Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Custom Landscape Design in Monterey
Creative Landscaping has been serving the Monterey Bay Area since 1975, delivering exceptional landscape design and contracting services that transcend ordinary outdoor spaces. Our team combines deep local expertise with sustainable practices, leveraging over 45 years of hands-on experience to transform yards into functional, drought-tolerant landscapes. As a small, hands-on company, we prioritize personalized service, working closely with clients to understand their vision, preferences, and budget. Our owner, Riley Twohig, a Monterey native with a B.A. in Landscape Architecture from UC Berkeley, brings unparalleled knowledge of local soils, microclimates, and plant environments. We specialize in creating designs that harmonize natural beauty with practicality, enhancing property value while adhering to water conservation principles.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our membership with the California Landscape Contractors Association, ensuring we remain at the forefront of industry standards. From initial consultation to final installation, we focus on transparency, reliability, and client satisfaction, offering services across the Monterey Peninsula, including Carmel, Salinas, and Big Sur. Our portfolio spans low-maintenance gardens, hardscapes, and custom woodwork, all executed with meticulous attention to detail. With a proven track record of transforming outdoor spaces into enduring assets, we are dedicated to exceeding client expectations through innovation and craftsmanship.
Services
Landscape Design
Hardscapes
Woodwork
Masonry
Lighting
Irrigation
Decks
Fences
Retaining Walls
Ponds
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of local landscaping expertise tailored to Monterey's unique environment.
- Our designs prioritize sustainable practices and water conservation for long-term ecological benefits.
- Owner-led projects ensure personalized service and direct oversight from a UC Berkeley-trained landscape architect.
- We specialize in transforming outdoor spaces with custom hardscapes, gardens, and woodwork.
- CLCA membership guarantees adherence to industry-leading standards and continuous professional development.
Associations and certifications
- California Landscape Contractors Association
What people say
Willingness to listen
Beautiful, inviting space
Knowledgeable
Minimal disruption
Beautiful garden
Services
Landscape Design
We create custom landscapes that blend natural beauty with functionality, focusing on drought-tolerant plants and sustainable practices. Our designs enhance property value while adapting to Monterey's unique microclimates. Clients receive tailored solutions that reflect personal preferences and budget constraints.
Hardscapes
Our hardscape services include driveways, patios, and retaining walls using materials like concrete, pavers, and natural stone. We build durable, visually appealing features that improve outdoor usability. Projects incorporate elements like ponds and waterfalls for added aesthetic appeal.
Woodwork
We design and construct custom decks, fences, and arbors that extend living spaces outdoors. Our woodwork combines redwood and other durable materials for long-lasting beauty. Each project is tailored to complement the home's architecture and the client's lifestyle.
Masonry
Our masonry expertise covers patios, walkways, and firepits using stone, brick, and concrete. We ensure structural integrity while enhancing curb appeal. Retaining walls and columns are built to withstand local environmental conditions with precision craftsmanship.
Lighting
We install low-voltage lighting systems to highlight landscape features and improve nighttime security. Our designs balance aesthetics with practical safety considerations, using automated timers for convenience. Lighting enhances both functionality and ambiance after dark.
People
Riley Twohig
Owner
Riley Twohig, a Monterey native with a UC Berkeley degree in Landscape Architecture, has led Creative Landscaping since 1976. His deep understanding of local ecosystems and sustainable practices ensures tailored, eco-conscious designs. Clients value his hands-on approach and decades of regional expertise.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve the entire Monterey Peninsula, including Carmel, Pacific Grove, Salinas, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and Pebble Beach.
What makes your landscaping services unique?
Our services combine 45+ years of local expertise with sustainable practices, personalized designs, and hands-on owner oversight for every project.
Do you specialize in drought-tolerant landscaping?
Yes, we specialize in drought-tolerant gardens using native plants and sustainable techniques to reduce water usage while maintaining beauty.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
We collaborate closely with clients to understand their vision, preferences, and budget, incorporating their input into every stage of the design and installation.
Are you affiliated with professional organizations?
We are members of the California Landscape Contractors Association, ensuring adherence to industry standards and continuous professional development.
