Landscape Design That Lives
and Breathes With You
SF Bay, Alameda, and Contra Costa County
15+Years of Experience
Designing outdoor spaces rooted in artistry and craftsmanship
100+Projects Completed
Courtyards to hillside retreats—crafted with vision and precision
Trustedby Bay Area Homeowners
Trusted by Bay Area homeowners from Napa to Los Altos
Seamless Design & Construction Process
- Design & Construction Services
We handle everything from concept to construction. See our services.
- Rooted in Ecology, Driven by Craft
Award-winning, woman-led design grounded in native plants and lasting beauty.
- Before and After
Transformed Spaces. Thoughtful Design.
Clear Answers to Your Landscape Questions
How long does the landscape design process take?
For small residential design projects, the design phase typically takes 4-6 weeks.
For larger properties or projects involving architects, engineers, or custom elements, design can take 3-6 months.
Thoughtful planning protects your investment and prevents costly changes during construction.
I’m worried about going over budget. How do you prevent scope creep?
Budget clarity starts at the beginning.
As a design-build landscaping company, we discuss investment ranges early and identify cost drivers such as grading, drainage, custom features, and specialty materials.
Throughout the design process, we guide decisions to align your vision with your budget — minimizing surprises and keeping everyone on the same page.
What makes your process different from other landscapers?
Some contractors install hardscape and leave planting decisions for later.
We take a holistic approach. Masonry, carpentry, irrigation, drainage, lighting, soil preparation, and horticulture are all designed together — not separately.
We create cohesive outdoor environments that function beautifully and mature well over time.
Why is landscaping so expensive?
Landscape construction includes much more than what you see.
Most projects involve:
- Site grading and soil preparation
- Drainage and irrigation systems
- Structural footings
- Weather-resistant materials
- Skilled labor across multiple trades
Compared to interior remodels, landscaping is often less per square foot — but it requires durable infrastructure built to withstand California’s climate for decades.
Do I need permits for landscape construction in California?
It depends on the scope.
Permits may be required for retaining walls, structural elements, electrical or plumbing work, and major grading or drainage modifications.
We help determine what’s required and coordinate with engineers or architects as needed to ensure compliance.
Can you collaborate with my architect or general contractor?
Yes. We regularly work with architects, builders, and pool contractors.
Bringing landscape design in early ensures your outdoor spaces integrate seamlessly with your home’s architecture and prevents costly revisions later.
When is the best time to start a landscape project in California?
Design can begin at any time of year.
In many parts of California, construction can continue year-round. Winter is often ideal for planning, and fall planting supports strong root establishment for many species.
How do you approach drought-tolerant and water-efficient landscaping?
Water-conscious design is essential in California.
We incorporate climate-appropriate plants, efficient irrigation systems, smart controllers, soil health strategies, and proper drainage planning.
Sustainability is built into every design decision.
What kind of return on investment (ROI) can I expect from landscaping?
Professional landscaping can significantly increase property value.
Research suggests landscaping can yield a 15%–20% return on a home’s value, with some high-end, strategic upgrades recovering 100%–200% of their cost at resale.
Simple improvements like trimming and mulching often provide the highest immediate return. Well-designed, high-quality, and sustainable landscape upgrades add measurable long-term value — both financially and experientially.
What’s stopping you from starting your landscape journey?
Often it’s fear — of construction disruption, time commitment, decision fatigue, or unexpected costs.
A clear design and preconstruction process reduces uncertainty. With defined scope, transparent budgeting, and thoughtful planning, you move forward with clarity instead of overwhelm.
If you’ve been considering transforming your outdoor space, the first step isn’t construction — it’s a conversation.
Schedule a consultation to explore your goals, your site, and what’s possible.
Our Landscape Work Speaks for Itself
SF Natural Playspaces
Lafayette
Custom Rockridge Backyard II
Custom Rockridge Backyard
Napa II
Castro Valley
Piedmont II
Orinda
Moraga
Montclair
Piedmont
Napa
What It’s Like to Work With Us
5.0
Alana and team have done several projects for us and each project has been completed successfully and with a commitment to excellence. Alana communicates well and has a talent for envisioning outdoor spaces in a way that combines practical everyday living with design by incorporating different elements - corten steel planters, beautiful stone pathways, artistic pieces of wood transformed into unique furniture pieces. We are extremely pleased!!
Sherry Sarintra
5.0
Alana, the owner, is incredibly creative and brought my vision to life in ways I never could have imagined. My front and back yards are absolutely stunning, and I’ve received so many compliments from neighbors and guests. Alana managed the project flawlessly, ensuring everything was done perfectly and on time. On top of that, she is an absolute joy to work with—super sweet, professional, and genuinely passionate about what she does. If you’re looking for a talented and dedicated landscape designer, I highly recommend Art Garden Design. Alana’s expertise and personal touch make all the difference!
Melanie Sharp
5.0
We have worked with Alana and Art Garden Design on multiple projects and have been impressed by their creativity and professionalism. Well worth the investment!!
Rebecca Ivans Amato
5.0
Our yard went from boring to WOW! I love walking thru my yard now. Its is such a vision of color, texture, and natural stone paths and walls. I could not be happier with the outcome.
Novelle Lathrop
5.0
We are very pleased with the service provided by the Art Garden Design team. We wanted to update our approximately 10-year-old front yard landscaping to include proper irrigation, extend lighting to the other end of the driveway, and refresh the overall look. Alana proposed a thoughtful landscape plan that incorporated our existing plants where possible. We truly believe that the quality of the foundational work done by the team far exceeds even the beautiful aesthetics of the finished landscaping. It was a great experience working with Alana and her team, and we highly recommend their services!
Stanley John
5.0
Alana does excellent work, and has a real eye for design and the logistics necessary to execute complicated projects. She has a great network of people she works with as well.
Brett Hart
5.0
Alana is very knowledgeable and wonderful to work with. She not only does amazing transformations for private gardens but also is engaged in important community projects. Her expertise and creativity helped our public middle school install a now flourishing native and drought tolerant garden in a once derelict space.
Katherine Webb-Martinez
5.0
We hired Alana to design and install the landscaping for our yard. The yard was a blank slate and we did not even know where to start. Alana guided us through each step of the process taking the time to know us along the way. The installation went very smoothly. Her professional crew did a fantastic job. After installation, Alana followed up several times to ensure everything was in order. We are so grateful for giving us the yard of our dreams.
Marco Matchefts
5.0
Alana's calm demeanor, clear explanations, and expert guidance make landscaping actually fun! She knows her stuff and how to support a client's vision.
Robin Massey
5.0
Alana is like no other! Extremely intelligent and inspired! If you’re looking for a landscape designer she will be the best choice for your project!
