicon Valley. Her gardens are marked by a deep respect for people, embracing traditional styles infused with region-specific, water-wise planting. Debby's commitment to excellence was recognized through her UC Berkeley certificate in Landscape Architecture (1990) and an Ornamental Horticulture certificate from Foothill College (1992). She dedicated her time and served on the regional and national boards of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), advocating for the highest standards in the field.

Rene Hernandez, our dedicated Maintenance Manager, has been an invaluable part of the Ruskin Gardens family since 2005. His commitment to excellence and his deep understanding of garden maintenance have made him an integral part of our team's success.

Alfredo Gonzalez, our expert Irrigation Manager, joined us in 2008 and has since become a key leader on our team.

Services Offered

Ruskin Gardens offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to ensure your garden thrives. We take pride in our personalized approach, tailoring each service to the unique needs of our clients and their landscapes.

Estate Garden Management

Estate Garden Management encompasses all aspects of maintaining a flourishing outdoor space. We believe in working in harmony with nature, utilizing best practices that respect the delicate balance of your ecosystem. Our services include meticulous fine gardening techniques, expert irrigation management, evaluation and optimization of soil microbiology, ongoing landscape design consultations, guidance on edible gardening practices, proactive pest and disease monitoring and control, precise pruning techniques, and meticulous attention to the economic considerations of labor, plant costs, construction, and water usage.

Irrigation Management

Water is lifeblood of any garden, and responsible irrigation is paramount to a thriving landscape.

Our irrigation management service goes beyond the routine. We begin with a thorough system inventory to identify potential problem areas and assess current efficiency. We then implement a tailored maintenance plan, including quarterly system checks, pressure adjustments, leak detection, and cycle and duration optimization. For those seeking greater control over water usage, we offer personalized water budgeting strategies, ensuring your garden receives the precise amount of hydration it needs while minimizing precious water resources.

Urban Farming

For those with a passion for fresh, homegrown produce but who lack the time or expertise to manage a full-fledged farm, Ruskin Gardens provides comprehensive urban farming solutions. We work closely with you to design a plan that reflects your individual goals and needs, encompassing everything from initial site assessment and selection of suitable crops to ongoing planting, maintenance, and harvesting. Our services are meticulously tailored to each client's unique vision, ensuring a productive and rewarding urban farming experience.