Business Details
Award-Winning Sustainable Landscape Design Services
As a dedicated landscape designer with over two decades of experience, I specialize in creating sustainable, functional outdoor spaces tailored to the unique needs of East Bay properties. My approach blends environmental stewardship with practical design, focusing on gardens that thrive year-round, from expansive hillside estates to compact urban yards. Certified by UC Berkeley Extension and recognized through awards and publications, my work emphasizes water-efficient planning, plant selection, and collaboration with industry leaders like the Sunset Western Garden Collection.With a background in both design and business management, I provide comprehensive services from initial consultation to installation support, ensuring each project aligns with ecological principles and client lifestyles.
Services
Garden Design
Landscape Planning
Hydrozone Planning
Lighting Design
Plant Selection
Highlights and features
- We specialize in water-efficient, low-maintenance garden designs for East Bay climates
- Our team holds certifications from UC Berkeley Extension and Master Gardener programs
- We've designed over 100 gardens featured in national gardening publications
- We collaborate with Sunset Western Garden Collection for plant testing and insights
- Our process includes detailed hydrozone and lighting planning for optimal functionality
What people say
Increased neighborhood beauty
Creative and practical design
Year-round garden functionality
Expert plant selection
Water-efficient solutions
Services
Garden Design
Custom garden design services create functional, sustainable outdoor spaces tailored to East Bay climates. We integrate hardscape elements, plant material, and lighting to maximize usability year-round. Our approach prioritizes water efficiency and environmental stewardship while meeting individual client needs.
Hydrozone Planning
Scientific hydrozone planning groups plants by water needs for efficient irrigation. This approach reduces water waste by 40-60% while maintaining garden health, following guidelines from EBMUD and Contra Costa Water District.
Plant Selection
Expert plant selection creates thriving, climate-appropriate gardens. We provide online plant palettes with photos, care instructions, and placement guidance, drawing from Sunset Western Garden Collection collaborations and local growing experience.
Lighting Design
Low-voltage lighting design enhances safety and ambiance. We specify fixture types and placement to highlight architectural features, pathways, and plant specimens while maintaining energy efficiency.
Site Analysis
Comprehensive site analysis includes measurements, sun/shade patterns, and soil assessment. This data forms the foundation for design plans, ensuring solutions work with existing conditions rather than against them.
People
Creative Exteriors Landscape DSGN
Principal Designer
Award-winning landscape designer with 20+ years experience creating sustainable East Bay gardens. UC Berkeley-certified, Master Gardener volunteer since 2004, and author of two gardening books featured in national media.
Questions
What types of gardens do you specialize in?
We specialize in sustainable residential gardens across East Bay, including hillside estates, small urban yards, and low-maintenance courtyard designs.
How do you incorporate environmental responsibility into designs?
Our designs follow Rescape California guidelines, using hydrozone planning, drought-tolerant plants, and materials that minimize environmental impact.
Can you help with small-space garden design?
Yes, we've designed over 50 postage-stamp-sized gardens that maximize functionality while maintaining aesthetic appeal in urban settings.
Do you provide plant selection guidance?
Yes, we create customized online plant palettes with photos, care instructions, and placement guidance tailored to your garden's conditions.
How long does the design process take?
Most projects take 4-8 weeks from initial consultation to final design documents, depending on project complexity and client needs.
Are your designs featured in publications?
Our work appears in Fine Gardening, Sunset, and local media, with two award-winning books on sustainable garden design.
