In Business Since: 1985
Do you like what you see when you drive up to your house? Are there spaces to relax and feel comfortable outdoors? Do you entertain friends and family there? Can your children play in the safety of their own back yard? Or is your property a disappointment, like many gardens in Marin that were put in 20, 30, even 50 years ago: their designs are outdated, their structures are crumbling, and the plants are overgrown or declining. The garden can be your favorite place. Here in Marin, we are fortunate to be able to enjoy California’s famed indoor/outdoor life. Our gardens can be the place to read and relax, as well as share food and festivity. A well-designed garden functions like a favorite room providing enjoyment now while increasing your home’s value. Discovering Needs: We begin by gathering information about your needs and desires for outdoor living space, recreation and beauty, taking into account your building and maintenance budgets. The results are written up into a report we review together. At that point you decide which parts to go ahead with, and the next phase begins. Drawing the Plan: We measure and photograph the site, making notes on orientation, climate, slope and conditions in adjoining gardens. With this data, we draw the Preliminary Plan, including new structures, paving and plantings you desire, and meet with you to go over it. After you have studied the plan and made suggestions and amendments, the final Master Plan is drafted and copies are made and delivered to you. Construction: Next, blueprints are sent to contractors for competitive bidding on the job. We suggest qualified builders for clients who request it. Once you select the firm to install your garden, we meet with the contractor to go over the plan and answer questions. Often, our clients ask us to oversee the installation of the garden and work as their advocate to ensure that no details are overlooked. Maintenance: Once the garden is built and planted, it needs regular and proper care to grow into its full beauty. We consult with many clients and their regular maintenance crew to schedule pruning, mulching, fertilizing and irrigation inspection and adjustment; we even show them how to care for the plants themselves. Elizabeth Navas Finley is a garden designer and educator with over 20 years experience in the Bay Area. She studied design and horticulture at the University of California Extension in San Francisco, Strybing Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, and with British designers Robin Templar Williams and Duncan Heather.

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