The Garden Artisan respects natural processes and works in harmony with the SF Bay ecosystem. We ask: How may your outdoor spaces sustain you, and support the beneficial flora and fauna found in vital, thriving gardens?
This approach moves beyond the post-WWII era, which still dominates the landscaping industry. Unnecessary inputs like pesticides and hi-nitro fertilizers create garden “addicts” that require much cheap labor and precious water to create a semblance of surface level health and beauty.
Our goal is to provide longer lasting value. Gardens that are dynamic, living systems stay healthy and beautiful naturally.
We help you reap the bounty of your land—whether that’s a container garden on a patio or the grounds of a spacious estate. We steer clear of chemical exposure, wastefulness, and a Disneyland view of the garden, and bring aesthetics into alignment with modern realities and ethics.
Ecological softscaping is a low-input, high-yield solution, with great flexibility for your changing needs over time.
Things don’t always have to be so hard. With softscape methods structure is found within the landscape, not imposed upon it. Working with what’s already there, a site’s inherent strengths are emphasized to support usage needs and aesthetics. Natural systems remain intact. By maximizing permeable space, softscapes retain moisture, biomass and nutrients, resulting in a thriving soil microbiology. The result is immense beauty, bouncy plants, and few if any pest or weed problems.
“Softscaping for Garden Rooms: Design for Fine Living Includes Your Outdoor space,” Contra Costa Times, Oakland Tribune and San Jose Mercury News
“Letting the Weather Control the Water: Smart Irrigation Controllers,” San Francisco Chronicle
“Keeping Your Garden Dry: With Xeriscapes You Can Create a Beautiful Garden While Saving Time, Money, and the Environment,” Valley Lifestyles Magazine
“We are both really excited with what you are doing in the garden—the new paths are dynamite! The raised bed is lovely. A couple of visitors were very impressed too.” —Merry L. & Meredith F., Oakland
“Just wanted to let you know how beautifully colorful the garden is this spring, thanks to your artful work. It's the best year ever!” —Laura F., Oakland
“Thanks for all your hard work—the backyard looked fabulous yesterday for our party. We got lots of compliments!!” —Connie K., Livermore
“You are a wonder gardener. I thought of you when I picked my tomatoes yesterday.” —Zelda B., San Francisco